China modifies the visa application process for UAE residents: what passengers should know. world News
TL; Dr.
- Visa application starts with an online form and document upload.
- Initial approval issues a compulsory visa application certificate (VAC).
- No appointment required; Go to the visa center only after online approval.
- The passport collection takes four working days of in-purson submission.
Since June 30, 2025, UAE residents who are planning to travel to China, should follow a revived, two-step visa application process that combines an online review with an in-tradition submission. This new system, adopted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abu Dhabi and later adopted by the Consulate General in Dubai, simplifying the application process, reducing paperwork, and speeding up initial reviews, marking a significant change from the previous, more cumbersome process.
New two-step visa application process
The significant change under the new system is that applicants will no longer have to go directly to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) to submit their visa application. Instead, the process starts online:Online application and initial review
- Applicants must first complete a visa application on the official Chinese Visa Application Portal. Old downloadable PDF forms have been permanently closed.
- All necessary documents including passport copy, personal photos, no-objection certificate (NOC), hotel and flight booking and any other auxiliary materials should be uploaded as scan copies.
- After submission, the application undergoes an initial investigation. If the application undergoes this initial review, the applicants get a visa application certificate (VAC) via email.
- This certificate is required, it confirms that the application is approved for the next stage and should be printed for in-practice submission.
In-Person Submission in Visa Center
- Once the VAC is received, the applicants visit the visa center in Dubai or Abu Dhabi along with the original passport, signed application form, printed VAC and all other documents.
- At this stage, visa fees should be paid individually by either cash or card.
- After presenting, the passport can be collected after four working days, with the day of presenting day 1.
Visa center time,
- Submission and Payment: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Passport Collection: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Main details and discounts
- Fingerprint Collection: Fingerprinting remains part of the process for many applicants, discount applies:
- Children under 14 years of age and children over 70 years of age.
- Diplomatic or service is eligible for passport holder or diplomatic, official or courtesy visa.
- Applicants who have collected the same passport at Dubai Center within the last five years.
- They all remember ten fingers or are unable to provide fingerprints.
- Applicants traveling less than 180 days (single or dual entry) between September 2, 2024 and 31 December 2025.
However, Chinese consulate reserves the right to request fingerprint if necessary.
Comparison of old and new systems
The previous visa application method requires downloading, printing and manually filling long PDF forms, which often causes confusion and delay. It also included booking appointments for the visa center visiting the visa center, submitting paper documents and usually prolonged processing time. Provides new system:
- Complete digital form submission through the official portal.
- No appointment is required after online approval, allows for more flexible and fast in-Persen submission.
- Rapid initial review and response time.
- Low paperwork and better security.
Visa type covered under the new system
Update application platform meets several visa categories, with each specific requirements:
| Visa type | Objective | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| L visa | Tourism | Hotel Booking, Travel Tickets |
| M Visa | Business | Invitation letter from a Chinese firm |
| Q1/Q2 Visa | Family tour | Invitation from Chinese citizen or resident |
| S1/s2 visa | With family | Evidence of relation, residence permit copy |
| X visa | Study | Admit Card from a Chinese University |
The Chinese embassy in Abu Dhabi launched the digital platform on 30 June 2025, followed by Dubai Consulate on July 14, 2025. This step strengthens visa requests, ensuring that applicants experience less obstacles, rapid processing and more transparent process. Once an application is submitted online, it is reviewed. Applicants get an email notification about their situation:
- Accepted: A visa application certificate (VAC) is sent, which enables the next stage of submission of physical documents.
- Rejected: If errors or missing documents are found, applicants will have to resume.
This change is mandatory for all UAE residents applying for Chinese visas, which promises more user -friendly experience with clear instructions and low delays.
FAQ:
Q. Do I still need to visit a visa center to apply?Yes, but only after online approval and obtaining your visa application certificate.Q. Can I submit my documents without any appointment?Yes, appointments are not required after online approval.Q. What documents do I need to upload online?Passport Copy, Personal Photos, NOC, Hotel and Flight Booking, and other assistant documents.Q. How long does my passport take to collect?There are four working days available to submit passports.Q. Should all applicants require fingerprints?No, the discount applies to children under 14, more than 70 senior, diplomatic passport holders and some others.
