If China has been on your 2026 travel mood board — for a business trip, a trade fair, a family visit, or a long-overdue tourism sprint — here’s the headline you’ll want to bookmark: China has extended two major visa-simplification measures through December 31, 2026. That means lower visa fees and no fingerprint collection for most short-term visitors.
In plain terms: fewer steps, fewer appointments, and less friction between you and your boarding pass.
What’s Been Extended for January 2026 Onwards?
1# Reduced visa fees stay in place
China’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions are continuing the visa fee reduction policy through the end of 2026. The exact amount you pay can vary depending on:
- Your nationality
- The visa type (tourism, business, etc.)
- Whether you apply through an embassy/consulate or a visa center
- The number of entries you request (single, double, multiple)
- Optional faster processing services (if available)
The big takeaway: the “discounted-era” fee structure is staying, which can make a noticeable difference for frequent travelers and families applying together.
2# Fingerprints are waived for short-term visas
For short-term visas with a stay of 180 days or less, fingerprint collection is exempted during this period. This is a big deal because biometric collection often forces extra in-person steps.
Who This Helps Most?
This update of no fingerprint and lower Chinese visa fee is especially useful for following 4 category applicants in 2026:
- Tourists planning city-hopping trips, events, and seasonal travel
- Business travelers attending meetings, expos, trade fairs, factory visits, and conferences
- Short family visits (seeing relatives, attending weddings, family events)
- Short cultural, exchange, and visit trips that fall under short-term categories
If your goal is a short visit (not a long-term move), the process just got smoother.
Who Is Eligible for the Fingerprint Waiver?
You’re generally covered by this fingerprint waiver for Chinese Visa in 2026 if you apply for a short-term visa, and your planned duration of stay is 180 days or less.
Whereas, if you’re applying for a long-term or residence-permit-linked visa category, fingerprint collection still applies. This typically includes visas such as:
- Work and long-term residence-related visas
- Long-term study-related visas
- Certain journalist and long-term family reunion categories
In other words: short stays = easier, long stays = standard biometrics still apply.
China Short-Term Visa Application: What the Process Looks Like Now?
While requirements vary slightly by location, here’s the streamlined flow most applicants will follow:
- Choose your visa type (tourist, business, family visit, etc.)
- Complete the visa application form (often online, depending on where you apply)
- Prepare your documents (see checklist below)
- Book an appointment (if your local mission/visa center requires it)
- Submit documents in person at the embassy/consulate or visa application center
- Pay the fee (now under the extended reduced-fee policy)
- Collect your passport/visa when processed
Key difference now: If your visa is short-term (≤180 days), you usually won’t need fingerprint collection during this period.
New Notice: https://www.visaforchina.cn/BOM3_EN/tongzhigonggao/465513524370739200.html.