China Visa Fee for U.S. Citizens will Increase to USD 185 since May 30, 2023
China Embassy in the USA recently declared to increase the China visa fee for US citizens according to the principle of reciprocity. The visa fee will increase from USD 140 to 185 (except for J1/J2 visa) and it will be officially effective since May 30, 2023.
Since China has resumed issuing all types of visas from March 15, 2023, the visa demand to China is very huge and a great number of visitors have to wait for a pretty long time for the visa application. Here TravelChinaGuide kindly reminds visitors who want to travel to China to make a visa appointment at least 3 months in advance to ensure a smooth China trip. Follow us to learn more about the China visa applications.
Documents to Apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa)
1. Passport: the remaining validity of the passport must be over 6 months and there must be at least 2 blank visa pages.
2. Photocopy of the bio-page of the passport
3. A recent passport-size photo
4. COVA visa application form
5. A copy of your Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit (if you have one)
6. A copy of proof of your legal stay or residence status (driver's license, utility bill, bank bill…)
7. Round-trip flight tickets and hotel orders (name and personal information of the applicant must be included); or invitation letters offered by a relevant entity like a travel agency or an individual in China (photocopies of the Chinese ID card of the inviting individual should be included).
How to Apply for an L Visa – A Complete Procedure
1. Fill in the visa application carefully online via its official website: cova.mfa.gov.cn.
2. Check the available dates on the website of Appointment for Visa Application Submission (avas.mfa.gov.cn) and make an appointment first.
3. If needed, book your flight tickets and hotels.
4. At the appointed time, take all the required documents to arrive at the visa office at least 20 minutes in advance, including your valid passport, photo, application form, flight tickets and hotel orders or invitation letters from China.
5. Queue up for visa interview and you may answer some questions by the Consular Official.
6. Take a photograph and collect fingerprints.
7. You will get a pick-up note with the time for collection.
8. Pay the visa fee when picking up your visa. The method of payment differs according to different regions or countries. In the USA, credit cards (Master or Visa card only), money orders or cashier's checks are all accepted.
See more about: China Visa, China Embassy in U.S.A.