In a major move to modernise and speed up the visa process, the Chinese Visa Application Centre has rolled out a new online visa application system, effective 23 June.

The update is designed to boost efficiency as well as reduce wait times by allowing most of the application work to be done remotely.

Under the new system, applicants can now complete their visa forms for China and upload all required supporting documents online through the official platform.

China streamlines visa processing

The new system replaces the previous process, which basically required all documents to be submitted in person, often involving long waits and repeated China visa centre visits for applicants.

Now, once the online portion of the visa is reviewed and approved, applicants will receive a Visa Application Submission Certificate.

They must then print this certificate and visit the visa centre only once – to provide their physical passport, submit biometric data, and pay the required visa fee.

This hybrid system cuts down the in-person process to a single appointment, significantly easing the burden on both travellers and administrative staff.

What was the longest you’ve had to wait for a visa?

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