China Visa Costs: Complete Guide to Fees and Requirements

By Elizabeth FosterLast Updated April 13, 2025

How lots do a visa to China cost? Complete fee breakdown

Travel to China require proper documentation, with visa costs vary base on several factors. This comprehensive guide break down the fees associate with obtain a Chinese visa for u.s. citizens and provide essential information to help you budget for your trip.

Standard Chinese visa fees for u.s. citizens

The Chinese government charge different fees base on visa type and processing time. For u.s. passport holders, the standard visa fees are:

Regular service (4 5 business days )

$140
Express service (2 3 business days )

$160
Rush service (1 business day )

$190

These fees apply to most common visa types, include tourist (l ) business ( (),)nd family visit ( q (vi)s. The standard processing fee cover coversgle entry visa with validity typically range from 30 to 90 days.

Visa types and their costs

Tourist visa (l visa )

The l visa is the virtually common type for travelers visit China for sightseeing, leisure, or short term visits:

Single entry:

$140
Double entry:

$140
Multiple entry (6 months )

$140
Multiple entry (12 months )

$140

Business visa (m visa )

For those travel to China for commercial and trade activities:

Single entry:

$140
Double entry:

$140
Multiple entry (6 months )

$140
Multiple entry (12 months )

$140
Multiple entry (24 months )

$140

Work visa (z visa )

Require for foreigners take up employment in China:

Single entry:

$140

Student visa (x visa )

For those study in China:

X1 visa (long term study )

$140
X2 visa (short term study )

$140

Additional costs to consider

Visa service fees

Many travelers use Visa services or agencies to simplify the application process. These services charge additional fees:

Basic service fee:

$50 100
Document preparation assistance:

$20 50
Application review:

$15 30
Expedite processing:

$20 60 ((n top of the chChineseoconsulatesxpedite fee )
)

Photo requirements

You will need passport style photos that meet specific chiChinesesa requirements:

Professional photo service:

$10 20
Self-service photo booth:

$5 15

Shipping and handling

If you’re not applied in person:

Standard shipping:

$10 25 ((ound trip ))
Expedite shipping:

$25 50
Overnight delivery:

$40 70

Chinese visa application centers (cCAC))ees

Chinese visa application centers operate in major u.s. cities and charge service fees in addition to the visa fees:

Service fee:

$35 45 per application
Passport return by mail:

$20 30

Factors that affect visa costs

Nationality

Visa fees vary by nationality base on reciprocity agreements. U.s. citizens pay $140 for most visa types, which is higher than citizens of many other countries due to reciprocal fee arrangements between the uU.S.and china.

Processing time

Expedite processing increase the cost:

Regular processing:

Base fee ($$140for u.s. citizens ))
Express service:

Additional $20 (( $160otal )
)
Rush service:

Additional $50 (( $190otal )
)

Number of entries

Unlike many countries, China charge the same fee disregarding of the number of entries (single, double, or multiple ) This policy change in recent years, make multiple entry visas more economical.

Visa duration

The base fee cover visas with different validity periods, from 30 days to 10 years (for eligible u.s. citizens ) though the actual stay duration per visit is typically limit to 30, 60, or 90 days.

10 year multiple entry visa

U.s. citizens are eligible for 10 year multiple entry visas for tourism or business purposes under a reciprocal agreement:

Cost:

$140 ((ame as shorter validity visas ))
Maximum stay per entry:

60 days (unless differently specify )
Required documents:

Same as regular visa applications, plus proof of previous travel to China (for some applicants )

This 10 year visa represent excellent value for frequent travelers to China, as it eliminate the need to apply for new visas for a decade.

Where to apply and pay for Chinese visas

Chinese embassies and consulates

The official Chinese diplomatic missions in the U.S. are located in:

Washington, d.c. (embassy )
New York
Chicago
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Houston

Chinese visa application service centers

These authorize centers handle visa applications in major cities and charge an additional service fee:

Washington, d.c.
New York
Chicago
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Houston

Third party visa services

Many travelers use Visa agencies that offer convenience at an additional cost. Popular services include:

Visa
Cibtvisas
Travelvisapro
Passportvisasexpress

Payment methods

When pay for your Chinese visa, the follow payment methods are typically accepted:

Money order

(prefer at many consulates )
Cashier’s check
Credit card

(at visa application centers and third party services )
Cash

(at some locations, but not recommend )

Personal checks are loosely not accept by Chinese consulates.

Special circumstances and fee waivers

Diplomatic and official passports

Holders of diplomatic or official passports may qualify for fee waivers depend on bilateral agreements.

Certain visa categories

Some specific visa categories may have reduced fees or waivers:

C visa

(for crew members ) sometimes reduce fees
J1 visa

(for journalists on short term assignments ) may have special fee arrangements

Humanitarian cases

Fee waivers may be available in humanitarian cases, such as visit gravely ill relatives, though these are grant on a case by case basis.

Refund policy

It’s important to note that Chinese visa fees are loosely non-refundable, yet if your application is deni, oror you withdraw it. This policy make it essential to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission.

Recent changes in Chinese visa policies

Post pandemic adjustments

Follow the COVID-19 pandemic, china implement several changes to its visa policies:

Resumption of tourist visa issuance after pandemic restrictions
Potential additional health relate requirements
Simplify procedures for business travelers in some categories

Visa free transit

China offer visa free transit for travelers from certain countries, include the u.s., for stays of 24, 72, or 144 hours when transit to a third country:

24 hour transit:

Available at most ports of entry
72 hour transit:

Available in major cities include Beijing, shanghai, and Guangzhou
144 hour transit:

Available in certain city groups like shanghai Jiangsu Zhejiang

This transit policy can save you the entire visa fee if your travel plans qualify.

Total cost estimation

Budget scenario

For a traveler apply without expedited service or third party assistance:

Visa fee:

$140
Photos:

$10
Transportation to / from consulate:

$20 50
Total:

$170 200

Convenience scenario

For a traveler use a visa service with standard processing:

Visa fee:

$140
Service fee:

$80
Photos:

$15
Shipping:

$30
Total:

$265

Expedited scenario

For a traveler need rush processing through a service:

Visa fee with rush processing:

$190
Service fee with expedition:

$120
Photos:

$15
Overnight shipping:

$60
Total:

$385

Tips to save on Chinese visa costs

Apply direct

If you live near a Chinese consulate, apply in person eliminate service and shipping fees.

Plan beforehand

Apply with sufficient lead time to avoid rush processing fees.

Check for 10 year visa eligibility

If you plan to visit China multiple times, the 10-year visa offer the best value at the same price as a single entry visa.

Consider visa free transit

If your trip is short, and you’recontinuede to a third country, you might qualify for visa free transit.

Take your own photos

Follow the specifications, you can take your own photos and print them at lower cost than professional services.

Conclusion

The cost of a Chinese visa for u.s. citizens start at $140 for standard processing, with additional fees for expedited service. When factor in service fees, photos, and shipping, the total cost typically rrangesfrom $170 to $$385depend on process speed and application method.

The 10-year multiple entry visa, available to u.s. citizens at the same $140 base fee, offer excellent value for those who plan to visit cChinarepeatedly. By understand the fee structure and plan your application process strategically, you can manage costs while ensure yyou havethe proper documentation for your trip toChinaa.

Remember that visa requirements and fees may change, so it’s advisable to check the official Chinese embassy or consulate website for the about current information before apply.