Visa fee relief: China extends concession policy through 2026

BEIJING: China has extended its visa fee concession policy for international travelers until December 31, 2026, allowing tourists, business visitors, and frequent travelers to benefit from reduced visa fees.

According to the new policy, visa applicants will have to pay about 25 percent less in fees than before 2023.

The concessional fee will apply to single, double, and multiple entry visas, while there will be no change in the application procedure or eligibility criteria.

China has also extended the requirement to submit fingerprints for visas until the end of 2026.

Fingerprints will no longer be required when applying for tourist, business, family or transit visas of up to 180 days.

According to officials, the move is aimed at simplifying the visa process and reducing processing time.

The visa fee reduction policy was initially introduced to promote international tourism following disruptions to global travel.

The extension signals China’s long-term commitment to attracting foreign tourists. Embassies from various countries, including France, the UK, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, have confirmed that no new conditions have been added with the extension.

Officials clarified that the fee discount will only apply to official embassy visa charges, while the standard service fee will continue to apply for services through visa application centers.

The policy will also maintain a 30-day one-way visa-free entry for citizens of 45 countries in China, which will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.