On August 10, The PRC Embassy in Denmark announced that China will allow eligible foreign nationals from 36 European countries to apply for new Chinese visas at any Chinese embassy or consulate within the stipulated countries. On August 12, the Chinese embassy in Berlin, Germany published a similar announcement.
Eligible applicants will not be required to submit an invitation letter and will be able to apply for a Chinese visa free of charge.
To clarify, the announcement opens up travel from specific European countries both within the European Union (which has 27 member-states) and outside the EU.
What are the eligibility criteria for foreign nationals applying for Chinese visas?
Passport holders from the 36 stipulated European countries and holding valid residence permit, including residence permit for work, residence permit for family reunion, or residence permit for personal matters.
Which European countries are on the list?
In alphabetical order, the following 36 European countries are on the list:
Albania, Austria
Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland, France
Germany, Greece
Hungary
Iceland, Ireland, Italy
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg
Malta, Montenegro
Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway
Poland, Portugal
Romania
Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain
United Kingdom
In addition to 36 European countries and South Korea, foreign nationals from Cambodia, Laos, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam holding valid residence permits for employee, personal affairs, or family reunion may apply for visas free of charge at Chinese Embassy in these countries starting from 22 August 2020 with an appointment.
This is a significant development for foreign nationals who have been seeking entry into China.
Since March 28 this year, the Chinese government has suspended entry for most foreigners, including holders of valid visa or residence permits.
The exceptions to this travel ban have been few.
For example, the Chinese government has facilitated visa applications of foreign nationals seeking entry into China for essential economic, trade, scientific, and technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs.
As per the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian: Recently, as the situation has been brought under control in many countries, people are looking forward to making foreign trips.
Thus, China is relaxing in an orderly and gradual manner visa restrictions for foreigners entering China to resume economic activities and for other essential purposes.
One more point to highlight is that for those who hold valid visa or residence permit but need visa renewal, Chinese embassies and consulates will provide them visa service for free.
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