China Will Continue to Lower Visa Fees Through the End of 2026
China has affirmed that its lowered visa costs will last until the end of 2026. Along with fingerprint waivers and visa-free entrance for qualified travelers, the extension lowers travel expenses.
Traveling to China will remain somewhat more affordable. For an extended period, China is maintaining its cheap visa fees. The one-year initiative to lower travel costs has been formally extended to December 31, 2026.
Travelers and businesses now have more time to plan trips without worrying about higher visa fees returning anytime soon thanks to the confirmation that was made last week.
China Visa Charges Remain 25% Lower
This is the basic definition of this extension. You will continue to pay lower visa fees if you require a Chinese visa.
Single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas are all eligible for the discounted rates. All things considered, the costs are roughly 25% less than the typical visa fees that were in effect before to 2023. That can have a significant impact, particularly for business travelers or frequent travelers.
Chinese Embassies Around the World
The extension has been confirmed by Chinese embassies worldwide. This includes diplomatic posts in nations including Saudi Arabia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom.
The regulations remain the same. Eligibility is unchanged. The application process is unchanged. Only the reduced fees are still in effect.
Additionally, the fingerprint exception remains in effect.
In addition to lowering traveler visa costs, China continues to waive fingerprint requirements for short-term visas through the end of 2026. When applying for a short-term Chinese visa, qualified applicants won't have to provide fingerprints. A stay of no more than 180 days is required.
Visas for tourists
Visas for business
Visas for family visits
Visas for transit
When combined, these two procedures cut down on paperwork, save time, and lighten the burden of obtaining a visa for brief visits.
A Brief Note Regarding Additional Service Charges
It is important to note that the decreased rates only cover the official visa fee that embassies and consulates charge.
Applications are processed through visa application centers in several nations. These facilities impose their own service costs. These additional fees are still in effect and have not been lowered. When creating a budget, travelers should take this into account.
A Part of a Greater Campaign to Welcome Back Visitors
Additionally, until December 31, 2026, China will maintain its unilateral 30-day visa-free entrance policy for nationals of 45 countries.
The message is evident when you consider everything collectively. China wants travel to be more convenient, predictable, and reasonably priced once more.
This extension eliminates one additional uncertainty for anyone making travel plans for 2026.
