UK Visa Fee for China 2026 — Official Home Office Rates
Chinese passport holders applying for a UK visa in 2026 pay official Home Office fees and submit biometrics at UK visa application centres located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and other major cities. The Standard Visitor Visa is £127 for 6 months, with longer-term options at £475 (2 years), £848 (5 years) and £1,059 (10 years) — popular with frequent business travellers. A specific Chinese tour group visa is also available at £127. Processing usually takes around 3 weeks, with priority and super priority services available for an additional fee. Chinese students form a major share of the UK Student visa intake (£524 plus £1,035/year IHS), while professionals often apply via the Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility routes. All fees below are shown in CNY alongside the official GBP amount for accurate budgeting.
UK Visa Fees for China Applicants (April 2026)
| Visa Type | Fee (GBP) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £135 | 3 weeks |
| Standard Visitor (2 years) | £506 | 3 weeks |
| Student Visa | £558 | 3–8 weeks |
| Skilled Worker (≤3 years) | £943 | 3–8 weeks |
| Spouse / Family Visa | £2,064 | 12 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the UK visa fee for China citizens in 2026?
UK visa fees for China citizens are set in GBP by the UK Home Office and were updated on 8 April 2026. A Standard Visitor visa costs £135 for 6 months, £506 for 2 years, £903 for 5 years and £1,128 for 10 years. Student visas cost £558 and Skilled Worker visas start at £943 for up to 3 years.
Where do China applicants apply for a UK visa?
China applicants apply online at gov.uk and then attend a VFS Global or TLScontact visa application centre to submit biometrics and supporting documents. Decisions are returned by courier or for in-person collection.
How long does a UK visa take from China?
Standard UK visitor visa processing takes about 3 weeks (15 working days) from the biometrics appointment. Priority service returns a decision in around 5 working days for £500, and super priority in 1 working day for £1,000.
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