Simplified Visa Application Process in China
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has recently unveiled a simplified visa application process with a revised application form to attract more international visitors and talent, thereby facilitating more economic development.
Discover the world's top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
Are you planning to visit China this year? Want to know more details about the visa application process in China? This move will surely provide a more traveler-friendly experience for those planning to visit China.
If this sounds like an enticing prospect for you, this Pacific Prime article will delve into all the details of the simplified visa application process in China, and what it means for the country on the global stage.
What Has Changed in the Visa Application Process in China?
The revised visa application forms, which went out only on 20 September 2023 require applicants to list their travel history from the past year (rather than the previous five). Expect a more streamlined educational background section, where applicants can specify their highest level of education.
Another key aspect of this optimization process is the reduced amount of text in the application forms, which simplifies the process by saving applicants from handling excessive paperwork.
With a narrowed scope of information required, the application process is now more straightforward and less arduous for applicants. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at more details of the key changes made by the MFA.
Visa Application Changes: Past Travel Experiences
One of the most significant revisions to the visa application process in China is the adjustment to the travel history requirement. Previously, applicants were required to provide a detailed account of their travel history in the past five years.
With the optimized version, applicants can now list their travel history from the past year. This eases the burden of collecting extensive travel data, which significantly streamlines the application process.
Visa Application Changes: Educational Background
The educational background section has been simplified as well. Applicants are now only required to list the highest level of academic attainment. This eliminates the need to list all the extensive educational achievements, enhancing the ease of application in the process.
Lifting of the Visa Requirement for Short Visits
In a surprising move, China has unilaterally lifted visa requirements for nationals of six countries, which are Germany, Malaysia, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Italy. This allows them to enter China for stays of up to 15 days maximum without a visa.
This visa exemption applies not just for tourism purposes, but also for business, family visits, or transits. However, China has taken this step without requiring reciprocal visa-free travel for Chinese citizens from those countries.
This means that, due to the contractual obligations under the Schengen Agreement, the European nations cannot provide a corresponding visa-free regime for Chinese travelers at this time.
It remains to be seen if this visa exemption will be extended to other Schengen area or European Union member states, and whether China will also mutually lift visa requirements for their citizens.
The visa-free entry process for citizens of the six countries has been greatly simplified. They must have one of the stated purposes of travel (tourism, business, family, transit), and hold an ordinary passport that is valid for at least six months.
This regulation is being implemented on a trial basis from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024.
Five New Strategies Targeting Inbound Travelers
Besides the measures taken by the MFA, China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) has applied five new initiatives to encourage more foreign visitors to China. These measures include four initiatives related to visa application procedures and one on improving border inspection processes.
These initiatives aim to simplify and facilitate the entry process for international visitors, encouraging easier travel for business, education, and tourism purposes. This move is aligned with China’s overarching strategy to promote openness and global engagement.
Taking into account the details provided, let’s delve further into the five initiatives taken by the NIA and their implications for foreign travelers visiting China.
Relaxed Requirements for Foreigners Applying For Port Visas
Foreigners who urgently need to visit China for non-diplomatic or official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, and dealing with personal affairs can apply for port visas if they have no time to obtain visas abroad.
You can do so by presenting their invitation letter and other relevant documents to the port visa authorities.
Easier Visa Extension and Renewal Process
Foreign visitors arriving in China for short-term non-diplomatic or official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment or entrepreneurial activities, family visits, tourism, or personal matters and dealing with personal affairs may apply for visa extensions.
You can do so by applying for a visa renewal at the Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau at their place of stay.
Foreign Transits can Skip Border Checks at 9 Airports for 24-hour Layovers
International travelers transiting for up to 24 hours without a visa in China will be exempt from border inspection procedures at the following nine airports:
- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Beijing Daxing International Airport
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- Shenzhen Baoan International Airport
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
Additionally, travelers with international connecting tickets transiting to a third country or region within 24 hours through any of the above-listed airports can proceed directly to their connections without a visa requirement.
Re-entry Visas for Foreigners with Multiple Entries and Exits
Foreign nationals in China who have legitimate and valid reasons to make multiple entries and exits can apply for a multiple-entry visa from the Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau.
You may wish to do so by providing the invitation letter and other relevant supporting documents.
Simplified Document Process for China Visa Applications
For foreigners applying for visas to China, if their documentation such as temporary residence registrations, business licenses, and other relevant data can be accessed by authorities through official information-sharing mechanisms, they will be exempted from submitting these documents.
Additionally, foreign nationals in China who want to apply for short-term visas for family visits or reunions can provide a family relationship statement from their inviting host, rather than needing to submit a formal kinship certificate.
What Are the Expected Impacts?
Before the introduction of the strategic initiatives brought in by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Immigration Administration, many expats and travelers had found the lengthy visa application process to be troublesome.
Furthermore, while domestic tourism has rebounded, international travel to and from China still remains below pre-pandemic levels, making this the perfect time to loosen up their visa application and immigration processes.
Other than tourism, streamlining China’s visa application process will benefit the country’s business and commerce sectors. The simplified application process will benefit business travelers in particular who will need multiple visits to China for meetings, negotiations, and other business purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book my flight before applying for a visa to China?
Embassies accept flight itineraries for visa applications. In some cases, they recommend the visa applicants buy a flight ticket only after their visa has been approved. This is not the case if you’re applying for transit visas as you must have a fully paid flight ticket for your onward journey.
How long does a Chinese visa take to process?
If you have submitted all documents required, it normally takes 4 business days (it varies case by case). With the approval of the consuls, you may request express service (3 business days) for an additional fee.
How do I know if my China visa is approved?
The Chinese Visa Application Service Center provides a 24-hour online facility to track the status of your application. You can click “My Account” to enter track your application status page and bookmark it. You can easily find the tracking page from your account on the homepage of the Visa Center’s website.
Conclusion
China has implemented several initiatives to streamline the visa application and entry process for foreign nationals. The initiatives align with China’s strategy of fostering cross-border mobility and international connectivity.
The changes include the ability to obtain port visas upon arrival, extending or renewing visas for legitimate stay extensions, visa-free transit for 24-hour layovers at major airports, and re-entry visas for those requiring multiple entries and exits.
The visa application process has also been simplified by exempting certain documentation requirements if the relevant information can be accessed through official data-sharing channels.
With these new measures aimed at facilitating easier entry for foreign travelers, China demonstrates its goal to promote greater openness and international engagement across various sectors such as tourism, business, and education.
With over two decades of a reputation as one of the world’s leading international health insurance brokerages, Pacific Prime is an expert in providing tailor-made health insurance plans that match both your unique healthcare needs and your budgetary requirements.
So if you’re planning short-term visits to China, or you’re an expat living in China, our team of specialists is more than happy to help you find the best plans, all with expertise and impartiality.
Contact us if you have any further inquiries, or start by getting an obligation-free quote today!
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other articles below!
Special Visa Categories in China
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
- Best Hospitals in Japan for Expats and Visitors – Top Recommendations - September 17, 2024
- Top 9 Insurance Companies in the Dominican Republic for Expats - September 17, 2024
- Hospitals in Brazil for Expatriates – Reliable Options - September 13, 2024
Helpful Articles
LMG Insurance In Thailand For Expats And Travelers
Thaivivat Insurance In Thailand: For Expats And Travelers
Guide For Living Abroad In Thailand
International Health Insurance In Thailand
Medical Insurance In Thailand For Retirees
Helpful Articles
China Work Visas: Decoding the Process
NOW Health International Health Insurance for Expats in China
Top 10 International Insurance Companies in China for Expats
Parenthood and Pediatric Care in China for Expats
Comments
Comments for this post are closed.
We'll notify you
when our team replies!