How Much Does a Visa to China Cost? Updated Expenses
China, with its wonders like the Great Wall, Phoenix Ancient Town, and modern cities like Beijing and Shanghai, is always an attractive destination for travel, business, or visiting family. To enter, Vietnamese citizens need to apply for a visa, and the question “How much does a visa to China cost?” is the top concern. This article will provide detailed information about the cost of applying for a Chinese visa in 2025, the application process, and tips to save costs. Let's explore with NVK Travel!
Overview of Chinese Visa
Chinese visas are divided into various types depending on the purpose of entry, the most common being:
Tourist visa (L): For tourists, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
Business visa (M): For those on business trips, attending conferences, or exhibitions.
Family visit visa (Q): For those visiting relatives in China.
Student visa (X): For students studying in China.
Work visa (Z): For those working under contract in China.
Visa application fees for China are based on 2 types of fees.
Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports must apply for a visa before entering, except for those holding diplomatic/service passports or those eligible for special visa exemptions (see section 3). Applications are submitted at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General.
According to information from the Chinese Embassy and reputable sources, the cost of applying for a Chinese visa includes consular fees and CVASC service fees. From December 11, 2023, to December 31, 2025, China applies a 25% discount on visa fees for Vietnamese citizens. Below is the updated fee table:
Consular fee (paid when the visa is approved, in USD)
The consular fee is collected in USD, paid at the designated bank (usually the Bank of Industry and Commerce of China) when receiving the visa results.
If the visa is denied, you do not have to pay this fee.
CVASC service fee (paid when submitting the application, in VND)
Regular processing (5-7 working days): 690,000 VND.
VIP processing (2-3 working days): 1,380,000 VND.
Note: The CVASC fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is denied.
Additional costs
Translation and notarization: 100,000 - 200,000 VND/page (for documents like household registration, ID card).
Some individuals are exempt from the visa fee for China, including:
Holders of diplomatic/service passports: Exempt from visa for a maximum stay of 30 days, applicable for official work or family visits (spouse, minor children accompanying).
Family members of diplomatic mission staff: Spouse, parents, children of Vietnamese or Chinese diplomatic staff.
Individuals who have fingerprinted in the past 5 years: If you have applied for a Chinese visa before (within 5 years, without changing passports), you are exempt from fingerprinting, saving time and travel costs.
To be exempt, you need to present documentation at CVASC or the Embassy.
Documents required for applying for a tourist visa to China
Basic documents include:
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages.
Visa application form: Fill out online at the CVASC website (bio.visaforchina.cn) or obtain a form at the embassy.
ID photo: 4x6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Proof of identity: Notarized copy of CCCD, household registration book (or CT07/CT08).
Proof of financial means:
Savings account: Minimum 50,000,000 VND.
Bank statement: Transactions for 3-6 months, salary from 10,000,000 VND/month is an advantage.
Proof of employment:
Employee: Employment contract, leave application.
Business owner: Business license, tax report.
Student: Student ID, confirmation from the school.
Travel itinerary: Detailed dates of departure and return, sightseeing locations (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.), hotel.
Confirmation of round-trip flight booking and hotel reservation (recommended).
Note:
All photocopied documents must be notarized on A4 paper.
The application must be truthful, avoid providing incorrect information as it may lead to rejection or entry ban.
China visa application process
Prepare documents: Gather all required documents according to the list above.
Make an appointment (mandatory in Hanoi and Da Nang, not required in Ho Chi Minh City from 23/10/2023): Book through the CVASC website.
Submit application:
Hanoi: CVASC Center, No. 5 Trung Kinh, Cau Giay.
Ho Chi Minh City: Consulate General, 175 Hai Ba Trung, District 3.
Da Nang: Chinese Visa Office, 12 Tran Phu, Hai Chau.
Fingerprinting (if required): Exempt for those under 14 years old, over 70 years old, or who have fingerprinted in the last 5 years.
Pay CVASC fee: 690,000 VND (regular) or 1,380,000 VND (VIP).
Wait for approval: 5-7 working days (regular), 2-3 days (VIP).
Pay consular fee: Upon visa approval, pay in USD at the designated bank.
Receive results: In person at CVASC or via courier.
Tip: Submit your application early (at least 20 days before the trip) to avoid peak season (April-May, September-October).
Tips to save costs and increase visa approval rate
How much does it cost to apply for a visa to China?
Prepare documents yourself: Check the requirements carefully on the CVASC website to avoid missing documents, save service fees.
Submit early: Avoid peak season to reduce waiting time and additional costs.
Strong financial proof: Savings account opened at least 3 months prior, regular bank statements.
Clear itinerary: Provide a detailed itinerary, with confirmed flight and hotel bookings.
Avoid mistakes: Do not provide incorrect information, as it may lead to rejection or being blacklisted.
Use reputable services: If you lack experience, choose a company like NVK Travel for comprehensive support.
Reasons for visa rejection:
Incomplete or dishonest application.
Criminal record or legal violations in China.
Blank passport (never traveled abroad) or unclear entry history.
Suggested travel itinerary for China
To optimize costs, you can refer to a 5-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square.
Day 2: Explore the Great Wall (Mu Tian Yu), Summer Palace.
Day 3: Take a high-speed train to Shanghai, stroll along The Bund.
Day 4: Visit the Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Old Street.
Day 5: Shop on Nanjing Road, return to Vietnam.
Cost-saving tips:
Use high-speed trains (prices from 300 CNY ~ 1,000,000 VND) instead of domestic flights.
At a 3-star hotel or hostel (price from 200 CNY/night ~ 700,000 VND).
Eat at local eateries (price 20-50 CNY/meal ~ 70,000-170,000 VND).
NVK Travel – Assisting with visa applications and tours to China
NVK Travel, part of Eagle Asia Co., Ltd., with over 10 years of experience in international travel, is the ideal choice to assist you with visa applications and explore China. Benefits of choosing us:
Professional visa service: Document consultation, thorough checks, visa approval rate up to 98%.
All-inclusive tours to China: Itinerary of 5-7 days, price from 25,900,000 VND, including flight tickets, hotel, and visa.
Comprehensive services: Booking flights, hotels, car rentals, travel insurance.
24/7 support: Our consulting team is ready to answer all your questions.
The cost of a visa to China in 2025 ranges from 1,300,000 - 5,000,000 VND, depending on the type of visa and services used. With a 25% discount on visa fees until December 31, 2025, and a simplified process, this is the ideal time for you to plan your trip. Prepare your documents carefully and consult professional services to increase your visa approval rate.
Let NVK Travel accompany you on your journey to explore China! Visit now https://nvktravel.com/ to receive free consultation, book all-inclusive tours, or quickly assist with visa applications. With dedicated and professional service, we are committed to providing a wonderful experience in the land of a billion people!
