China begins issuing 10-year visas to Canadian travelers

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? China began issuing 10-year, multiple-entry visas to Canadian business travelers and tourists this week.

What does the change mean? The arrangement significantly improves visa procedures for Canadians who frequently travel to China.

• Implementation timeframe:March 9.
• Visas/permits affected: Chinese business (M) and tourist (L) visas.
• Who is affected:Canadians traveling to China.
• Business impact:Business people who travel regularly to China will save time and money because they will only have to apply for visas once every 10 years.
• Impact on processing times: The extended visa validity will ease processing by eliminating a number of visa renewals.

Background: Canada began issuing 10-year visas to Chinese travelers in 2011. The issuance of 10-year, multiple-entry visas to Canadians is a significant improvement to the visa procedures for Canadians traveling to China. Previously, business and tourist travelers were eligible for multiple-entry visas for up to five years. While the change reduces red tape, it does not affect the permitted length of stay. Business travelers, for example, are permitted to remain in China for up to 90 days, the same time they were allowed before the change to the 10-year visa scheme.

BAL Analysis: The change will facilitate business travel and reduce the inconvenience of having to apply for a visa more frequently.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Canada. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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