Cost of visa for China increases

The cost of getting a visa for China has just more than doubled following the launch of a new online application process.

Following the lead of India, the Chinese Embassy in the UK has outsourced visa applications. They are now being processed by a company called China Visa Services Limited.

While the cost of a single-entry Chinese visa is still £30, there is now a £35.25 service fee to pay as well. If you want your visa quickly, the express service will cost you an extra £47.

The Chinese Embassy processed 180,000 visa applications in 2007, leading to long queues outside its Portland Place office.

In order to obtain a visa, travellers can now book an appointment at the China Visa Application Service Centre in London via the Centre’s website. Or you can download the forms and apply by post.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office says it has received reports of delays and problems with obtaining visas at the moment. There have also been reports of problems with the new online appointment system.

As the Olympics get closer, visitors to China should also be aware that the Chinese authorities are asking for additional documentation in support of visa applications.

Visitors must provide outbound and return flight details, and details of accommodation (either a hotel booking or your host’s proof of residency).

Travellers on an independent ‘special tour’ – such as a self-drive, hiking, cycling or horse riding trip – are also required to present a visa notification from the China National Tourism Administration.

The government has also stopped issuing visas on arrival at Hainan Island, so all visitors must have a visa before arrival.

Find out more at the China Visa Application Service Centre website

Are you waiting on a Chinese visa? Have you used the new visa application system? Tell us your experiences on Wanderlust's community website goWander.com

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