Understanding China Visa Fees: A Guide for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens who need a China visa will need to pay a $140 visa application fee, a service fee, and tax at the time you pick up your completed visa. You will need to visit your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate within the U.S. to both apply for your visa, pay your fees, and pick up your visa.
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Are you a U.S. citizen getting ready to visit China? Do you need to figure out how much your application fee will be, what payment methods will be accepted, and when to pay your fees?
This guide will help you learn all you need to understand about China visa fees. We will discuss topics like the amount of your fees, the current visa fee reduction for U.S. citizens, the express service fee, acceptable payment methods, and more.
We’ve also added bonus sections about the best places to live in China and about getting international health insurance as a foreigner living in China!
Be sure to also read our complete world travelers guide about Chinese visas. If you’ll be in China for an extended period of time, you’ll also want to start thinking about international insurance for expats in China.
China’s Visa Application Fees for U.S. Visitors
U.S. Citizens applying for a Chinese visa will be expected to pay a $140 application fee when they pick up their visa. There will also be an additional service fee and tax, plus an express service fee if they select to receive their visa in expedited time.
The visa application fee is different for every country, so be sure to learn the fee for the country you currently reside in (if you’re not a U.S. citizen) by looking into your local Chinese Embassy.
Chinese Visa Application Fees – Reduction for U.S. Citizens
China has created a temporary visa fee reduction for U.S. citizens applying for a Chinese visa. If you apply for a visa from December 11, 2023 – December 31, 2024, your visa application will only be $140 or $171. Fees for non-U.S. citizens will range from $23 – $68.
Your passport and visa cannot be picked up until after you have paid your visa fee in full. If you fail to pay the fee, your visa will be canceled and your future likelihood of being accepted for a visa a second time will be seriously affected.
The following chart details the visa fee reduction that is in place for the year 2024. This chart mimics a similar chart found on the Chinese Embassy website.
| Visa Processing Fees for China Visas | ||
| Number of Entries | U.S. Citizens | Non-U.S. Citizens |
| Single Entry | $140 | $23 |
| Double Entry | $34 | |
| Multiple Entries for 6 months | $45 | |
| Multiple Entries for 12 months+ | $68 | |
| J1/J2 Visas | $171 | |
Express Service Fee
To expedite your visa in a shorter time, you must pay an additional express service fee per visa at $25. This will speed up the process of your application so it can be picked up after 3 business days. Express services fees must be paid, even if you don’t pick up your visa on the pickup date.
Payment Methods Accepted
Individuals who pick up their Chinese visa onsite in the U.S. Embassy or Consulates can pay their visa processing fees with a credit card (Master or Visa card only), money order, or cashier’s check. Cash, personal checks, and online payments are typically not accepted.
Be sure to verify with your local Embassy or Consulate to make sure you have the correct method of payment.
Chinese Visa Fees are Non-Refundable
Visa fees must be paid if you submit an application, and there is no refund, even if you decide not to visit China or use your visa. Visa fees are also non-refundable even if your application is denied because you failed to submit the proper documentation.
Processing Time to Receive a Chinese Visa
The average time it takes for a Chinese visa to be processed and completed is 4 business days at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you select the express service and pay an additional $25, you can receive your visa in 3 days. Express services can only be used in urgent situations.
Additional Service Fee and Tax
Each Chinese Embassy and Consulate in the U.S. will have its own service fee that applicants will be expected to pay, in addition to the visa application fee described in previous sections. There will also be a tax fee you will need to pay.
Chinese Visa Fees Based on Your Country of Residence
The visa application processing fee for Chinese visas is different depending on your country of residence. For example, residents of Canada are charged $80, residents of Argentina are charged $150, and residents of Brazil are charged $140.
Find your local cost by visiting the website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate located in your country. The following chart exhibits a few examples of China visa fees by country.
China’s Visa Fees According to Country |
|
| United States | USD $140 |
| Canada | USD $80 |
| Argentina | USD $150 |
| Brazil | USD $140 |
| Angola | USD $122 |
| Romania | USD $100 |
| United Kingdom | USD $92 |
| France | USD $68 |
Best Places to Live in China as an Expat
Expats who are moving to China will want to consider living in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen. These areas are very popular among expats. Here’s a longer list of the best places to live in China:
Each is a great hotspot for expats!
International Health Insurance for Foreigners in China
Foreigners in China who are applying for visas (tourists, digital nomads, expats, students, healthcare workers, business workers) will want to have medical coverage for their health while traveling in China. An international health insurance plan can cover inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care.
Not sure what international health insurance is? A great place to start is to learn about your options by reading our posts about it.
Here are a few ones worth checking out:
- Living Abroad? Here’s What You Need to Know About Health Insurance
- Covering Your Health Abroad: The Importance of Overseas Health Insurance
- Finding the Best Worldwide Medical Insurance Coverage
- A Guide to Working Abroad Health Insurance
International health insurance is specifically designed to cover travelers when they are outside of their country of residence. International insurance providers have partnerships with a wide network of local healthcare providers in all countries of the world.
Don’t take a chance on your health, or your bank account – get coverage today!
Here’s a list of the top international health insurance providers in China for expats:
- Cigna
- Allianz
- NOW Health International
- AXA
- GeoBlue
- MSH International
- IMG Global
- April International
- Ping An
- Bupa
- ICBC-AXA
You can learn more about each provider and their unique plans by taking the links and reading their profiles on our website!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a China visa cost?
China visa fees vary depending on your nationality. Generally, fees range from $30 to $140 for most countries. In the United States, visas cost $140, in France they cost $68, in the United Kingdom they cost $92, plus a service fee and taxes.
What is the cost of a tourist visa for China?
The cost of a tourist visa for China (a visa category L) typically ranges from $30 to $140, depending on your nationality and the number of entries you require (single, double, or multiple). For U.S. citizens and residents, a tourist visa costs $140.
Are there additional fees for expedited processing of a China visa?
There are additional fees for expedited processing of a China visa. Expedited services usually incur an extra fee, which can range from $20 to $50, depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply. For the Embassy in the U.S. and the Consulates in the U.S., the express service fee is $25.
How much does a China business visa cost?
The cost of a China business visa (a visa Category M) varies depending on your nationality. Fees typically range from $30 to $140, with additional fees for expedited processing if needed. For current residents of the United States, the Chinese business visa costs $140.
Do children have to pay the same visa fees as adults in China?
Children are typically required to pay the same visa fees as adults when applying for a China visa. However, the fees may vary depending on the child’s nationality and the type of visa being applied for.
Conclusion
China visa fees vary from country to country and include a processing fee, service fee, and tax. If you found this article to be helpful, please read our posts Simplified Visa Application Process in China and China Visa Regulations – Staying Compliant as an Expat.
You will likely also be interested in reading our guide to living abroad in China for expats.
To compare international health insurance costs, check out our free, online insurance quote generator. It can help you compare hundreds of insurance plans side to side, all in the same place.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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