China modifies Visa Application Procedure

To apply for a visa, the first step is to select the appropriate centre on the Chinese Visa Application Centre website. The next step is to register and log in. The application form must be completed online and any supporting documents uploaded. If necessary, the Application Centre may request further documents or arrange a video interview. Applicants are advised to check the status of their application on the website under the menu item 'Status'.

If the status is 'Submit Passport' and a confirmation email has been received from the Application Centre, the first and last pages of the online application must be printed and signed. The issued 'Visa Application Certificate' must also be printed. With these documents, a passport photo and passport (and any other required documents), the visa can then be applied for at the Application Centre during opening hours. Once the visa has been issued, the passport can be collected on presentation of the original collection slip. It can also be sent by post if this is agreed when the original documents are submitted.

In principle, applicants' fingerprints are taken when applying for a visa, although there are exceptions (e.g. if a visa has already been applied for within the last five years with the same passport and the fingerprints are already available). Until 31 December 2024, applicants will also be exempt from the requirement to provide fingerprints when applying for business, tourist, family visit (Q2) and transit visas, as well as crew visas with one or two entry points.

In addition, until 31 December 2025, German nationals and nationals of other countries are exempt from the visa requirement for visits to China of up to 15 days for business purposes, tourism, visits to relatives and friends and transit. Entry can be made with an ordinary passport.​