Now Reading: China revises visa application process for UAE residents: What travellers need to know | World News
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China revises visa application process for UAE residents: What travellers need to know | World News
China revises visa application process for UAE residents: What travellers need to know | World News
TL;DR
- Visa functions begin with a web based kind and doc add.
- Preliminary approval points a compulsory Visa Application Certificate (VAC).
- No appointment wanted; go to the visa centre solely after on-line approval.
- Passport assortment takes 4 working days after in-person submission.
Starting June 30, 2025, residents of the UAE who plan to journey to China should observe a revamped, two-step visa application process that mixes a web based evaluation with an in-person submission. This new system, launched by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abu Dhabi and subsequently adopted by the Consulate General in Dubai, goals to simplify the application process, cut back paperwork, and pace up preliminary critiques, marking a major shift from the earlier, extra cumbersome process.
The New Two-Step Visa Application Process
The key change underneath the brand new system is that candidates would now not have to stroll into the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) immediately to submit their visa application. Instead, the process begins on-line:Online Application and Preliminary Review
- Applicants should first full the visa application kind digitally on the official Chinese Visa Application Portal. The older downloadable PDF types have been discontinued completely.
- All required paperwork, together with a passport copy, private photograph, no-objection certificates (NOC), lodge and flight bookings, and every other supporting supplies, have to be uploaded as scanned copies.
- After submission, the application undergoes a preliminary verify. If the application passes this preliminary evaluation, candidates obtain a Visa Application Certificate (VAC) by way of e mail.
- This certificates is important, it confirms that the application is accredited for the following stage and have to be printed for in-person submission.
In-Person Submission on the Visa Centre
- Once the VAC is obtained, candidates go to the visa centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with the unique passport, the signed application kind, the printed VAC, and all different paperwork beforehand uploaded.
- At this stage, visa charges have to be paid in particular person both by money or card.
- After submission, passports may be collected after 4 working days, with the day of submission counting as Day 1.
Visa Centre Timings:
- Submission and cost: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Passport assortment: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Key Details and Exemptions
- Fingerprint Collection: While fingerprinting stays a part of the process for many candidates, exemptions apply:
- Children underneath 14 and seniors over 70 years of age.
- Holders of diplomatic or service passports or these eligible for diplomatic, official, or courtesy visas.
- Applicants who’ve had fingerprints collected inside the previous 5 years on the Dubai centre utilizing the identical passport.
- Those lacking all ten fingers or unable to present fingerprints.
- Applicants touring for lower than 180 days (single or double entry) between September 2, 2024, and December 31, 2025.
However, the Chinese consulate reserves the correct to request fingerprinting if needed.
Comparing Old and New Systems
The earlier visa application technique required candidates to obtain, print, and manually refill prolonged PDF types, usually inflicting confusion and delays. It additionally concerned reserving appointments to go to the visa centre, submitting paper paperwork, and customarily longer processing instances. The new system provides:
- Fully digital kind submission by way of the official portal.
- No appointment wanted after on-line approval, permitting for extra versatile and faster in-person submission.
- Faster preliminary evaluation and response instances.
- Less paperwork and improved safety.
Visa Types Covered Under the New System
The up to date application platform caters to a number of visa classes, every with particular necessities:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| L Visa | Tourism | Hotel reserving, journey tickets |
| M Visa | Business | Invitation letter from a Chinese agency |
| Q1/Q2 Visa | Family visits | Invitation from Chinese citizen or resident |
| S1/S2 Visa | Accompanying household | Proof of relationship, residency allow copy |
| X Visa | Study | Admission letter from a Chinese college |
The Embassy of China in Abu Dhabi launched this digital platform on June 30, 2025, adopted by the Dubai consulate on July 14, 2025. The transfer streamlines visa requests, guaranteeing candidates expertise fewer hurdles, sooner processing, and a extra clear process. Once an application is submitted on-line, it’s reviewed preliminarily. Applicants obtain an e mail notification about their standing:
- Approved: A Visa Application Certificate (VAC) is shipped, enabling the following step of bodily doc submission.
- Rejected: If errors or lacking paperwork are discovered, candidates should resubmit.
This shift is obligatory for all UAE residents making use of for Chinese visas, promising a extra user-friendly expertise with clear directions and fewer delays.
FAQ:
Q. Do I nonetheless need to go to the visa centre to apply?Yes, however solely after on-line approval and receiving your Visa Application Certificate.Q. Can I submit my paperwork with out an appointment?Yes, appointments are now not required after on-line approval.Q. What paperwork do I need to add on-line?Passport copy, private photograph, NOC, lodge and flight bookings, and different supporting paperwork.Q. How lengthy does it take to gather my passport?Passports can be found 4 working days after submission.Q. Are fingerprints required for all candidates?No, exemptions apply for youngsters underneath 14, seniors over 70, diplomatic passport holders, and a few others.
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