China Travel Forum

[Robbin]

hi there,

It shows that the fees for a China visa for a US citizen have recently increased from 30 to 100 dollars. I am in Bangkok, and was going to use a travel agency, but wonder how much the embassy is charging and how complicated the process is.

If there are any US citizens who have recnetly obtined a visa from the embassy, I would appreciate the information. Also, the tourist information office lists a very different address for the embassy than the LP Bangkok guide. I would also appreciate the correct address. Thanks for any information.

[Jennifer Li]

$100 is the minimum fee for Americans now. Even a simple extension at the PSB costs $100. The up side to this is that we have extended visa options (but probably only if you get it in the US).

We can now get one year multiple-entry visas with duration of stay 120 days after entry.

You do have the option of sending your passport back to the US to get the visa issued there. They will be able to send your passport with visa back to you at your hotel, post office, or Western Union office.
You will pay more for shipping and processing if you want it rushed, but you'll get the best visa, and the cost is still 100 dollars. It might even save you money if you an only get a limited visa in SEA and be forced to get expensive extensions once inside China.

Bangkok would probably be the best place for this since there is a lot to do in the city, it's cheap, and there are plenty of day trips to occupy you while waiting.

[Guest]

Do it yourself, do it in Bangkok. the visa office is in a commercial-office looking building just across a side soi from the Embassy itself.

Don't forget your extra photo. if you are already in Bangkok, and you'd have to send it indirectly via a visa agent in the USA anyway, as Chinese embassy/consulates won't accept by mail directly anymore.

Between all the fees and shipping costs involved, you won't save anything even if you have to extend visa when in China. And being without a passport while in SEA for an indefinite amount of time is not a good idea.

[leeovisa]

From Jan. 20, 2008 on, the Chinese visa fee for US citizens arises again.
Now it is 940RMB.