Express or regular: China's 16 visa types, visa service fees in Nairobi in 2026

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The Chinese Embassy has published fee structures covering 16 visa categories available to Kenyan passport holders

- Visa costs range from KSh 7,358 for a Group L tourist visa to KSh 19,674 for a 12-month multiple-entry with Express 1 processing

- Kenyans can submit applications at the China Visa Application Service Centre in Nairobi and pay via M-Pesa, Visa, or Mastercard

Elijah Ntongai is an experienced editor at TUKO.co.ke, with more than four years in financial, business, labour and technology research and reporting. His work provides valuable insights into Kenyan, African, and global trends.

Kenyans planning to travel to China can choose from 16 distinct visa categories, with total application costs varying based on the type of visa, the number of permitted entries, and the processing speed selected.

The Chinese Embassy has outlined a dual fee structure: one component covers the embassy or consulate charge, while the other covers the service fee levied by the China Visa Application Service Centre in Nairobi.

Regular service fees stand at KSh 4,958 across all visa categories. Applicants who require faster turnaround can opt for Express 2 processing at an additional KSh 2,500 or Express 1 processing at an additional KSh 3,700.

Chinese Visa Fees by Entry Type

The embassy fee differs depending on the entry option selected. A single-entry visa attracts an embassy fee of KSh 3,000, bringing the total regular processing cost to KSh 7,958.

Double-entry visas cost KSh 4,500 in embassy fees, with a regular total of KSh 9,458. For multiple-entry visas valid for six months, the embassy fee rises to KSh 6,000, making the regular total KSh 10,958. A 12-month multiple-entry visa carries an embassy fee of KSh 9,000 and a regular total of KSh 13,958, reaching KSh 19,674 under Express 1 processing. Group L tourist visas attract the lowest embassy fee of KSh 2,400, with a regular total of KSh 7,358.

The 16 Chinese Visa Categories

The visa types cover a broad range of travel purposes.

The L Visa serves independent tourists and group travellers, and is the most frequently applied-for category among Kenyan travellers.

Business travellers typically apply for the M Visa, which covers trade activities and attendance at commercial events.

The F Visa accommodates academic and cultural exchange programmes lasting no more than 90 days.

For those travelling for work, the Z Visa applies to foreign experts, commercial performers, and company representatives holding a formal Chinese government Work Permit.

Students enrolled in programmes lasting more than 180 days apply for the X1 Visa, while those on short-term courses of up to 180 days use the X2 Visa.

Family-related travel is covered through four categories: Q1 and Q2 visas for relatives of Chinese citizens or permanent residents and S1 and S2 visas for family members of foreigners already residing in China. The distinction between Q1 and S1 versus Q2 and S2 turns on whether the intended stay exceeds 180 days.

Journalists on long-term assignments apply for the J1 Visa, while those covering specific events use the J2 Visa.

Crew members on international trains, aircraft, and vessels require the C Visa.

Transit travellers passing through China en route to a third country apply for the G Visa.

The D Visa is reserved for those granted permanent residence, and the R Visa targets high-talent specialists and experts recognised by the Chinese state.

How to apply for Chinese visa

Applicants must first identify the correct visa category, then gather supporting documents, including a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, recent photographs, a completed application form, and any category-specific documents such as invitation letters or admission certificates.

Submissions are accepted both in person and through the official website of the China Visa Application Service Centre in Nairobi.

The centre accepts payment via M-Pesa, Visa, and Mastercard. The service fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application, and applicants are advised to submit well ahead of their intended travel dates.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.