Access your web browser and go the Embassy of the People's Republic of China website.
Click "Visa, Passport, Notarization & Authentication."
Click "Visa to China".
Click on your required type of visa. Go through the information on each visa type to determine which visa is appropriate for you. If you plan to travel as a tourist, an L Visa is probably appropriate for you. Documentation and application requirements are also listed.
Gather your required documentation. Requirements can differ depending on your type of visa, but you must at least have a valid passport, a copy of your passport's information page and a color two-inch by two-inch photo. Also, you must have a money order or cashier's check in the amount of your visa fee or a major credit card. If you wish, you may also complete the visa application before going to the embassy. You can download and print the application from the embassy website.
Go to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China at 3505 International Place, Washington D.C.
Submit your completed application, required documents and your visa fee. You will need to take a number and wait to be called to speak to an agent. If you have not already completed a visa application, you can get one at the embassy and complete it while you wait. Once called to a window, present your required documents, submit your application and pay your fees. As of 2011, the fee for a tourist L Visa is $140.
Return to the embassy to pick up your visa. In general, the embassy can process your tourist L Visa application in four business days. When you submit your application, the embassy will give you a receipt with a specified date when your visa will be ready for pick-up.
