China launches digital visa application platform in UAE

New system reduces paperwork and streamlines processes

- BY DHANUSHA GOKULAN Chief Editor

Applying for a visa to China from the UAE has become more streamlined with the launch of new online application systems by both the Chinese Embassy in the UAE and the Chinese Consulate in Dubai.

The embassy launched its online visa application service on June 30 this year, followed by the Chinese Consulate in Dubai on Monday.

According to an update on the China Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC), the entity that handles the administrative tasks of processing Chinese visa applications for ordinary passport holders, the digital transformation eliminates initial paperwork burden.

Key dates

The CVASC notice also said that the previous “Online Chinese Visa Application Form System” has been discontinued since June 30.

Applicants who have already completed the application form on the current system are required to submit their application documents in person at the CVASC Dubai by July 10 (inclusive).

CVASC said the application form for the current system will not be accepted after this date. Starting July 11, the CVASC Dubai will not accept new visa applications and will only provide passport collection services.