The Chinese Embassy in France announced on Thursday a measure that will greatly facilitate the procedures for Chinese visa applicants in France. August 10 to December 31, 2023Applicants in France for Chinese business (M), tourism (L), family visit (Q2), transit (G) and crew member (C) visas with one or two entries will be exempt from fingerprinting.
The exemption from fingerprinting for these visa categories simplifies the application process and reduces the time needed to obtain a visa. This means that applicants will not have to physically visit a visa application center to provide their fingerprintsThis can be particularly beneficial for those who live far from urban centers or have time constraints.
Tensions ease between China and France
The decision to temporarily exempt certain applicants from fingerprinting may be interpreted as a gesture of goodwill on China's part. It could also be a response to concerns linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, by reducing the need for physical contact and minimizing the associated risks. As a reminder, China had introduced this constraint in 2019 as a reciprocal response to the fingerprinting requirement for Chinese students in France.
The Chinese government has stated that it will review this measure once the suspension period has expired.
It is essential for visa applicants to note that, although fingerprinting is temporarily suspended for certain visa categories, all other visa application requirements remain in force.
One of these restrictions is the requirement for a health document. The Chinese Health Document is a mandatory document for all travelers entering China. It can be obtained on the website htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn
Valid for 14 days, travelers must present it when checking in for their flight and at immigration in China.
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