New Visa Steps for UAE Residents to China

Planning a Trip to China? Important Visa Information for UAE Residents

For residents of the United Arab Emirates planning to travel to China, whether for business or tourism, a new two-step visa procedure must now be followed. Instead of the previously common in-person submission, the application process must first begin online, and only after preliminary approval can one visit the Chinese Visa Application Center in Dubai.

Step-by-Step Guide to the New Procedure

1. Online Application

As the first step of the visa application, travelers must upload the required documents online. These documents include:

Copy of passport

Recent passport-sized photo

NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the workplace

Accommodation booking confirmation

Return flight booking

Once the application is submitted online, it undergoes a preliminary review. If everything meets the requirements, the traveler will receive a document called the Visa Application Certificate via email, permitting them to visit the visa center in Dubai in person.

2. Personal Appearance at the Visa Center

In the second step, the applicant must visit the Chinese visa application center in Dubai, where they need to present:

The original passport

The printed and signed visa application form

All documents previously uploaded online

At the visa center, the fees are paid, which can be settled in cash or by credit card. The visa processing usually takes four working days, including the day of submission.

Key Information Based on Purpose of Visit

For business travelers, an invitation letter is mandatory.

For tourists, accommodation and flight bookings are indispensable.

Fingerprinting and Exceptions

Although fingerprinting remains part of the procedure, there are cases where exemptions can be granted. These include:

Travelers under 14 or over 70 years old

Holders of diplomatic or service passports

Those who have previously submitted fingerprints with the same passport in Dubai in the past five years

Individuals unable to provide fingerprints for medical reasons

Travelers with a visa valid for less than 180 days with single or double entry, between September 2, 2024, and December 31, 2025

However, it's important to note that the Chinese consulate reserves the right to request fingerprints at any time.

Operating Hours

Application submission and fee payment: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Passport collection: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Reason for Change

The revised system aims to make the processing of visa applications more transparent and error-free. Those planning a trip in the near future should pay special attention to the new regulations, as the process may take more time than before.

Summary

If you wish to travel to China from the UAE, start the new visa process in time. Online applications, document uploading, and the subsequent personal visit are all mandatory elements of the new system. The structured process is intended to streamline application processing, but precise preparation is essential.

(Source: Announcement from the Dubai Chinese Visa Application Service Center.)