China Visa from UK

Question

Hi everyone three straightforward questions

1) Roughly how much is a tourist VISA for China? Flight in and out about 28 days travelling around

2)How long does the process take? I read you need to do online form and go to embassy

3)Do you really need everything booked before you apply? I am ok with booking the international flights but I will be fluid during my stay and will decide which internal flights/trains and hotels to take closer to the time

Answer

Applying for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) from the UK is generally straightforward, but it helps to understand the costs, processing time, and documentation requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1) Cost:

For UK citizens, a single-entry tourist visa for China is roughly £105-£120, depending on the service fee of the visa application center.
Multiple-entry visas cost more, typically around £125-£150.
Express or rush services are available for an extra fee if you need the visa faster.

2) Processing time:

The standard processing time at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in London is about 4 working days from submission.
Express service (usually 2 working days) is available for a higher fee.
Same-day service is not typical for tourist visas, so plan accordingly.

3) Documentation requirements:

You need a valid passport with at least six months validity and at least one blank page.
A completed online visa application form is required, which you print and sign.
A recent passport-style photo.
Proof of travel: At minimum, your international flight bookings (inbound and outbound) are required.
Hotel bookings or an itinerary are usually requested, but they do not need to be finalized for the entire trip. You can provide initial bookings for a few nights or a general plan showing your intended destinations.

Additional notes:

Internal flights, trains, or hotel bookings for the remainder of your trip do not need to be confirmed at the time of application. Visa officers generally want to see that you have a plan and the means to exit China.
Using a visa application service can simplify the process and provide guidance on acceptable proof of accommodation.
Always check the latest requirements from the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center website before applying, as rules can change.

In summary, for a 28-day trip, a standard single-entry L visa is sufficient, costs around £105-£120, takes about 4 working days to process, and requires international flight bookings plus some proof of your initial itinerary. You can remain flexible with internal travel arrangements.