U.S. passport holders pay a flat $140 consular fee for a Chinese visa, whatever the type or number of entries. That figure is a reduced rate applied on a reciprocal basis and currently extended through 31 December 2026, after which the standard rate would apply again.
Quick facts
Applications are prepared in the online system, then submitted in person. Going directly to a consulate avoids the visa centre service charge, which runs to tens of dollars on top of the consular fee.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consular fee, U.S. citizens | $140 | Same for single, double or ten-year multiple entry |
| Consular fee, most other nationalities | $30–$60 | Set by reciprocity |
| Visa centre service charge | $20–$50 | Goes to the centre, not the consulate |
| Express processing | $20–$30 | Two to three business days |
| Return postage | $15–$25 | If mailing rather than collecting |
Payment is by card, money order or cashier’s check. No cash, no personal checks, and the fee is generally collected when the passport is returned rather than at submission.
How to apply
- Complete the application in the online visa system and upload the documents for preliminary review.
- Print the confirmation page and the application statement, and sign both by hand.
- Book the submission appointment at the consulate or the visa centre covering your state.
- Attend in person with the passport and a photograph to the Chinese specification.
- Give fingerprints where your category requires them.
- Collect the passport or have it returned by post.
Required documents
- Passport valid at least six months with blank pages.
- Printed online confirmation and hand-signed application statement.
- Photograph, white background, to the published dimensions.
- Proof of U.S. residence within the district.
- Copy of any previous Chinese visa.
- Category documents for work, study and long-stay visas, including the invitation or admission letter.
Where to apply
Submission is in person, at the embassy, a consulate general or the paired visa application centre. Jurisdiction follows your state of residence.
Education Facility of the Chinese Consulate General
View details →ChicagoConsulate General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago
View details →Los AngelesChinese Consulate General in Los Angeles
View details →New YorkConsulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York
View details →OrlandoQingdao Trade Offices
View details →San FranciscoConsulate General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America
View details →Additional notes
Tourist applications were simplified
Since 2024 flight bookings, hotel reservations and invitation letters are no longer required for ordinary tourist applications, which removed a long-standing source of rejections.
Fingerprints
Fingerprinting has been waived for several short-stay categories through the end of 2026. Long-stay work and study categories still require it.
Transit without a visa
Travellers passing through China to a third country may qualify for a visa-free transit stay at eligible ports. It is worth checking before paying for a visa you do not need.
Working on a tourist visa
Tourist categories do not authorise work of any kind. Employment requires the corresponding category, sponsored by an employer in China.