The text provides a detailed breakdown of the cost and requirements for applying for a tourist visa, which includes visa fees, required documents, and additional considerations. The standard fee for a tourist visa application is $140, with potential additional fees for rush processing or special circumstances. Basic documents required include a passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank visa pages, photocopy of the bio-page of the passport, COVA Visa Form, photocopy of the latest Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit, Proof of Residence, and Where You Stay Form. General documents have been simplified for tourist visa applicants in the United States since January 1, 2024, and no longer require round-trip air ticket booking record, proof of hotel reservation, itinerary, or invitation letter. Additional considerations include providing proof of legal residence in the US for foreigners, additional documents for former Chinese nationals who have naturalized in a foreign country, and a photocopy of the name change document for those who have changed their name. Applicants are advised to check with the Visa Office for the most current fees and specific requirements.

The cost of applying for a tourist visa varies depending on several factors such as the country of application, type of visa, and processing time. Here is a detailed breakdown:
I. Visa Fees:
- The standard fee for a tourist visa application is $140.
- Additional fees may apply for rush processing or special circumstances.
- It is important to note that visa fees are subject to change and applicants should check with the Visa Office for the most current fees。
II. Required Documents:
- Basic Documents: Passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank visa pages, photocopy of the bio-page of the passport, COVA Visa Form, photocopy of the latest Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit, Proof of Residence (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, bank bill), and Where You Stay Form.
- General Documents: For tourists, starting from January 1, 2024, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States simplify application documents required for tourist visa (L-visa). Applicants will no longer be required to submit round-trip air ticket booking record, proof of hotel reservation, itinerary, or invitation letter. However, specific requirements may vary and applicants should refer to the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States for details.
III. Additional Considerations:
- If the applicant is a foreigner in the US, they need to provide a photocopy of green card, visa, I20, or I94 to prove their legal residence in the US.
- If the applicant was of Chinese nationality and this application is the first Chinese visa application after naturalization in a foreign country, additional documents are required.
- If the applicant's name has been changed and it is the first time to apply for a Chinese visa after the name change, a photocopy of the name change document is needed.
In conclusion, the cost of applying for a tourist visa includes the visa fee and potential additional fees. The process also requires a set of basic and general documents, which have been simplified for tourist visa applicants in the United States since January 1, 2024. Applicants are advised to check with the Visa Office for the most current fees and specific requirements.