Nowadays, there are a lot of people want to go to China and try the life in there. However, the biggest problem is how much does it cost to get a visa for China. Can I just apply for a Chinese visa on my own? How much time will I have to wait for them to process all the papers and fees? So, I’m writing this article for those people who want to know more about the visa procedure for China.
The cost of getting a China visa can vary wildly depending on what kind of Chinese visa you’re applying for. From tourist visas to working holidays, tourism visas and business visas, the cost of your visa will depend on a number of factors. That being said, we have compiled a list of some general costs based on the type of visa you are interested in and what’s required to get it.China is easily a top destination among English teachers. The hardest part to leave behind is usually family and friends, with some worried about how much they should bring. The cost of moving depends on your location and lifestyle habits.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Visa For China
China is a huge country, and every part has its own culture. Its culture is 4,000 years old with a population of 1.4 billion people. It is impressive to know that China earns the most in the world and makes the largest amount of trade.
How Much is a Chinese Visa – China Visa Fees 2022/2023
Latest China Visa News Updated on March 15, 2021:
1. New visa policy to mainland China for foreigners in Macau
According to official notice on March 15, foreigners reside in Macau, permanent and non-permanent both included, can apply for all types of Chinese Visa to visit China. All applicants must provide a proof of at least 28 days’ continuous stay in Macau before submitting the application. Besides, foreigners who have been vaccinated the Chinese-made COVID-19 Vaccines, finished 2 doses or over 14 days after the first dose, and take a valid certificate of vaccination issued by Macau Health Bureau can also apply for all categories of visas to visit China.
Please note that, all qualified applicants are required to fill out an application and make reservation for specific submission date online. For more helpful details, please refer to the official website (http://www.fmcoprc.gov.mo/eng/lsfw/zytz/t1860982.htm) for further guidance and check.
2. Transit and transfer flights from Hong Kong International Airport to other Chinese cities remains unavailable at present.
3. Since November 2020, Chinese Embassy in UK, France, Russia, Belgium, Philippines, India, Ukraine and Bangladesh have announced that, non-Chinese nationals’ entry into China will be suspended if he/she comes from above countries though holding a valid Chinese Visa or Residence Permit. Visitors from other countries can refer to entry news updated on September 23, 2020.
4. From 00:00 September 28, 2020, foreign visitors holding valid Chinese residence permits in three categories (work, personal matters and family reunion) can enter China without reapplying for a China Visa. For those whose residence permit already expired after 00:00 March 28, 2020, and purpose of visiting remains the same can submit the overdue permit and related materials to apply for a new China Visa.
5. China’s temporary suspension of entry policy issued on March 26 continues to take effect. That is, Tourist Visa, the On-arrival Visa, 24/72/144-hour Transit Visa Free… will all be suspended during the coronavirus period. You can enter China if you belong to one the three situations: hold diplomatic, Service and Courtesy, C Visa; granted China Visa for scientific/technological matters, urgent humanitarian needs and new Chinese Visa issued after March 28, 2020.
China Discovery will still focus on and update the visa and entry policy of China for you!
In general, most visitors are required to pay for China Visa Application unless you meet requirements of China Visa Free Policy. So far, there are 4 ways to submit China Visa Application, accordingly, different kinds of fees incurred. Among all the expenses, China Visa Fee is the basic cost, additional service charge and shipping fee will be collected, if your submission made to China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) and choose postal service.
China visa fee varies from different nationalities, number of entries and duration of stay, visa types and visiting destinations in China. Check the detailed price guide below to know how much does a China Visa cost, prepare sufficient fee and make the payment correctly for your China Visa Application.
How Much A Chinese Visa Cost – China Visa Application Fee
The Chinese Visa Application Fee is charged by Chinese Embassy or Consulate General at a local currency rate, including visa processing of regular, express and rush services. Whether you apply for China Visa from visa section/office of Chinese Embassy and Consulate, at China Visa Application Center in the residing country or at port of entry upon arrival in China, each applicants have to pay certain amount of visa fees. Chinese visa fee is largely different for different nationals, application for visa types (entry visa before departure or visa on arrival), number of entries and duration of stay.
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$140 | US$165 | US$177 |
| 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: ①. Submission to Chinese Embassy or Consulate: visa fee only. ②. Submission to Service Center: visa fee + service fee + mail-back fee (optional & only valid for regular application). ③. Visa fees of China Tourist Visa (L Visa), Business Visa (M Visa) and common types costs the same. ④. Application service fee is charged by CVASC at local currency rate. ⑤ The visa fees are listed from official websites for reference only, fees for long time and the third countries may vary from the fees above, are subject to change and explain by the Chinese Embassy or the Consulate General. You should check from official authority for updated fees.
Regular China Visa Fees (for mainland China)
● US Passport Holders: $140 (USD) for all types of visas and single/double/multiple entry visa to China;
● Canadian Passport Holders: $100 (CAD) for all types of visas and single/double/multiple entry visa to China;
● UK Passport Holders: £85 for all visa types, £170 for 5-year Multiple Entries, £255 for 10-year Multiple Entries;
● Indian Passport Holders: Single Entry: Rs3900, Double Entry: Rs5850, Multiple Entries for 6 Months: Rs7800, Multiple Entries for 1 Year and above: Rs11700, Group Visa: Rs2400 per person;
● Third Country Passport Holders: Single Entry: US$30, Double Entry: $45, Multiple Entries for 6 Months: $60, Multiple Entries for 1 Year and above: $90.
Visa Fees for Special Visa Types
● Group Visa: $40 per visa for all citizens, and about $110 for US Citizens applying as group tourists.
● 10 Year China Visa: £255 for British, $180 for American, ARS 2400 for Argentine, NIS 100 for Israel.
So far, the 10 year long-term China Visa is only apply to nationals from US, UK, Canada, Argentina and Israel.
● China Visa on Arrival (Port Visa): 168 RMB for most citizens, about 314 RMB for UK Passport Holders.
The China Landing Visa Fee differs from nationalities and is charged by the port exit & entry office in local Chinese currency, Renminbi (RMB). US and French Passport Holders are not eligible for China Port Visa, except for certain visa-free cases. Contact us to check if you can apply for China Entry Visa upon arrival.
Extra Charges for Expedited Service
Normally, it takes about 4 business days to finish processing the visa application in Regular Service Application. If you want to get a urgent Chinese visa fast and quickly, you can pay to accelerate the processing of the visa. Additional processing service fee will be taken by the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General accordingly. Express Application Service needs extra $25 and Rush Application Service costs $37.
Processing Time & Pick-up Date
* Regular Service: 4 working days, a normal standard
* Express Service: 2~3 working days, can be collected on the 2~3rd working day
* Rush Service: 1 working day, can be collected in the same day (must submit before 12:00pm) or next day
Note: 1.) Mail Application in Australia can NOT use rush service. It usually takes about 10 working days to process the mail application. 2.) Extra processing time will be needed , if the visa officer require the applicants to submit supplementary documents, or an interview. 3.) Express or Rush Service is not valid in some countries.
Visa Fee for Hong Kong, Macau and Tibet
Hong Kong and Macau Visa Fees
An Chinese Visa is only valid for visiting mainland China, while Hong Kong and Macau SARs own separate visa regulations. Nationals from 170 countries are exempted from visa to Hong Kong, and citizens of 79 countries can travel to Macau visa free, within certain duration of stay. Other visitors are required to apply for a entry visa/permit to travel or transit in the two regions in China. (Check Hong Kong / Macua Visa Waiver policy to find out if you need a visa or not.)
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 enjoying visa-free treatment still have to apply for a Hong Kong or Macau Visa, if you plan to visit Hong Hong for other purposes, or want to stay stay longer beyond the visa-free visiting time. 2.) Hong Kong and Macau Application Fees: $30 for Regular Service, additional $20 for Express Service, additional $30 for Rush Service and additional $20 for Communication Fee to local Immigration Department.
Processing Time depends on where you submit application. Postal application to Macau Immigration Department takes at least 3 weeks, while submission to Chinese Embassy or Consulate General takes 5 working days (for regular service), 3 working days for Express Service and 1~2 working days for rush service.
Most Recommended Hong Kong Tours:
>> 1 Day Valuable Hong Kong Tour
>> 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour (HK Island+Lantau Island)
>> 2 Days Hong Kong & Macau Highlights Tour
TTB – Tibet Travel Permit
Non-Chinese Passport Holders are required to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit for travelling in Tibet. Only with the document, you can board a train or flight to Tibet. It is issued free of charge by Tibet Tourism Bureau, and takes at least 13 working days for processing. Only authorized local travel agents can apply for the TTB Permit. Travel with China Discovery, we will help you obtain Tibet Travel Permit and other needed permits (including Alien’s Travel Permit, Border Pass and Military Permit) to travel further outside Lhasa. (If you plan to visit Tibet from Nepal, you have to get a Group Visa from Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal.)
Most Recommended Tibet Tours:
>> 8 Days Classic Mount Everest Tour from Lhasa
>> 8 Days Tibet Classic Tour from Kathmandu
How to Pay China Visa Fee – Acceptable Way of Payment
1. Submission to China Visa Application Service Center: cash, debit card, credit card (must be Visa or Master Card) and company check.
Those methods of payment apply to Canada, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and qualified passport holders. Mail application in Australia must be paid by debit card or credit card, and a Payment Authorization Form is required to be completed and posted to the service center. Money order, or check is not accepted for a postal application.
2. Submission to (Visa Office of) Chinese Embassy or Consulate General: credit card (Visa or Mastercard only), money order, cashier’s check or company check. Chinese Embassy or Consulate will not accept cash, personal check or online payment, credit card other than a Visa or Master card.
Note: Please check carefully to make sure your money/check order with the exact and right amount of fees.
Other Useful Tips about China Visa Fees
1. Extra service fee will be charged, if you submit application to China Visa Application Service Center. Applicants using Express/Rush Service and postal service also have to pay additional fees.
2. China Visa Extension costs 160 RMB for most nationals, and the extension fee is different for each nationality. The fee is collected by Foreign Affairs of the local Public Security Authority.
3. You are requested to pay before submission if you apply for a Hong Kong/Macau SAR Visa. After you submit application at the visa center, you need to pay before leave. Applicants can pay upon collection if submit application at visa office of Chinese Embassy & Consulate General, or on arrival/landing.
4. Your payment doesn’t guarantee your visa application will be approved. The Visa application fee is not refundable if denied.
How to Get a Visa for China – Chinese Visa Application Guide
❶ Find out what kind of visa you need
Read different types of Chinese Visa to figure out which kind of visa you should apply for. Determine if you are suitable applicants for each visa type, by judging your purpose of visiting is for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion and etc or not. China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is for visitor going to China for tourism, F Visa is for exchanges, study tour, Business Visa (M Visa) is for commercial and trade, Student Visa (X Visa) is for studying in China. More Chinese Visa Types >>
❷ Apply for a Chinese Visa
According to various visa policy, applicants meet relevant requirements can submit China Visa application at Chinese Embassy, Diplomatic and Consular Missions or special ports of entry. You need to prepare and submit your valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and blank pages, copy of passport’s first page, completed visa application form pasted with 2 recent photos (color photo with white background, taken within past 6 months, size: 48mmx33mm), sufficient visa fee and service charge and other supporting documents.
❸ Collect & check your China visa
The processing time differs from visa types. Normally, it takes about 4 to 5 business days for applicant to get a China Visa, and the accurate collection date will be noted on the pick-up slip. If you submit China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick up on Thursday. Check carefully the visa type, duration of stay, number of entries if they are issued correctly or not, after getting your passport back. Double check the validity when you plan to enter China, otherwise you will be denied entry