From today, Chinese embassies in more than 10 countries, including key destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, Italy, New Zealand and Singapore, will stop offering online visa appointments in favour of walk-in visa application services.
This will allow visitors to walk into embassies and consulates during opening hours and apply for a visa.
However, it is still advisable to complete the application form online in advance to avoid crowds at the visa application venues.
According to an announcement by the Chinese Embassy in the United States last Thursday, the Chinese Embassy and consulates in the United States will offer visa application without appointment from 23 October to make it easier for foreign visitors to visit China.
After entering the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system and completing the form, there is no need for the visa applicant to make an online appointment.
The applicant can simply go to the embassy or consulate office and submit the application along with the visa application documents.
With the introduction of no appointment applications, the number of applicants visiting embassies and consulates may increase dramatically in a short period of time, resulting in longer waiting times.
Once inside, applicants should follow staff instructions, go through security, obtain a number and wait for their call.
Applicants who have already completed their online bookings and submitted their applications within the appropriate timeframe for the reservation date may be given priority using the reservation voucher.
