Visa from Chinese consulate in L.A.
 

Has anyone gone to the Chinese consulate in L.A. fairly recently to get a tourist visa? If so, did they require you to show your hotel and plane reservations? Also how long did it take to get the visa? Thanks.

No hotel or plane reservations necessary. I got mine just before Christmas. Time needed is listed on their website, I believe. 4 working days. Less if you pay more.

Thanks. The Chinese consulate in LA's website indicates that you need to show plane/hotel reservations for a tourist visa but I had read on some posts that they don't ask for that anymore (at least in some cities) so I was curious. I still don't have all the reservations for trip in June but wanted to get the visa ahead of time.

It was only required in 2008 in the months leading to the Beijing Olympics.

Only thing I want to point is that the visa office is in the mid-rise office building across the street from the main consulate building, at the corner of Shatto Pl and W 5th St.

Someone told I can't get the visa earlier than 30 days before my trip to China. Do you know if that is correct? I'd rather get it earlier if I can.

I think your info is incorrect as I got my visa at the LA consulate last week for a trip in June, more than 30 days away. The consulate's wesbite says "L" visas (for tourists) are valid for 6 months from date of application.
http://losangeles.china-consulate.or...isa/t27605.htm
A tip for applying in LA: When you get to the office, you will see a long line of people on the left. Do NOT wait in that line - that's for picking up your visas. To drop off your application, pull a number from the ticket dispenser towards the right side of the entry in front of the security guard desk. Take a seat, watch the electronic monitor and keep yor ears open to see and hear your number being called and go the designated window. I waited about an hour when I arrived around 9:30 am to drop off my application and passport. I was told to come back in 4 days, and waited about 45 minutes when I returned. You pay when you pick up the passport and visa. No cash or personal checks accepted - pay by credit card Expedited service is also available for an extra fee - check the website. Good luck.

Thanks for the tip. I went Wednesday morning (got there at 9:30 am) and only had to wait 20 minutes. They looked over my paperwork and said to come back Tuesday to pick it up. Even though the website states they need hotel and ticket verification, they didn't ask me for any of that. I did have a letter from a company I'm going to visit for business so maybe that's why I didn't have to have anything else. I'm assuming there won't be any problems.