Applying for a Chinese visa, just like visas for other countries, can indeed feel confusing for beginners. However, if you already understand the steps, the process is actually quite straightforward and doesn’t have to be stressful.
By following the instructions carefully, you can save time and avoid common mistakes often encountered when applying for a Chinese visa, especially for first-time applicants.
Before applying for a visa, it’s important to know that Chinese visas are divided into several categories, namely diplomatic/courtesy/service visas and ordinary visas. Complete information regarding the different types of Chinese visas can be read here.
Based on that, this article will discuss how to apply for an ordinary Chinese visa, which can be applied for by anyone.
How to Apply for an Ordinary Chinese Visa
Starting from 30 June 2025, the Embassy of China in Indonesia officially opened online visa applications. Applicants can now fill out the form and upload documents directly through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website.
1. Online Application
- Visit the official CVASC website and create an account, then select the Jakarta location (check the top right corner of the page).
- Fill in the Online Visa Application Form by following the steps in this guide. Then upload other supporting documents (passport, photo, and additional documents) according to the listed requirements.
- Be sure to click the “Submit” button on the payment page so that the status does not remain “Pending Payment.” Payment is made directly at the Visa Center after the application is approved, as an online payment system is not yet available.
- Wait for an email confirmation; if the status becomes “Rejected,” you must upload additional documents or make changes. If the status is “Online Review Complete,” print out the Visa Application Certificate attachment and other necessary documents to bring to the Visa Center.
- You can check the status of your application by logging into your CVASC account. Be sure to enter the correct Application Date, otherwise, the system will display a “No Data” notification.
2. Offline Document Submission
Go directly to CVASC without needing an appointment, as long as you have received online confirmation in the form of the Visa Application Certificate.
Bring the following documents:
- Printed Visa Application Certificate
- Original passport + old passport (past 5 years)
- Passport-sized photo
- (If previously a Chinese citizen) old Chinese passport
- Additional documents according to visa type
Note: All applicants with ordinary passports are required to undergo fingerprint collection, except those who fall under the following criteria:
- Under 14 years old or over 70 years old
- Hold a diplomatic/service passport or meet the requirements for diplomatic/service/courtesy visas
- Have submitted fingerprints within the past 5 years at the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta using the same passport
- Have conditions involving the loss of part or all fingers
- Are exempt from fingerprinting for short-term visa applications (stay <180 days, 1–2 entries) from 2 September 2024 to 31 December 2025.
Pay the visa application and service fees on-site using cash or debit/credit card.
3. Visa Collection
Note: The day you submit your passport (for the offline visa application) is counted as the first working day of processing.
- Regular service: completed within 4 working days after submission.
- Express service: 2–3 working days.
Collect your visa according to the estimated date on the Pick-up Form by bringing the original pick-up receipt (operational hours from 09:00 to 16:00).
Ordinary Chinese Visa Application Fees
The fees for applying for an ordinary Chinese visa are generally determined by the duration of stay and the number of permitted entries, such as single entry or multiple entry, rather than by the type of visa.
So, visas for tourism, business, family visits, or study purposes will carry the same fee if the number of entries is the same (single or multiple).
When applying for an ordinary Chinese visa, there are two types of fees that must be paid, namely the visa fee set by the Embassy of China and the service fee charged by the Visa Center. Details of these fees are shown below:
| Visa Fee (2023.12.11 - 2025.12.31) | Service Fee (Tax Inclusive, 11%) | |||||
| Regular | Express Level 2 | Express Level 1 | Regular | Express Level 2 | Express Level 1 | Return Postal Service |
| Rp400,000 | Rp750,000 | Rp900,000 |
Rp362,000
|
Rp579,000
|
Rp761,000
|
Rp181,000 (split payment)
|
| Rp600,000 | Rp950,000 | Rp1,100,000 | ||||
| Rp800,000 | Rp1,150,000 | Rp1,300,000 | ||||
| Rp1,200,000 | Rp1,550,000 | Rp1,700,000 | ||||
Thus, the total cost that must be paid for obtaining an ordinary Chinese visa will depend on the duration of stay and the chosen number of entries, as follows:
| Total per Application (Tax inclusive) | |||
| Jenis Visa | Reguler | Express Level 1 | Express Level 2 |
| Single Entry | Rp762.000 | Rp1.329.000 | Rp1.661.000 |
| Double Entry | Rp962.000 | Rp1.529.000 | Rp1.861.000 |
| Multiple 6 Bulan | Rp1.162.000 | Rp1.729.000 | Rp2.061.000 |
| Multiple 12 Bulan | Rp1.562.000 | Rp2.129.000 | Rp2.461.000 |
Things to Note Regarding Chinese Visa Applications
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Processing times:
- 4 working days for regular service.
- 3 working days for express service Level 2.
- 2 working days for express service Level 1. -
Supporting documents and approval from the consular officer of the Embassy of China are required for express services.
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Express services are not available for J1 visa applications (Journalist Visa for long-term stays >180 days), S1 (Private Visit for long-term stays >180 days), Q1 (Family Reunion for long-term stays >180 days), X1 (Student Visa for long-term stays >180 days), and Z (Work Visa), as well as for non-Indonesian nationals.
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Postal delivery service is only available for regular processing, not for express or special delivery. The postal delivery fee is not included in the regular service fee and must be paid separately.
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Service fees may change based on exchange rate fluctuations. Therefore, the final cost to be paid will be adjusted to the amount displayed in the system at the time of payment.
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Accepted payment methods include debit/credit card and cash.
