China vs United Kingdom: tourist visa
China or United Kingdom for a tourist visa? Side by side: $89 vs $238 all-in, 7 to 10 days vs 3 weeks decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.
Verdict
- China is cheaper ($89 vs $238 all-in)
- China decides faster (7 to 10 days)
- China asks for less money in the bank ($1,500 vs $2,500)
China vs United Kingdom: tourist visa side by side
| China | United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa format | Sticker | Sticker |
| Process | sticker visa | sticker visa |
| Biometrics | Required | Required |
| Interview | No | No |
| Government fee | $30 | $179 |
| vistolane filing fee | $59 | $59 |
| All-in per traveller | $89 | $238 |
| Decision window | 7 to 10 days | 3 weeks |
| Validity | 10 years | 6 months |
| Stay | Up to 60 days per visit | Up to 6 months |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple |
| Funds to show (tourist visa) | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| tourist visa route | Tourist L | Standard Visitor |
Which is cheaper?
China costs $89 all-in ($30 government fee plus $59 filing) and United Kingdom costs $238 ($179 plus $59). China is cheaper by $149 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.
Which is faster?
China: 7 to 10 days (7 to 10 days). United Kingdom: 3 weeks (3 weeks (15 working days)). vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.
Which needs less money in the bank?
China asks for about $1,500 and United Kingdom about $2,500 for a tourist visa. China is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.
How the processes differ
China: sticker visa with biometrics. United Kingdom: sticker visa with biometrics. The steps are the same shape, so documents prepared for one largely serve the other.
Which should you pick for a tourist visa?
For a short trip, weigh speed and entries: China decides in 7 to 10 days. If you are choosing purely on cost, China wins.