China Tourist Visa Cost in 2026: Fees for US, UK & Other Travelers

How much does a China tourist visa cost in 2026? It depends on your nationality, where you apply, and the visa type.

For example, US citizens applying in the United States generally pay $140, while British citizens applying in the UK pay a published standard consular fee of £64. Additional service charges may apply.

Before paying, check whether you need a visa at all. China currently offers visa-free entry to eligible travelers from several countries.

The following fees apply to applicants using the specified country's official application channels.

Important: These are consular fees, not necessarily the total amount you'll pay. Visa application centers, express services, and optional agencies may charge separately.

The published reduced-fee arrangements for the US and UK currently run through December 31, 2026.

For US passport holders applying through a Chinese embassy or consulate in the United States, the regular consular fee is $140.

This generally applies whether the visa is issued for a single entry, double entry, or multiple entries.

Eligible US citizens can receive a 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa for the same regular consular fee of $140.

However, paying $140 doesn't guarantee a 10-year visa. Chinese consular authorities determine the actual validity, number of entries, and permitted stay.

A 10-year visa also doesn't allow you to stay in China continuously for 10 years. Each visit is limited by the duration printed on your visa.

The published US express surcharge is $25 per visa, when express processing is available and approved.

For example:

• Regular visa: $140
• Express surcharge: $25
• Total consular cost: $165

This excludes optional agency assistance, delivery, and other personal expenses.

For application requirements, see our China visa guide for US citizens.

British citizens applying in the United Kingdom have different fees depending on visa validity.

The published consular fees are:

• Standard visa: £64
• Five-year multiple-entry visa: £128
• Ten-year multiple-entry visa: £191

These amounts exclude any applicable Chinese Visa Application Service Center charges.

Not always.

Under China's visa-free arrangement introduced for eligible British ordinary passport holders in February 2026, qualifying visitors can stay in mainland China for up to 30 days for tourism and certain other permitted purposes.

The announced arrangement runs through December 31, 2026.

If your trip qualifies, you don't need to apply for an ordinary tourist visa or pay its application fee.

For longer visits or purposes outside the exemption, you may still need a visa.

There isn't one universal China tourist visa price.

Your fee may depend on:

• Passport nationality.
• Country where you apply.
• Visa category and number of entries.
• Special bilateral fee arrangements.
• Local visa application center charges.

For example, a Canadian citizen applying in the UK may be charged differently from someone applying in Canada.

How to find your exact fee: Visit the Chinese embassy, consulate, or official Chinese Visa Application Service Center responsible for your application location.

Use its current fee schedule rather than a price quoted for another country.

The official consular fee isn't always your final expense.

Your estimated total is:

Consular fee + mandatory visa center fee + any optional service or delivery charges.

For example, a British applicant paying a £64 consular fee may also need to pay a separate visa center service charge.

Always request an itemized breakdown if you're using a commercial visa agency.

Cost components, illustrated: add the charges that apply at your application location and any optional services you choose. A visa center service charge does not apply to every application; request an itemized total.

Yes, if you qualify for a visa-free entry arrangement.

China offers several exemptions, including:

30-day visa-free entry: Eligible ordinary passport holders from countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea may enter for permitted short visits, subject to current policy conditions.

240-hour visa-free transit: Eligible travelers, including US citizens, may visit designated areas of China while traveling to a qualifying third country or region.

These arrangements have different eligibility requirements.

Check our China visa-free countries guide or 240-hour visa-free transit guide before submitting a visa application.

A few simple checks can help you avoid unnecessary expenses:

1. Check visa-free eligibility first. You may not need to apply.
2. Use official application channels. Start with the responsible embassy, consulate, or designated visa center.
3. Compare mandatory and optional fees. Commercial assistance isn't always necessary.
4. Avoid unnecessary express processing. Apply early when possible.
5. Check refund conditions. Don't assume fees are refundable if an application is refused or withdrawn.

Fees can change, particularly when temporary reductions expire. Confirm the current schedule before making payment.

How much is a China tourist visa for Americans?

The published regular consular fee is $140 for US citizens applying in the United States under the current reduced-fee arrangement.

Is a 10-year China visa more expensive?

Not necessarily. Eligible US applicants generally pay the same $140 consular fee, while British applicants in the UK have a separate published 10-year visa fee of £191.

Are visa application center fees included?

Not always. Application centers may charge mandatory service fees separately from the consular visa fee.

Are China visa fees refundable?

Refund policies vary by application location, payment stage, and fee type. Check the responsible office's official terms before paying.

For most travelers, the first step isn't calculating the visa fee—it's checking whether a visa is required.

If you do need one, confirm the fee for your passport nationality and application location, then account for any mandatory service charges.

For the most accurate total, always use the latest official embassy, consulate, or visa application center fee schedule.

Sources

• Chinese Embassy in the US — Visa fee schedule and express surcharge through December 2026
• Chinese Embassy in the UK — Visa fee schedule through December 2026
• Chinese Embassy in the US — Eligibility to apply for long-term visas
• Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — UK and Canadian 30-day visa exemption
• National Immigration Administration — 240-hour transit policy