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China Extends Reduced Visa Fees Through 2026 to Boost International Travel

January 1, 2026 7:39 am

China Extends Reduced Visa Fees Through 2026 to Boost International Travel

China has officially announced the continuation of its reduced visa fees through the end of 2026. This decision aims to make travel more affordable and accessible, alongside current fingerprint waivers and visa-free entry for eligible travelers.

Traveling to China just got a bit easier on the budget. The government decided to keep the lower visa fees that started as a temporary initiative. What initially began as a one-year program has now been extended until December 31, 2026. This announcement offers travelers and businesses the opportunity to plan future trips without the concern of increased visa costs.

Key Benefits of the Visa Fee Extension

Visa Cost Reductions: Travelers needing Chinese visas will continue to enjoy significantly lower fees. The current fees apply to single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas. Overall, these fees remain about 25% lower than the standard charges that were in effect before 2023. This reduction is especially beneficial for frequent travelers and business visitors.
Confirmation from Chinese Embassies: Chinese embassies worldwide have also confirmed the extension, including those in France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. Importantly, eligibility criteria and application procedures remain unchanged. Only the fees have been reduced.
Fingerprint Waiver Still Available: In addition to the fee reductions, the fingerprint exemption for short-term visas has also been extended. Eligible applicants for short-term Chinese visas will not need to provide fingerprints, as long as their stay is 180 days or fewer.

This exemption applies to:

Tourist visas
Business visas
Family visit visas
Transit visas

The combination of lowered fees and the fingerprint waiver simplifies the application process, saving time and reducing paperwork for short visits.

Additional Information on Service Fees

It is important to note that the discounted visa fees pertain only to the official fees set by embassies and consulates. Many travelers submit applications through visa application centers, which impose their own service fees. These additional costs have not been reduced, so travelers need to budget accordingly.

A Commitment to Boost International Visits

Moreover, China is maintaining its 30-day visa-free entry policy for citizens from 45 countries until December 31, 2026. This decision reflects a broader initiative to make travel more straightforward, predictable, and cost-effective.

As we look ahead to 2026, this extension alleviates one more concern in the travel planning process. With these positive changes, China is eager to welcome back international visitors, ensuring that exploring this vast nation remains an achievable adventure.