China revises visa application process for UAE residents: What travellers need to know
Visa applications start with an online form and document upload.
Preliminary approval issues a mandatory Visa Application Certificate (VAC).
No appointment needed; visit the visa centre only after online approval.
Passport collection takes four working days after in-person submission.
Starting June 30, 2025, residents of the UAE who plan to travel to China must follow a revamped, two-step visa application process that combines an online review with an in-person submission.
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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, aims to simplify the application process, reduce paperwork, and speed up initial reviews, marking a significant shift from the previous, more cumbersome procedure.
The New Two-Step Visa Application Process
The key change under the new system is that applicants would no longer have to walk into the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) directly to submit their visa application. Instead, the process begins online:
Online Application and Preliminary Review
Applicants must first complete the visa application form digitally on the official Chinese Visa Application Portal. The older downloadable PDF forms have been discontinued permanently.
All required documents, including a passport copy, personal photo, no-objection certificate (NOC), hotel and flight bookings, and any other supporting materials, must be uploaded as scanned copies.
After submission, the application undergoes a preliminary check. If the application passes this initial review, applicants receive a Visa Application Certificate (VAC) via email.
This certificate is essential, it confirms that the application is approved for the next stage and must be printed for in-person submission.
In-Person Submission at the Visa Centre
Once the VAC is received, applicants visit the visa centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with the original passport, the signed application form, the printed VAC, and all other documents previously uploaded.
At this stage, visa fees must be paid in person either by cash or card.
After submission, passports can be collected after four working days, with the day of submission counting as Day 1.
Visa Centre Timings
:
Submission and payment: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Passport collection: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Key Details and Exemptions
Fingerprint Collection: While fingerprinting remains part of the process for many applicants, exemptions apply:
Children under 14 and seniors over 70 years of age.
Holders of diplomatic or service passports or those eligible for diplomatic, official, or courtesy visas.
Applicants who have had fingerprints collected within the past five years at the Dubai centre using the same passport.
Those missing all ten fingers or unable to provide fingerprints.
Applicants traveling for less than 180 days (single or double entry) between September 2, 2024, and December 31, 2025.
However, the Chinese consulate reserves the right to request fingerprinting if necessary.
However, the Chinese consulate reserves the right to request fingerprinting if necessary.
Comparing Old and New Systems
The previous visa application method required applicants to download, print, and manually fill up lengthy PDF forms, often causing confusion and delays.
It also involved booking appointments to visit the visa centre, submitting paper documents, and generally longer processing times.
The new system offers:
Fully digital form submission through the official portal.
No appointment needed after online approval, allowing for more flexible and quicker in-person submission.
Faster preliminary review and response times.
Less paperwork and improved security.
Visa Types Covered Under the New System
The updated application platform caters to several visa categories, each with specific requirements:
Visa Type Purpose Requirements L Visa Tourism Hotel booking, travel tickets M Visa Business Invitation letter from a Chinese firm Q1/Q2 Visa Family visits Invitation from Chinese citizen or resident S1/S2 Visa Accompanying family Proof of relationship, residency permit copy X Visa Study Admission letter from a Chinese university
Why This Change Matters
The Embassy of China in Abu Dhabi launched this digital platform on June 30, 2025, followed by the Dubai consulate on July 14, 2025. The move streamlines visa requests, ensuring applicants experience fewer hurdles, faster processing, and a more transparent procedure.
Once an application is submitted online, it is reviewed preliminarily. Applicants receive an email notification about their status:
Approved: A Visa Application Certificate (VAC) is sent, enabling the next step of physical document submission.
Rejected: If errors or missing documents are found, applicants must resubmit.
This shift is mandatory for all UAE residents applying for Chinese visas, promising a more user-friendly experience with clear instructions and fewer delays.
FAQ:
Q. Do I still need to visit the visa centre to apply?
Yes, but only after online approval and receiving your Visa Application Certificate.
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Q. Can I submit my documents without an appointment?
Yes, appointments are no longer required after online approval.
Q. What documents do I need to upload online?
Passport copy, personal photo, NOC, hotel and flight bookings, and other supporting documents.
Q. How long does it take to collect my passport?
Passports are available four working days after submission.
Q. Are fingerprints required for all applicants?
No, exemptions apply for children under 14, seniors over 70, diplomatic passport holders, and some others.
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