How Much Does ChinaVisaMail Cost?
ChinaVisaMail costs $449 per person for Standard service and $494 per person for Express. That is the total price for a U.S. passport holder: the Chinese government visa fee is already included, so you do not add another $140 on top. Couples and families pay less per person.
| Applicants | Standard (total) | Express (total) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 applicant | $449 | $494 |
| 2 applicants | $799 | $849 |
| Family of 3 | $928 | $982 |
| Family of 4 | $1,079 | $1,128 |
| 5 or more | Custom quote | Custom quote |
The same prices apply in every state we serve: 39 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico, through the San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York Consulates and the Washington DC Embassy.
What Is Included
- The Chinese government visa fee for U.S. passport holders
- COVA guidance and a review of your documents before submission
- In-person submission of your passport at your Consulate or Embassy
- Pickup when your visa is ready, and a check of the visa
- Return of your passport by USPS Priority Mail with tracking
- Updates by email, phone or text, in English or Mandarin
What Is Not Included
- Mailing your passport to us. You pay your own postage directly to the carrier. USPS Priority Mail with tracking is our preferred option; FedEx, UPS or another tracked service is fine if it can deliver to the address in your mailing instructions.
- Optional upgrades: a guaranteed next-day return is a paid upgrade, and Bay Area home or office pickup and delivery is +$98 per pickup (one pickup covers the whole family).
- Non-U.S. passports: government visa fees vary by nationality, so contact Mandy to confirm your exact total.
Standard or Express?
Express costs $45 more per person and shortens the visa office's processing: 2–3 business days at the San Francisco and Los Angeles Consulates and 3 at the New York Consulate and the Washington DC Embassy, versus about 4 business days for Standard. Once we receive your passport, the total is typically 11–13 business days for Standard and 8–11 for Express. These are estimates, not guarantees. See Express vs Standard and rush options, or go straight to the Express service page if your trip is within about three weeks.
How and When to Pay
Payment is not required before mailing your passport. You may pay before mailing or after we receive it, unless Mandy gives different instructions for your case. We accept Zelle, Venmo, check or money order; payment instructions come in Mandy's reply email after you apply. Do not put payment in your passport envelope unless we ask you to.
Refunds
If an application is refused, the government's part of the fee may not be refundable under consulate rules. Whether any of our service fee can be refunded depends on how far the case has gone — see our terms or ask Mandy.
Compare the Cost of Going Yourself
Applying yourself means two weekday trips to the visa office (one to submit, one to pick up) plus the government fee. For a full comparison, read our China visa cost breakdown.
Ready to Apply?
Apply online. Mandy replies within 1–2 hours with your mailing instructions, payment options and a document checklist.
Apply Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $140 Chinese visa fee included in the price?
Yes, for U.S. passport holders. $449 Standard and $494 Express are total prices with the government visa fee included. Non-U.S. passport holders should contact ChinaVisaMail to confirm their exact total, since government fees vary by nationality.
Do I have to pay before I mail my passport?
Payment is not required before mailing your passport. You may pay before mailing or after we receive it, unless Mandy gives different instructions for your case.
How much is it for a family?
Two applicants: $799 Standard or $849 Express. Family of 3: $928 or $982. Family of 4: $1,079 or $1,128. Groups of 5 or more get a custom quote.
Are there any extra fees?
Only your own postage to mail your passport to us, plus optional upgrades if you choose them: a guaranteed next-day return, or Bay Area pickup and delivery at +$98 per pickup.