U.S. citizens traveling to China need a tourist visa (L visa) issued by the Chinese consulate that covers their state of residence. The process requires completing the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system, as outlined by the Chinese Embassy in the United States, submitting your passport to your assigned consulate, and waiting approximately 2–3 weeks for processing. Loong Explorer is a U.S.-based agency in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that handles every step for residents of 44 states — from the COVA application to secure return of your passport — starting at $350.
China Visa Assistance — 44 States
The consulate responsible for your application is determined by your state of residence — not your choice. We coordinate submissions to all six consulate locations across the U.S.
Due to state-specific seller of travel registration requirements, we cannot accept paid visa service clients from California, Florida, Hawaii, Washington, Iowa, or Nevada at this time. Contact us — we can still point you in the right direction at no charge.
| Your State(s) | Consulate Responsible |
|---|---|
| PA, NY, NJ, MA, OH, CT, NH, ME, VT, RI | Consulate-General, New York |
| MD, DE, VA, WV, NC, SC, GA | Embassy, Washington D.C. |
| IL, IN, MI, WI, MN, ND, SD, NE, KS, MO | Consulate-General, Chicago |
| OR, AK, ID, MT | Consulate-General, San Francisco |
| AZ, NM, CO, UT, WY | Consulate-General, Los Angeles |
| TX, LA, AR, OK, MS, AL, TN, KY | Consulate-General, Houston |
| CA, FL, HI, WA, IA, NV | Not currently served — contact us for guidance |
Not sure which consulate covers your state? Contact us — we confirm your district on every intake call.
How Our China Visa Service Works
End-to-end handling. You hand off once — we manage everything through to your passport returned.
Free Intake Call
We confirm your eligibility, identify the correct visa type (Tourist L, Business M, or Family Visit Q2), and walk you through the timeline. No paperwork yet — just a quick call.
COVA Online Application
China requires all applicants to complete the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system before any passport can be submitted. We create your profile, complete the application on your behalf, upload supporting documents, and obtain your application ID. Paper submissions without COVA are refused — we handle this entirely.
Document Assembly
We provide a personalized checklist based on your visa type. We prepare your photo to Chinese government specifications — included at no extra cost — review every document, and compile your complete submission package.
Consulate Submission
Your passport is sent to our bonded partner agency, who hand-delivers your file to the appropriate Chinese consulate. Local clients near Lancaster, PA: drop your passport off directly at our office. All other clients: we provide a secure mailing address at our partner agency after intake. You do not mail to our Lancaster office.
Return of Your Passport
Once the visa is issued, we coordinate pickup and return. Local clients pick up at our Lancaster office. All other clients receive their passport by insured mail. Your passport is tracked and secured at every step.
We work with a trusted, bonded courier agency to hand-deliver passports to the Chinese consulate. Your passport is tracked at every step. If the consulate holds a case for additional review, we notify you immediately. Final visa decisions and processing times are made solely by the consulate.
China Visa Cost — What You'll Pay
Current consular fee for U.S. passport holders is included in both service tiers. For the latest official fee schedule, visit the Chinese Consulate General in New York.
Drop off and pick up your passport in person at our office: 246 Manor Ave Suite B, Millersville, PA 17551. By appointment.
Your passport is mailed to our secure partner agency address (provided after intake). We handle consulate submission and return by insured mail.
Priority handling when available. Timeline depends on consulate capacity and scheduling. Contact us to discuss your situation.
California, Florida, Hawaii, Washington, Iowa, and Nevada — due to state registration requirements. Contact us if you're unsure. We'll point you to alternatives at no charge.
Government consular fees are paid directly to the Chinese consulate and are non-refundable once submitted. Our service fee covers COVA application completion, document preparation, photo processing, and submission logistics. Optional add-ons: translations, notarizations, and photocopies if required.
China Visa Requirements — What You'll Need
The official requirements for a China tourist visa include the following. We confirm your exact list on your intake call and guide you through every item.
- Original U.S. passport — valid for at least 6 months with 2 or more blank visa pages. If your passport has less than 2 years of validity remaining, renew it first to avoid receiving a restricted visa instead of the standard 10-year multiple entry.
- One recent color passport photo meeting Chinese government specifications — we prepare and edit your photo as part of the service at no extra charge.
- U.S. proof of residence — driver's license or state ID.
- Previous Chinese visa(s) or residence permit, if any.
- Completed COVA online application with application ID — we complete this for you.
Additional Items by Visa Type
Tourist (L)
Standard checklist above only. No invitation letter required. Tentative flight and hotel plans are helpful to have on hand.
Business (M)
Standard checklist plus invitation letter from a Chinese company and proof of business relationship.
Family Visit (Q2)
Standard checklist plus invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or permanent resident, copy of their ID, and proof of relationship.
Entry requires separate arrangements from a mainland China visa. Tell us your full itinerary so we can advise the right approach for each destination.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for China?
Most do. The U.S. State Department confirms that U.S. citizens require a valid visa for standard tourism to mainland China. Short-stay transit without a visa is available under specific conditions.
TWOV at all international airports. Must remain within the designated transit area.
TWOV in designated cities. Confirmed onward ticket to a third country required.
10-day TWOV at expanded ports. Confirmed onward ticket required.
Transit without visa restricts where you can travel within China. It is not a substitute for a full tourist visa if you want to move freely between cities. If you're unsure whether TWOV covers your itinerary, contact us before applying — we'll give you a straight answer at no charge.
Common Questions
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to travel to China?
Yes. U.S. citizens require a tourist visa (L visa) for standard tourism to mainland China. The process requires completing the COVA online application and submitting your passport to the Chinese consulate that covers your state of residence.
Do I have to mail my passport to your Lancaster office?
No. All clients outside the Lancaster, PA area mail their passport to our bonded partner agency's secure address, which we provide after your intake call. You do not mail to our Lancaster office. Your passport is tracked at every step.
What is the COVA system and do I have to use it?
Yes — it is required. The China Online Visa Application (COVA) system launched September 30, 2025. All applicants must create a COVA profile and receive an application ID before any passport can be submitted to the consulate. Paper submissions without COVA are refused. We complete the COVA application for all our clients.
Can you guarantee approval or a 10-year multiple entry visa?
No. All visa decisions — including validity, number of entries, and approval — are made solely by the Chinese consulate. We ensure your application is complete, accurate, and properly submitted. 10-year multiple entry visas are commonly issued to eligible U.S. applicants in the tourist category, but we cannot guarantee the outcome.
Do I need to appear in person at the consulate?
Most applicants do not. If the consulate requests an in-person visit or biometrics for your case, we will coordinate instructions and scheduling with you immediately.
How early should I apply for a China visa?
Start 5 to 6 weeks before your travel date for standard service. The consulate does not guarantee processing times — build in buffer. If you're cutting it close, contact us. Expedited options may be available depending on consulate capacity.
I live outside Pennsylvania. Can you still help?
Yes, as long as you're in one of our 44 eligible states. We coordinate submissions to all six Chinese consulate locations across the U.S. Your state determines your consulate; we handle everything else. We currently cannot serve California, Florida, Hawaii, Washington, Iowa, or Nevada.
Free intake call.
We confirm your eligibility, identify the right visa type, and give you a clear timeline before any documents are collected.
📞 717-229-6790
📧 info@loongexplorer.com
📍 246 Manor Ave Suite B, Millersville, PA 17551
Loong Explorer LLC is a U.S.-based China travel and visa assistance agency. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Visa decisions are made solely by the Chinese consulate or embassy with jurisdiction over your state of residence. Government consular fees are set by the Chinese government and subject to change.