According to official information published by Chinese visa application centers in France and Italy, several centers will temporarily cease operations from June 2024. This decision follows an unprecedented simplification of formalities for travel to China, including unilateral visa exemption for citizens of 12 countries until December 31, 2025.
Visa-free countries for China
Tourists and business travelers from the following countries do not need a visa to visit China, and can stay for up to 15 days: France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Hungary, Austria and Malaysia. This list will shortly be extended to include Australia and New Zealand.
Center closures in France and Italy
France
In France, China has four visa application centers in Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg and Lyon. The Lyon center ceased operations on June 14, 2024. at 5:00 pm and is no longer accepting new applications. China visa applicants in Lyon and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region must now submit their applications to the Paris, Marseille or Strasbourg centers.
June 21 update : The Strasbourg center also closes its doors on June 26, 2024.
Italy
In Italy, it's the Florence visa center which closes on June 21, 2024. Travelers requiring a visa and residing in the region must go to the Milan center.
How to collect a passport
For people who have completed the application process before the closing of the centers concerned, the passport collection procedures are as follows:
| Withdrawal date indicated | Pick-up location |
|---|---|
| Before June 17, 2024 | Lyon Center |
| Between June 18 and 21 | Consulate General of China in Lyon (69 rue Duquesne, 69006 Lyon) |
Pick-up times at the Consulate General of China in Lyon are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
According to the Official website of the Chinese Embassy in FranceFrom December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, holders of valid ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia travelling to China for business, tourism, family visits and transit will be exempt from visa requirements for up to 15 days.
In addition, from August 11, 2023 to December 31, 2024, visa applications for the following reasons are exempt from fingerprinting Business (M), Tourist (L), Family Visit (Q2), Transit (G) and Crew Member (C) for single and double-entry visas.
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