In most cases, visitors are required to pay for a China Visa Application unless they meet the requirements of the China Visa Free Policy. There are currently four ways to submit a China Visa Application, each incurring different fees. The primary cost is the China Visa Fee, with additional charges for services and shipping if you choose to submit your application to the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) via postal service.
The China visa fee varies depending on nationality, number of entries, duration of stay, visa type, and visiting destinations in China. To determine the cost of a China Visa, refer to the detailed price guide below. Be sure to prepare the necessary fees and make the payment correctly when submitting your China Visa Application.
How Much A Chinese Visa Cost – China Visa Application Fee
The Chinese Visa Application Fee is determined by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General and is charged in the local currency. This fee covers the processing of regular, express, and rush visa services. Whether you choose to apply for a China Visa at the visa section/office of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate, at a China Visa Application Center in your residing country, or at the port of entry upon arrival in China, all applicants are required to pay a specific visa fee.
The Chinese visa fee varies greatly depending on the applicant’s nationality, the type of visa being applied for (entry visa before departure or visa on arrival), the number of entries allowed, and the duration of stay permitted.
China Visa Application Fees for Different Nationalities
| Nationality | Number of Entries | Regular Application | Express Application | Rush Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Single Entry Double Entries Multiple Entries for 6 Months Multiple Entries for 1 Year & above |
US$185 | US$210 | – |
| UK Citizens | £85 | £104 | – | |
| Canada Citizens | Can$100 | Can$135 | Can$150 | |
| Others Citizens (Australian, Indian…) |
Single Entry | US$30 | US$55 | US$67 |
| Double Entries | US$45 | US$70 | US$82 | |
| Mutiple Entries for 6 Months | US$60 | US$85 | US$97 | |
| Mutiple Entries for 1 Year & above | US$90 | US$115 | US$127 |
Attention:When submitting your visa application to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, you will only need to pay the visa fee. However, if you choose to submit your application to the Service Center, you will be required to pay both the visa fee and a service fee.
The visa fees for China Tourist Visa (L Visa), Business Visa (M Visa), and other common types of visas are all the same. Please note that the application service fee is charged by the CVASC at the local currency rate.
It is important to keep in mind that the visa fees listed on official websites are for reference only. Fees for long-term visas and visas for third countries may vary from the fees mentioned above. These fees are subject to change and will be explained by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General. For the most up-to-date information on fees, please check with the official authority.
Regular China Visa Fees (for China’s mainland)
– Fees for Chinese visas vary depending on the passport holder’s nationality. Here is a breakdown of the costs for different passport holders:
– US Passport Holders: The fee is $185 (USD) for all types of visas, including single, double, and multiple entry visas to China.
– Canadian Passport Holders: The fee is $100 (CAD) for all types of visas, including single, double, and multiple entry visas to China.
– UK Passport Holders: The fee is £85 for all visa types, £170 for a 5-year Multiple Entry visa, and £255 for a 10-year Multiple Entry visa.
– Indian Passport Holders: The fees are as follows: Rs3900 for a Single Entry visa, Rs5850 for a Double Entry visa, Rs7800 for Multiple Entries for 6 Months, Rs11700 for Multiple Entries for 1 Year and above, and Rs2400 per person for a Group Visa.
– Third Country Passport Holders: The fees are as follows: $30 for a Single Entry visa, $45 for a Double Entry visa, $60 for Multiple Entries for 6 Months, and $90 for Multiple Entries for 1 Year and above.
These fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the type of visa and the passport holder’s nationality. It is important to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on visa fees.
Visa Fees for Special Visa Types
– Group Visa: The cost is $40 per visa for all citizens, and approximately $110 for US citizens applying as group tourists.
– 10 Year China Visa: The fee is £255 for British citizens, $180 for Americans, ARS 2400 for Argentines, and NIS 100 for Israelis. Currently, the 10-year long-term China Visa is only available to nationals from the US, UK, Canada, Argentina, and Israel.
– China Visa on Arrival (Port Visa): The fee is 168 RMB for most citizens, and around 314 RMB for UK Passport Holders. The China Landing Visa Fee varies depending on nationality and is collected by the port exit & entry office in local Chinese currency, Renminbi (RMB). US and French Passport Holders are not eligible for the China Port Visa, except in certain visa-free cases. Please contact us to verify if you are eligible to apply for a China Entry Visa upon arrival.
Extra Charges for Expedited Service
Typically, the processing time for a visa application in Regular Service is approximately 4 business days. However, if you require a Chinese visa urgently, you have the option to expedite the processing by paying an additional fee. The Chinese Embassy and Consulate General will charge a processing service fee accordingly. The Express Application Service requires an extra $25, while the Rush Application Service costs $37. This allows you to receive your visa quickly and efficiently.
Processing Time & Pick-up Date
* Regular Service: 4 working days, the standard processing time
* Express Service: 2~3 working days, pick-up available on the 2~3rd working day
* Rush Service: 1 working day, same-day pick-up available (must submit before 12:00pm) or next day
Please note the following:
1.) Mail applications in Australia cannot use rush service. Processing time for mail applications is typically 10 working days.
2.) Additional processing time may be required if the visa officer requests supplementary documents or an interview.
3.) Express or Rush Service may not be available in certain countries.
We strive to provide efficient and timely visa processing services to all applicants. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Visa Fee for Hong Kong, Macau
Hong Kong and Macau Visa Fees
A Chinese visa is only valid for visiting mainland China, while Hong Kong and Macau SARs have their own separate visa regulations. Nationals from 170 countries are exempt from needing a visa to visit Hong Kong, and citizens of 79 countries can travel to Macau visa-free for a certain duration of stay. Other visitors must apply for an entry visa or permit to travel or transit in these two regions of China. To determine if you need a visa, please check the Hong Kong/Macau Visa Waiver policy.
Hong Kong & Macau Visa Application Requirements for Different Nationalities
| Nationality | Hong Kong Visa Required or Not | Permitted Duration of Stay | Macau Visa Required or Not | Permitted Duration of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa Free | 90 days | Visa Free | 30 days |
| UK Citizens | Visa Free | 180 days | Visa Free | 30 days |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa Free | 90 days | Visa Free | 30 days |
| Australian Citizens | Visa Free | 90 days | Visa Free | 30 days |
| Indian Citizens | Visa Free ((Online Pre-arrival Regiatration is Required) | 14 days | Visa Free | 30 days |
| Pakistan Citizens | Visa Required | Based on Application | Visa Required | Based on Application |
Hong Kong & Macau SAR Visa Fees:
1. Visitors who are eligible for visa-free treatment must still apply for a Hong Kong or Macau Visa if they plan to visit Hong Kong for purposes other than tourism or wish to extend their stay beyond the visa-free period.
2. Application Fees for Hong Kong and Macau:
– Regular Service: $30
– Express Service: additional $20
– Rush Service: additional $30
– Communication Fee to local Immigration Department: additional $20
The processing time for visa applications varies depending on where you submit your application. Postal applications to the Macau Immigration Department take a minimum of 3 weeks, while submissions to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General take 5 working days for regular service, 3 working days for Express Service, and 1-2 working days for rush service.
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How to Pay China Visa Fee – Acceptable Way of Payment
Payment methods accepted at the China Visa Application Service Center include cash, debit card, credit card (Visa or Mastercard), and company check. These payment options are available for applicants from Canada, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other qualified passport holders.
For applicants mailing their applications from Australia, payment must be made using a debit card or credit card. A Payment Authorization Form must be completed and sent to the service center. Money orders and checks are not accepted for postal applications.
When submitting applications directly to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General, payment can be made using a credit card (Visa or Mastercard only), money order, cashier’s check, or company check. Cash, personal checks, and online payments other than Visa or Mastercard are not accepted.
Please ensure that your money order or check is for the correct amount when submitting your application.
Other Useful Tips about China Visa Fees
1. An additional service fee will be applied when submitting an application to the China Visa Application Service Center. Applicants opting for Express/Rush Service or postal service will also incur extra charges.
2. The cost of extending a China Visa is 160 RMB for most nationalities, with varying fees for different nationalities. The extension fee is to be paid to the Foreign Affairs department of the local Public Security Authority.
3. For those applying for a Hong Kong/Macau SAR Visa, payment is required prior to submission at the visa center, and before departure after submitting the application. If applying at the visa office of the Chinese Embassy & Consulate General, payment can be made upon collection or upon arrival/landing.
4. Please note that payment does not guarantee approval of your visa application. The visa application fee is non-refundable in the event of denial.
How to Get a Visa for China – Chinese Visa Application Guide
❶ Find out what kind of visa you need
When applying for a Chinese visa, it is important to carefully review the various types available to determine which one best suits your needs. Consider factors such as the purpose of your visit, whether it be for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion, or other reasons.The China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is intended for individuals traveling to China for tourism purposes. The F Visa is designed for those participating in exchanges or study tours. The Business Visa (M Visa) is ideal for individuals engaging in commercial or trade activities. Lastly, the Student Visa (X Visa) is specifically for those studying in China.By understanding the distinctions between these visa types and assessing your own circumstances, you can ensure that you apply for the most appropriate visa for your trip to China. More Chinese Visa Types >>
❷ Apply for a Chinese Visa
According to the various visa policies, applicants who meet the relevant requirements can submit their China Visa application at the Chinese Embassy, Diplomatic and Consular Missions, or special ports of entry. In order to apply, you must prepare and submit your valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and blank pages, a copy of the passport’s first page, a completed visa application form with 2 recent color photos (taken within the past 6 months, size: 48mmx33mm), the required visa fee and service charge, as well as any other supporting documents.
❸ Collect & check your China visa
The processing time for visas varies depending on the type. Typically, it takes approximately 4 to 5 business days for applicants to receive a China Visa, with the exact collection date specified on the pick-up slip. For example, if you submit a China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick it up on Thursday.After receiving your passport back, it is crucial to carefully review the visa type, duration of stay, and number of entries to ensure they have been issued correctly. It is also important to double-check the validity of the visa before planning to enter China, as failure to do so may result in denial of entry.
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