Visa Fees Explained
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China tourist visa fees

Last checked: 19 October 2026 · Visa fees by destination

China sets visa fees by nationality and by the embassy where you apply. Its embassies have cut regular visa fees for all foreign travellers until 31 December 2026 1,2. At the Chinese Embassy and consulates in the United States, US citizens pay US$140 for any number of entries 1. Most other nationals applying there pay US$23 for a single entry, rising to US$68 for multiple entries over 12 months or more 1. Express service costs US$25 extra 1.
Reduced fees valid until
31 December 2026 1,2
US citizens (applying in the US)
US$140 1
Other nationals in the US, single entry
US$23 1
Other nationals in the US, double entry
US$34 1
Express service
US$25 extra per visa 1
Online application in the US
From 30 September 2025 3

How China sets its visa fees

Chinese missions set fees by the applicant's nationality and the country where you apply. The Chinese Embassy in the United States says fees for some non-US citizens differ from its standard list and tells applicants to check with the visa office 1.

The Chinese embassy and consulates in Australia announced on 30 December 2025 that they would keep reducing regular visa fees for all foreign travellers until 31 December 2026 2. The embassy in the United States published the same extension on 29 December 2025 1.

Example: fees at Chinese missions in the United States

These are the reduced fees in force until 31 December 2026 1.

Number of entriesUS citizensMost non-US citizens
Single entryUS$140 1US$23 1
Double entriesUS$140 1US$34 1
Multiple entries for 6 monthsUS$140 1US$45 1
Multiple entries for 12 months or moreUS$140 1US$68 1
Express serviceUS$25 extra 1US$25 extra 1

Changes in 2025 and 2026

  • The reduced fee scheme was extended to 31 December 2026 in notices dated 29 and 30 December 2025 1,2.
  • The Chinese Embassy in the United States launched the China Online Visa Application System on 30 September 2025. You fill in the form and upload documents online at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA 3.

Where to check your fee and apply

Check the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate that covers where you live. It lists the fee for your nationality. In the United States the visa office is at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 110, Washington, DC 1. The online form is on the Chinese foreign ministry's consular site 3.

Common questions

How much is a Chinese visa for US citizens?

US$140 for any number of entries under the reduced fees in force until 31 December 2026 1.

Are Chinese visa fees still reduced in 2026?

Yes. Chinese missions extended the reduced fees until 31 December 2026 1,2.

Is there a fee for express processing?

At Chinese missions in the United States, express service costs US$25 more per visa 1.

Can I apply for a Chinese visa online?

In the United States, the online application system opened on 30 September 2025 3.

Do non-US citizens pay less for a Chinese visa in the US?

Most pay US$23 to US$68 depending on the number of entries, but fees for some nationalities differ and you should check with the visa office 1.

Do Chinese embassies outside the US have reduced fees too?

Yes. The embassy and consulates in Australia said they would keep reduced regular visa fees for all foreign travellers until 31 December 2026 2.

Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email hello@visafeesexplained.com with the official link.

Sources

  1. Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the USA: Notice on Extension of Visa-Fee Reduction (29 December 2025)
  2. Consulate General of China in Perth: The Embassy and Consulates of China in Australia to Reduce Regular Visa Fees (30 December 2025)
  3. Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the USA: Notice on the Launch of the China Online Visa Application System (18 September 2025)

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