Regarding getting a Visa to travel to China: After applying online beforehand, you need to wait until your application has the green checkmarks then says you can submit your passport(s) to go to the Chinese Consulate. Then you need to print out that page with the barcode since you'll need that to enter the building and they scan and take it and wrap it in a rubber band around your submitted passport. Then you show up - there is street parking (no structure) and you can pay for up to 2 hours OR you can park farther away where the street parking is free (just watch signs for street cleaning) and walk a bit. Then you show up and take the elevator to the 3rd floor. When you get out of the elevator the line to the left is to submit your passport and the line to the right is to pickup your passport/visa. Then you show the security guards your printed screenshot with the checkmarks and barcode (I had to adjust my printing to like 87% to get it all on one page) and then they'll hand you a number. The B numbers are from dropping off your passport and the Y numbers are for picking up your passport. They also have G and A and C numbers but I'm not sure what those are for. If you are submitting more than 3 passports (like I was for my family of 4) then you need to get 2 number slips. Then you go in and sit and wait. To drop off my passport on a Tuesday when I arrived around 9:30am it took 1 hour. To Pickup my passport(s) the following Thursday also around 9:30am it took 1 hour 50 minutes. I asked the security guard and he said the least busy time was 1pm but I thought that was too risky since the consulate closes at 2pm and I was driving up from Orange County. The drive to get up to the Consulate from Orange County took me 1 hour 45 minutes leaving central OC around 7:45am. The worst traffic was on the 110 freeway heading north. Overall, the experience was smooth and very organized. I would recommend bringing a mask though since there were tons of people (like 100) cramped in the waiting room like sardines and about 15% of them were sick and coughing and sneezing while I was there which was gross and I'm too busy to get sick so I just wore a mask (like others also did) read more

See all

Parking is street parking but look out for the signs. Street cleaning Monday 8-11am on one side and the other side Tuesday. Metered parking is limited. Got here past 10am and was done in like 40 minutes. Helped a relative turn in the passport. Make sure you print out everything and don't leave out anything. The form must say "passport to be submitted" with a barcode. Once you get there, the security guard will give you a number and wait like the dmv... read more

Chinese Consulate General - Front entrance with elevators to the 3rd floor for Chinese visa and passport - Embassy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The wait time for visa is between 2 to 2.5 hours. The parking meters are for 2 hours only, so you must move your car after 2 hours or risk getting a ticket. Visa information is online. All visa applications are now being filled out online. But you still have to print it out and bring it in person. It's an ice box in the waiting room, so bring a jacket. read more

I needed to get a visa to enter China for a work conference. Be prepared!!! Be sure to fill out, complete and print out the forms online and make necessary copies BEFORE you come here. Make sure you have a photo taken, all required items needed, ex: your passport or ID, etc. All the required info is on the website!!! READ it as it will save you the headache of being turned away if you are not prepared!!! I saw too many people having to leave because they thought they could fill out forms there. NOPE you cannot do that! Anyway, the building to get your Chinese Visa is ACROSS the street. Be prepared to stand in line to clear security then they will look through your forms and assign you a number. It's like being at the DMV. You may be waiting a while. For me it was about 2 1/2 hours!!! When your number is finally called then you will surrender your passport and they will ask you any other questions needed and then assign a date for pick up. Some said it took 4 days but for mine it took almost 2 weeks!!! When it's time to pick up it's fast and you will get your passport back too with the Chinese Visa inserted inside. Good luck. read more

Chinese Consulate General - Embassy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Terrible Experience, I have done plenty of China Visas before but now it's even more complicated. First off, the hours are terrible only M-F from 9 AM-2 PM. Barely any parking around the area so you have the circle around several times. When you get up to the 3rd floor usually it's a long line - I waited just like everyone else for 20 min. What made me angry was getting to the security guard, I showed him all the paperwork, barcode and screenshot of the page on my phone that says "passport to be submitted." Nope, not good enough. You have to do a screenshot of the page printed out to show the 2 green checkmarks and it says passport to be submitted. No where does it say on the website this step is required. What is the difference of looking it at my phone or having it print out. I can't even get through the door. There's an office down the hall that allows you to print it for 3 dollars a page but the website always had issue logging in. In the end, wasted 1.5 hr driving there and another hour driving back. Have to attempt it again next week. read more

Note: Google Maps has the incorrect address; make sure you go across the street. (There will also be signs.) 2-hour parking a block or two away is free; otherwise, there is street parking on the same block. Time? Expect to spend anywhere from 15-75 minutes waiting after security screening. Once your number is called though, you'll be done in ~ 3 minutes. Expect efficiency, not empathy here. The staff may come off as cold and unwelcoming, but they're mainly neutral, strict, and follow standards. - - - - - - Tick-tock, oh how fast time flies! I've been putting off getting a visa for China for months... eventually I got up and did it, dreading any fees to expedite the process or needing additional forms for a complete application. Parking? There's thankfully ample metered street parking. If you don't mind a block or two, it's free for two hours. Be aware that the address on Google Maps is incorrect, and you will need to walk diagonally one block. Once you're inside and on the third floor, there is a light security check before you're given a number to queue up. Once a window is ready, your number will be called in Mandarin and English. The staff here were fairly neutral but overall efficient. In and out within minutes once your number is called! The biggest headache? Rush hours and incomplete applications.(Make sure to double-check your applications; they can make small corrections, but they cannot process missing forms / documents.) Need a copy? There's a copy machine here for a 50c per page. read more

I only came here because it was so much cheaper to get my visa directly versus going through a third party company (over $600 difference for processing my and my husband's visas). The first time I came here (around 8:30am) the line was long; however, when the consulate opened (9am) I was done by 9:45am. I was told to come back in three days. When I came back to pick up my passport it only took about 15 minutes; I also arrived here at 8:30am. I paid the fee with my credit card. Before entry, you will be required to show identification and go through a metal detector. You are then given a ticket with a number, which will be called when a window is ready to see you. When turning in your visa application, make sure you have the printed visa application available (which you should have filled out prior to going here), a scanned copy of your license, and a scanned copy of your old Chinese visas (if applicable). You are welcome to turn in visa applications for others, but make sure they sign the printed application form and everything in the form is thoroughly filled out. The people who work here aren't super friendly but I didn't come here for customer service. Not sure why people have said the employees are rude here; they're perfectly fine to me! I'm not sure how the lines are at other days of the week (I went on Tuesday for the visa application submission and Friday for the pick up), but I can tell you that the Chinese visa application line is long and the visa pick up line is long, although the visa pick up line is not as bad as the other. Street parking is available but make sure you have tons of quarters. Otherwise there are parking garages but the ones close by are pretty expensive... Also make sure you check the holiday schedule. I originally planned on going here June 2, but a couple Yelpers posted the consulate's holiday schedule which showed that June 2 was a holiday. THANKFULLY I didn't go that day because I would've been pissed; I cannot find the holiday schedule anywhere on the consulate's website! Maybe it's because I'm dumb but when I came here the following day I overheard from someone's conversation that a couple people from out of state drove here only to find that the consulate was closed. At least try to make your holiday schedule more clear since you are only open on the weekdays from 9am-2pm! ETA: I found their holiday schedule on the website. It is under Contact Us. read more

US passport applying for Chinese visa. Arrived on a Friday 10:30 and served until 1:34pm. Service was quick once you are at the counter. They have 1-3 windows serving the B numbers. Morning was slow. Speed picked up after lunch. Be prepared to bring photocopies of: 1. application papers (signed and dated); fill out Chinese name if applicable. Fill out profession, job title, and duty. 2. US Passport (naturalized Chinese- bring photocopy of naturalization paper) 3. Driver License 4. Expired visa, if applicable They take your actual passport. Processing time 3 business days. If not, CASH for $3 for email copy or 0.50 cents at the tourist company next door. read more

Chinese Consulate General - Freedom of speech in America - Embassy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I am kind of like this Chinese Consulate in LA. It's a nice area in downtown LA. very hard to parking spot though. The office building is nice. The office workers really try to work as fast as they can to serve you. Pretty neat & cool. read more

Chinese Consulate General - The waiting area for all applicants - Embassy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Very straightforward experience to apply for Chinese visa. I applied for myself and my fiance - you are able to apply for other people as long as you have all their documents. I arrived around 930 on Monday morning and was given a ticket. There were about 30 people ahead of me and it took 1.5 hours for my number to be called. As long as you have all your documents ready, it only takes about 5 minutes at the window. In terms of the online application (COVA), at the window I was asked to fill out my college major and the position and duty sections of the most recent employment - these were not marked as "mandatory" on the online application form. Our applications were accepted and I was told that our visas would be ready by Thursday. I returned on Thursday around 915 and it took about 30 minutes to pay and pick up our passports with the Chinese visa inside. I also noticed that the line to apply for the visa was also shorter on Thursday compared to Monday morning. Street parking only, there was street sweeping from 8-11 AM Monday morning, but no restrictions on Thursday. There is metered parking on Shatto, the rest is neighborhood parking. read more

Overall experience is not bad. Parking: street parking so be sure to bring coins for the meters. Wait time: 30 minutes. I came for the Chinese visa at 1pm. Waited about 30 mins before they called my number. Since I made copies of my passport, ID, and other supporting documents, I was done within 2 minutes since my number was called. read more

The online visa application instruction definitely needs review to make it easier to understand and centralized. I had to create 3 versions of applications before I believe the information was correctly filled out (once you 'submit' an application, you cannot change it and have to create a new one). I showed up around 11am at the consulate office, passed through security at the door and got a number to wait for my turn. there were 100 people in the huge waiting room, and I have 48 numbers ahead of me. there were 8 windows open to process various paperwork, at certain point there are at least 4 windows processing visa applications so I think it was going ok. An hour past, I had to go fill up my parking meter for another hour, since I only had 20 more numbers ahead of me by then. But when 12:30pm came around, the windows are emptying out with only 3 windows staffed: 1 for pickup process, 1 for other paperwork and only 1 window was taking visa applications. there're still around 80 people waiting in the room (90% were submitting visa applications) I think the staff all went to lunch. My meter hour was up again and I had to go fill my meter the 2nd time. I asked the security guard at the door on my way out: when do they return from lunch? the answer I got was, 'they don't go to lunch, the office only open until 2pm, so no one goes to lunch.' Then please explain to me why 5 windows are empty now since 12:30pm? Around 1:30pm, the windows started to fill up with staff again (tell me they didn't go to lunch?!) My number finally got called around 1:55pm (still have over 50 people in the room waiting), my paperwork looks perfect except, my old visa (on an expired USA passport) still have 6 months before expiration, they DO NOT process new visa if existing visa is still valid. What?! this WAS NOT ON THEIR WEBSITE, in fact I double checked and it states 'you can request new visa if old visa was on an expired USA passport'. So I've wasted almost 3 hours for NOTHING! In conclusion, the staff was very friendly (which is why I give a star), but the consulate's website definitely need to be updated to reflect the CORRECT information for visa application, and reorganized so it's easy to find all the missing pieces (I had to keep Googling and fill in the gaps from different other websites/visa services). They should consider alternating lunch hours so all the windows will be staffed continuously to process paperwork, especially while the waiting room was full the 3.5hrs I was there. You may also consider paying a service agency to do this legwork, to avoid the headache and frustration. read more

Wow, it is such an eye opening experience. I have visited China in the past, I aways went through travel agency. For some stupid reason I decided to go myself. I took a day off work, drove 3 hours to LA. There is a massive room with hundreds of people waiting. I arrived at 11, and I did not get my number called until right before they closed. For a country pride itself in technological efficiency, I feel like I was transported back to the 1970's China. My American wife got her approval instantly. For some crazy reason the lady decide to pick on me. I'm a naturalized American Citizen, she asked me where is my Chinese passport from 40 years ago. She made me fill out a lost passport from and told me I will be under investigation. One week later, they emailed me the same lost passport form to fill out a second time. Then they decided to dig into my parent's past which I don't know anything about since I came to this country as a kid. When I told them I have a pending plane ticket, I was told I'm not supposed to get a ticket until I get my visa, I am responsible for all the financial loss. I am at a loss for words. My plane is leaving in 2 weeks and I already paid for the hotel. God help me. read more

pretty straight forward experience as long as you have all ur paperwork in order. They are very stick it will kick back ur application.

Open weekdays Monday-Friday 9am-2pm, located on the 3rd floor of a corner building (corner of Shatto and 5th Street) at 500 Shatto Place. There is metered street parking on Shatto Place for 1-2 hours, free residential parking on 4th street next to the public park. No appointments necessary and a much easier process now post 2024 as you no longer need to have your trip itinerary details or where you are staying. Come prepared with all your documents: 1. Printed copy of Completed online COVA application (8-9 pages China Online Visa Application) with signature and date (Online app requires you to Upload a digital photo of yourself, format to correct size with white background using free passport photo apps) 2. Printed Copy of confirmation page with signature and date 3. Physical passport (to be left at embassy for 4 business days for processing visa) 4. Photocopy of complete bio page of passport 5. Photocopy of proof of residence (Driver's license/state ID, utility bill, or bank statement) 6. Copy of any previous visas to China or old passport with China visas 7. Copy of any documents with name changes, etc. The longer line to the left of security check entrance is for submitting applications, shorter line on the right is for pick-ups. You have to pass through security check, where they x-ray your belongings and metal detectors. After security check, you'll wait in a short line to be issued a number (show your completed app or confirmation page or pick up Pink slip), where you'll sit and wait for your number to be called. There is a display screen which will list and call out your number and which window to report to when it's your turn. I arrived on a Monday and got into line at 8:40am shortly before opening and there was a moderate line. Finished turning in my application by 9:45am, came back 4 business days later to pick up the visa with my pink slip (arrived for opening and was done by 9:15am) and was able to pick up a passport for someone else with their physical pink slip. $140 cost per visa, paid by credit card on pick up day. I got the tourist L visa valid for 10 years and 90 day stay per visit. There is a photocopy machine in the waiting room that takes credit card payment for a cost of $1 a page if you find yourself needing it. I There is also an agency down the hall called Able tours (suite #330) which has photocopy services and pick up service for a fee, if you are unable to return for in-person pick up. They will pick up the visa with your pink slip and mail it to you. I saw the sign advertising the tour company while waiting in line near the elevators. Fairly easy process if you come prepared with the right documents and variable waiting times. read more

Up and down experience visiting the Chinese consulate to get a visa. I decided to try to get a visa on my own without using a broker and regretted it immensely. There's a lot of paper work involved and you better have your ducks in a row or you may find yourself coming back on another day or finding your application cancelled. Inside was chaotic and we waited an hour and a half to get inside and another 4 after that. (Luckily you can leave and come back when you're in so we spent two of those hours eating lunch at the nearby Korean restaurant) Customer service is non-existent outside of the friendly security guards and be prepared to wear a mask. I noticed the paid broker option bypassed the line when we saw a couple come in to pick up passports and that seems like the way to go in the future. When we returned a month later to pick up my visa the consulate decided to cancel it due to it being there too long even though the consulate website says 3 months. I find it baffling that they don't offer an E-visa option like India as this location was clearly overwhelmed. read more

Chinese Consulate General - Inside - Embassy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Our Chinese visa is expiration in June 2025. We just renewed our U.S. passport online, we want to have our Chinese visa has the same expiration year as our passport. Last time when we were here was 7 years ago. Process has been changed and improved. We filled out the form online (follow all the instructions) before submitting them in person. We went on Wednesday, waited for 30 minutes. The lady checked all our documents and make a copy of the passport and that was it. She gave us the receipt for each passport and said we can come back in a week to pick it up. No drama and everyone was very polite and respectful. I went back 10 days after we submitted the documents. The wait time even shorter because we were just there to pickup passports. I'm very pleased with Chinese visa process. They got better and faster. Great training.... read more

be prepare to wait... there is a security checkpoint you have to wait in line for... they will have you empty your pockets, check your bags, and walk thru a metal detector... once cleared, you will be given a number to be called. Fairly big waiting area... just no food or drinks... there are different categories of waiting tickets... I was applying for visa and got a "B" number ticket... that seem to be the longest wait... I had about 34 numbers ahead of me and it took over two hours before I was called... had to go out and put more money into the parking meter (2 hr limit) you will need to leave your passport for the processing. an email will be sent when ready for pick up... they say 5 work days... mine was dropped off on a Thursday and was ready for pick up the next Tuesday. as to parking, free street parking a couple of blocks away... my meter parking spot was still a block and half away... when I return to pick up my approved visa and passport, the wait was less than a hour read the requirements prior to coming here... have the needed copies of the documents they want happy travels read more

I had to wait for a while. The women behind the glass counter are very good at seeing your needs met. They don't smile. Good service. Get there early and you will have to wait. You can sit down. read more

Quick if you have all the required paperwork. Fill out the China Online Visa Application (COVA) on the website. PRINT out all the paperwork from this application. Also bring: 1. Copy of passport / driver's license 2. Physical passport 3. Flight information 4a. Hotel information 4b. Invitation from family or friend in China (including copy of their China ID) If you need to print something, there's a tourist office at the end of the floor that can print for you. First print cost $3, the next print cost $1 each. When your information + two pictures can fit 1 page... they will purposely separate it into 3 separate pages. Ridiculous. Also their computers are ridiculously slow and takes forever to load their emails... so make sure to print every document from home. Come back 3 days later to pick up your Visa. It will cost $185. No long waits. read more

God help you if you are applying for a Chinese work visa. My advice: don't wait until the last minute because something will likely go wrong. The application process is easy; however, the appointment and interview process is not. Tips: 1.) When you fill out the application, your flights have to be purchased and confirmed. If they are not, your application will be revoked and you will need to make a new appointment. 2.) Be on time or they won't take you. 3.) Don't expect any quality customer service and be prepared to be yelled at. 4.) Have your application, and ALL required documents printed and avaliable or they won't talk to you. 5.) Don't expect your questions to be answered. All in all, you need to have your ducks in a row before coming here or you are wasting your time. read more

I brought my auntie here. Took two visits. First trip, got there at 1pm and left at 3:30pm. On second trip, got there at 11:30am and left 45 minutes left. read more

Nobody picks up the phone here completely inconvenient and their website is super unhelpful. Can someone please work on this it's almost impossible to get any info or book an appointment . read more

amazing and quick process. the pic on the form was the only issue. they specifically need a white background and a particular size. rest was all a breeze. read more

How to Apply for a Tourist L-Visa for China. Here is my experience with the LA Chinese Consulate: Parking: I parked on the side with metered parking, which allowed for 2 hours. Location: It's the building across from the one with the red flag. The Passport and Visa service is on the 3rd floor. Service: When I first walked in, I went through metal detectors and placed my items in a bin, similar to TSA screening. On the right side, I informed the staff that I'm here to apply for a tourist visa. The staff then asked for the COVA confirmation page or application. She then gave me a number; I sat down and waited to be called, similar to DMV services. I arrived around 10:30 AM, and there were no long lines. I waited less than 5 minutes. My number was displayed and called on the big TV screen, and a young lady assisted me at the window. She checked all of my required documents and then informed me of my visa pick-up date with a pink pick-up slip (about 4 business days) and pay at pick up. The service was quick, smooth, and straightforward. I was literally in and out in 15 minutes. You do not need to make an appointment for visa services here. Before you get to the consulate, make sure to have the following if you are applying for a tourist L-visa: COVA online application with the confirmation page Copy of Passport Copy of Driver's License & Utility Bill Visa photo (Must be 6 months recent) Where You Stay Form Make sure to print all of these documents. Note: To apply for an L-visa, the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General in the U.S no longer require proof of flights, confirmation of hotel reservations, itinerary, and invitation letters. This has definitely simplified and made the process easier. Overall, my experience was good. If you come with all your required documents with no errors or mistakes, it will be a pretty fast and smooth process. read more

I had to apply for Chinese visa - there was an option to apply through a broker , but I can't afford to be a lazy bastard, so I decided to do it on my own. Not that bad. Do a little bit of research, and have the docs ready, you are fine. If you are a lazy bastard, well can't help you with that. Bummer. They also loosened the doc requirements, so if you apply for L tourist visa, you don't need to disclose where you are staying, flight info and invitation letter starting 2024.01.01 per consulate website. 1. Fill out the COVA application online - do some google research or call the consulate if you have questions - 2. Prep the documents needed stated on the website - my case was copy of passport, and driver license, and where you stay form. 3. Print the COVA app QR code confirm and your app, and make copies of your ID - black and white copy is fine, per consulate employee. 4. Take the docs and submit it to the consulate in LA - there's metered parking on the street. 5. If you weren't a lazy bastard, and filled out the application and submitted the docs per their instructions, you go back to the consulate to pick up your visa 4 business days later. They give you. Slip also. Don't lose this. Faster than DMV if you have all the docs ready. Oh yeah also, be ready for pothead propaganda - there were some banners by "Fa Len Bong" or something hanging around that area. I could care less what they are but sounded like some weed organization. This lady try to hand me a card, and I bet it had to do with "Fa Len Bong" or some crap, I was like no thank you, I don't smoke weed. I wouldn't understand Chinese anyway- but planning to learn tho. Just ignore those "Fa Len Bong" weed people. Other than that my visa process wasn't bad . read more

Walked in on a Wednesday at 10am for a Z visa. The line moved quickly and I was in and out in about twenty minutes. Be sure to bring the required paperwork and things will go fine read more

I wanted to get a Chinese visa turned around quickly and was recommended the travel agency at the end of the hall from the Chinese consulate. Elaine helped me coordinate all necessary paperwork and photos in record time and my visa was ready in 48 hours. Talk about efficiency! Great service and follow through. read more

How to get a tourist visa for china without using a service. Prepare for some frustration, but it's not that much worse than the DMV. Have a seat, here's my experience getting a tourist visa and what I've learned so far. You must use the online form (COVA) at the consulate website. Prepare for an incredibly invasive and thorough form. Your work experience since high school, your current supervisors name and phone number. Information about your spouse and parents. Your travel itinerary including the dates and addresses of where you'll be staying. If you've ever been to China before and gotten a visa (this is an important one if you have). If you've done all that then you'll be able to print that document and schedule a day to visit the consulate via their AVAS site. You schedule for your whole group/family on one appointment. When you show up to the consulate you will have to go through a screening similar to the airport. Then you'll go to the greeters desk who will see if you have the coversheet that shows you scheduled for that day using the AVAS system and they'll give you a ticket with a number. You'll sit and similar to the DMV there's a big TV that displays your number, how many folks are ahead of you and which window to be served at. The wait wasn't that bad I'd say around 45 minutes to an hour after arriving around 9:30 on a weekday. The 2 hour street parking nearby worked fine. Make sure you have for each person getting a visa: - The application (~8 pages) -The cover sheet aka confirmation of online visa application and a copy of the following supporting docs for the office: - copy of passport page - copy of driver's license - if a minor, copy of parent's driver's license and copy of birth certificate -copy of any previous visas obtained for visits to china -copy of round trip airline ticket confirmation with the name of the applicant -copy of proof of your hotel reservation bonus things: - copy of proof of name change for example if your name was different when you got a previous visa for china - copy of proof of residence if you've moved since your DL Note that each person applying has to be there, even kids, but only one member of the party needs to come pick up the passport and visa. The person at the window will check all this and if you brought everything they'll take your passport and application and give you a pink receipt and a date to come back to pickup your visa and passport (currently 3-4 business days) and pay via credit card. If you failed, you get a piece of paper telling you what you did wrong and you will need to go get whatever was missing and bring it back (ideally the same day, you just go back to your window, no waiting for a number to be called). If you've read this far, then it won't be so bad. The thing is, the website and the application don't really tell you that you need all these copies. read more

Bring quarters for street parking, mindful of street sweeping signs, particularly for Monday & Tuesday = no parking. The place is very well organized, get your application papers and passport ready. If your name has changed, through marriage or naturalization, bring those papers too. When I went there the first time, only a dozen people sitting around, 4/5 windows open, waited maybe 10 minutes. 4 days later to pick up my visa, only 4 people waiting, on a Thursday. In and out in 15 minutes. read more

I needed to get a visa for my upcoming trip to Hainan China so I filled out a printed application, made copies of my flight, hotel reservations and visa pics purchased from Costco. Processing takes about five working days. For the ten year visa ‐ cost $140.00 Metered parking is $2.00 currently for two hours, which on a Monday wasn't enough time - since its very busy mid morning. I recommend coming here Tuesday or Thursday which is less crowded. The security guards are helpful and I noticed one - was assisting a Mandarin speaking woman - using the Google translate app. There's a line for submitting your application and another for pick up only. The second is much faster. BTW you don't need a visa to Taipei Taiwan if you are traveling from the U.S. with a passport and it's less then 90 days. read more

Chinese Consulate General - Here's what a Monday at 11:00 am looks like :( - Embassy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

No appointment needed. They accept walk In. Whole process is Quick and very smooth if you will bring all papers with you. No long lines at all. I was there at 8:30 (30 min before opening) and I first in the line. Do not forget to bring your mask ! read more

If you're dropping off your visa application, don't wait in the long line outside (that is for pickup). Just walk through the security door and grab a number. The actual office to apply for Chinese visa is on third floor of 500 Shatto Pl. building. Not sure why the address is off on google. We arrived at Friday 1:00 and was helped at 2:30. So set aside at least an hour or two for the wait. read more

One word to describe this office is efficient! Before going there make sure your passport, & supporting documentation are correct and double checked; Otherwise you may have come back twice. Upon arrival the security guard has two jobs - first he scans my handbag and 2nd - he verifies the purpose of my visit. He asked 2 qualifying questions; applying or picking up? Applying, he provides a lucky number 088 and I walked into the waiting room with scores of other applicants. I came in to summit a visa application for a friend that is scared of driving in LA and has to travel for business to China. I was anxiously waiting among scores of people from all walks of life even families w crying newborn babies. Luckily I only had to wait for exactly 40 minutes. (Counting every minute). Once my number is called, the attentive & efficient representative takes the my number then she verifies all required documents. Everything is in order she provided a pink receipt in Chinese & verbally said "pick up on Friday" This took less than 4 minutes. It was Perfect! No additional questions - Nada! FYI-Don't lose the pink receipt! The receipt number is attached to the passport visa application. I came in on Tue, and found out that the parking spaces directly on the side of the building are marked as no parking on Tuesday. Because there was street sweeping on 5th street? this made it take longer to find street parking. I was lucky to find a 2 hour-parking spot directly across the street from the main entrance. However, this created anxiety & worry "what if takes longer than 2 hours" - Luckily it only took 45 minutes. 140.00 fee pay for multiple entries Pay with visa, Mastercard or check. Today, Friday I picked up the visa and paid 140.00 for multiple entries in this case visa is valid for 1 year because the passort is going to expire in 1 year. To pick up the Visa it took a bit longer even though I arrived by 9AM- it took 55 minutes. Its open Mon to Fri from 9AM to 2PM. Check the website for required documents. read more

Chinese Consulate General - Visa is 140.00USD ready in 2 days! - Embassy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The Fee: For tourist visa, doesn't matter if it is one entry or multiple entries in 10 years.... all $140!! Regular pickup time is 4 business day. Express service, 3 business day pickup with an additional fee of $25. Rush service, 2 business day pickup with an additional fee of $37. The Application: - TYPED!!! Use their pdf file on their website to type out the visa application. - If you are traveling with a tour, ask your travel agency for your flight confirmation & detail itinerary. Those are a must document to include with your visa application. - a copy of your passport (photo page only). * they do have a copy machine there in case you need it. read more

I just do a pick up and not sending in application on this trip. The big Chinese red flag on top of the building fool me. The visa office is adjacent to this building on the third floor. Both building had banners of Falun Gong in front of it. There were a lot of people in the office of the third floor and all of them wearing mask. Therefore, do not be an odd ball and go in without a mask. People coming here are not customer but applicant who request service from this visa office. There is no customer service here and the employee were trained to finish all the jobs in an efficient manner. They were not paid to do chit chat with the applicant. I was in and out in 15 minutes and no one gave me any attitude. The girl between the window was professional. I was happy. There are free parking on the street on 4th street which is quite near. read more

Obtaining a visa was very simple- now that a lot of restrictions changed on Jan 2024. I completed my application online and printed the paperwork. I also printed/obtained the required documents such as a copy of your driver's license- front and back, a passport photo, proof of residency, original passport with 6 available blank pages and more than 6 months of validation. Please see a list of items to bring as these items can change. Once completed, I went on a Tuesday in person. I got there at 8:50am and there was already a big line on the 3rd floor. There were 2 lines. The big line was for applications and the small one is to pick up your visa. I went through security and formed another line to obtain a number. Before you obtain a number, be ready to show your printed paperwork. They won't inspect it, they just want to see it. Then I proceeded to sit down. They will call your number like the DMV. The representative checked all of our documents and gave us a pink slip and told us to come back on a certain day to get our documents back. You do have to leave your passport. It took us 22 min to finish from start to finish. Anyone can come and pick up the paperwork as long as they have the original slip. It was a fairly easy process. Just make sure you have all the required documents, otherwise, you will have to come back another day. I am happy we got ours processed as we will in San Diego and would have to come back to LA. They are open Monday through Friday only. Parking can be a challenge, but we found street parking across the street! read more

I'm so grateful for my experience here. It made me realize that the DMV is actually incredible and has a wonderful staff.

Filling up COVA was a challenge. Informations on family , occupation, travel histories , China tour company & license, flight and tour itineraries. None of those proofs was requested at the counter except passport & driver license( make photocopy) . Uploading photo is tricky . Go to photo studio for super white background, exact dimensions and file size . Photos I took at fingerprinting , UPS stores was not usable . LA office do not offer online appointment booking through AVAS . Only walk-ins . Was there 9:30 AM . Many street metered parking was available except Tuesday ,one side of road is closed for street sweeping. Was lucky , not many people waiting in the office , and several counters was serving . I was attended right away and was processed in 30mins . Will return in 3 days for pickup & payment . Exact amount not known till day off , was told to bring Visa or MC for payment method . read more

Bad reviews at the Chinese Consulate for a reason! The website is garbage and no one answers the phone. The workers there were friendly but it was a wasted trip because I need to go to the embassy in DC. If only that was communicated!! You do need a copy of your passport, DL, and itinerary, just a heads up. read more