Chinese embassies announced an extension of the policy exempting fingerprint collection for certain visa categories until Dec. 31, 2025.

Key Points:

  • China temporarily suspended the collection of fingerprints for applicants for certain visa categories in 2023 and the policy has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025.
  • The measure applies to applicants for tourist visas (L), business visas (M), family visit visas (Q2), transit visas (G) and crew member visas (C), with single- or double-entry short-term visas and stays of no more than 180 days.

Additional Information: Previously, travelers ages 14-70 have been required to submit fingerprints when applying for a visa to China. To simplify travel, China temporarily suspended the collection of fingerprints for applicants for certain visa categories a year ago. Applicants for long-stay visas — such as family reunification (Q1), family visit (S1) or study (X1) — as well as applicants for multiple-entry visas — such as business visas — will still be required to go to a Chinese embassy, consulate or visa center to have their fingerprints collected when submitting their visa application.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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