Although China has recently simplified travel formalities for many countries, attendance at Chinese visa application centers in two countries has decreased significantly, mainly in the provinces,
As a result, visa application centers located in France and Italy have decided to stop operating VisaGuide.World reports.
Chinese Consulates in Lyon & Milan Remain Open
So far, China had a total of four visa application centers in France, which are located in Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Lyon.
One of the visa centers in Lyon stopped its activity on June 14 and no longer accepts new visa applications. According to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, those who need to get their passport with visa between June 18 and 21, 2024, are forced to go to the Chinese Consulate General in Lyon to get their travel document.
If the collection date indicated on your receipt is between June 18 and June 21, please go to the Consulate General of China in Lyon (69 rue Duquesne, 69006 Lyon) to collect your passport on the date indicated on your collection ticket.
Meanwhile, the visa center in Florence, Italy, is also closing its doors. Thus, applicants seeking a visa and residence in the region must now go to the center of Milan.
Starting from 13th June 2024, the Chinese Visa Application Center in Florence will cease services of application and provide the service of delivery only until 20th June 2024; the office will be closed from 21st June 2024. For the Visa application service, kindly go to Milan.
Temporary Closure of Consular Section of Chinese Embassy in Belgium
Earlier this month, the Chinese embassy in Belgium also announced that on the occasion of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Consular Section of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium was closed on June 10, 2024.
Due to the Dragon Boat Festival, Bulgaria Visa Application Centers under Beijing Jurisdiction will be closed on June 10, 2024 (Monday).
In addition, China has decided to extend visa-free travel for 12 countries until December 31, 2025, allowing unlimited short-stay entry.
In this regard, tourists and business travelers from the following countries are allowed to travel to China without needing a visa and stay there for 15 days:
- Austria
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Switzerland
Moreover, the same country recently included Australia and New Zealand in its visa waiver program. Following the new move, Australian travelers can save about $110 on visa travel costs. It also allows Australians to enter the country without visas for up to 15 days.