Tourist (L) visa interviews: what consulates still ask in 2026
Many jurisdictions no longer require in-person interviews for straightforward tourist applications, but you may still be asked for itinerary detail, hotel confirmations, and proof of return ties (employment letter, lease, family dependents). Consistency across documents matters more than volume.
Red flags that trigger extra questions
- Last-minute hotel bookings all cancellable.
- No employment history in your home country.
- Prior overstay anywhere, not only China.
Answer plainly. If you are visiting friends, a signed invitation with host ID copy helps. If you are attending a conference, ensure your visa category matches—tourist visas are not catch-all placeholders.
Verify requirements on official mission websites; this article is not legal advice.