Botswana passport → China

China visa for citizens of Botswana

Embassy / VFSChina Tourist Visa (L Visa)

Citizens of Botswana need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · China Tourist Visa (L Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	5–10 days
Government fee	$30 + $20 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statement showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Complete the online visa application form
Fill out the L Visa application form on the official China Visa Online portal (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn).
2
Print, sign, and attach a passport photo
Print the completed form, sign it, and paste a recent photo in the designated area.
3
Gather all required documents
Collect passport, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statement, employment letter, and copies as listed.
4
Book an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre
Schedule an appointment online via the CVASC website (https://www.visaforchina.org/).
5
Visit the visa centre for biometric enrolment and document submission
Attend the appointment in person to submit documents and have fingerprints taken.
6
Pay the visa fee and service fee
Pay the government visa fee and the CVASC service fee (cash or card accepted at centre).
7
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. You may be contacted if additional info is needed.
8
Collect your passport and visa
Return to the visa centre in person or arrange courier (if available) to receive your passport with visa.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (original + copy of bio page)
Must have at least 6 months validity and two blank visa pages.
Visa Application Form (fully completed and signed)
Form must be printed and signed.
Recent passport-size photo (48mm x 33mm, white background)
One photo pasted on the application form.

Travel

Round-trip flight itinerary or booking
Confirmed or reserved booking showing entry/exit dates.
Hotel reservation or accommodation proof for entire stay
Booking confirmation with applicant name and dates.

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement last 3 months or credit card statement)
Balance should cover travel expenses.

Employment

Employment letter (if employed) or leave approval
Company letterhead with position, salary, and leave dates.

Supporting

Copy of previous Chinese visas (if any)
Optional
If you have visited China before, include copies.
Travel insurance covering medical expenses in China
Optional
Recommended but not mandatory for standard tourist visa.

Proof of funds

Bank statement (last 3 months)
Credit card statement

The bank statement must clearly show the applicant's name and sufficient funds to cover travel expenses.

Good to know

Visa approval is at the sole discretion of Chinese authorities. Incomplete documentation may cause delays or rejection.
The passport validity must be at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or inaccurate application form

Double-check all fields, sign the form, and ensure information matches your passport.

Insufficient financial proof

Provide a recent bank statement with enough balance to cover your trip.

Prior overstay or visa violation in China

Ensure you have complied with all previous China visa conditions.

Passport with less than 6 months validity

Renew your passport before applying.

FAQ

Do citizens of Botswana need a visa for China?

Citizens of Botswana need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: China Tourist Visa (L Visa).

How long can citizens of Botswana stay in China?

Up to 30 days.

How much does the China visa cost for citizens of Botswana?

Government fee: $30 + $20 service fee.

How long does China visa processing take?

Typically 5–10 days.

What documents do citizens of Botswana need for China?

Passport (original + copy of bio page); Visa Application Form (fully completed and signed); Recent passport-size photo (48mm x 33mm, white background); Round-trip flight itinerary or booking; Hotel reservation or accommodation proof for entire stay; Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement last 3 months or credit card statement); and 3 more.

How long must my passport be valid for China?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.visaforchina.org/

Sources

visaforchina.org

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