As of now, most travelers cannot apply for a full tourist visa entirely online. You’ll need to submit your application (with passport, photos, invitation letter if needed, and forms) at your local Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center. However, China has started piloting e-visas for some nationalities (e.g., Singapore, UAE) for business or group tours — but not yet for independent tourism.
Example:
A Canadian citizen cannot get a tourist e-visa yet but may be eligible for a 15-day e-visa if traveling to specific ports in Guangxi or Hainan under a trial program. Always check the latest updates from the Chinese Visa Office in your country.
