China Visa Processing Times & Delays

🧾 How Processing Times Work

China visa processing involves multiple stages, each with its own timing considerations.

Processing time depends on:

• How quickly you complete the visa questionnaire

• How long it takes to ship your passport to Swift

• Consulate review of your online application

• Consulate processing time once your passport is received

• Return shipping of your passport after completion

Swift cannot submit your passport to the consulate until all required steps are completed correctly.

⏱️ Typical Processing Time

• Once Swift receives your passport, processing typically takes 4–7 business days, provided the questionnaire has been submitted

• Business days are Monday–Friday, excluding holidays

⚠️ Processing times and requirements can vary by case and are subject to change without notice.

This timeframe does not include:

• Questionnaire completion

• Shipping time to Swift

• Return shipping time after completion

🔎 What Can Cause Delays

Delays may occur for reasons outside Swift’s control, including:

• Consulate backlogs 

• Additional internal consulate review

• Missing, inconsistent, or unclear application information

• Public holidays or government closures

The Chinese consulate does not disclose the reason for individual delays.

💡 What Swift Can and Cannot Control

Swift helps by:

• Reviewing submissions for completeness

• Submitting applications according to consulate requirements

• Handling in-person consulate visits on your behalf

• Picking up passports on the consulate’s stated completion date

Swift cannot:

• Expedite consular review

• Guarantee processing times

• Influence visa approval decisions

• Request same-day or rush processing

📦 Shipping & Timing Considerations

• Swift picks up passports on the date the consulate completes the visa

• Pickups occur in the afternoon

• Tracking numbers are typically issued by the end of the business day

• FedEx delivery times may vary depending on location

FedEx is a third-party carrier, and delivery delays can occur.

⏳ Travel Planning Guidance

Swift recommends starting your China visa application at least two weeks before travel to allow buffer time for:

• Application completion

• Passport shipping

• Consulate review

• Return shipping delays

Booking flights before receiving your visa is not recommended.