The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced that it will officially launch the “China Visa Online Application System” from 30 June 2025.
Answering key questions on the new visa system, the Chinese Embassy Spokesperson gave details on the process, revealing how and where people can apply for the visa.
Q1: After the system upgrade, where should I go to apply for a visa? What changes have been made to the application process?
A: Applicants can visit the website https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/ to fill out the visa application form online, upload the required documents, and the application will enter the preliminary review phase. During this period, applicants can log into the website to check the application status and, as required, modify the form or supplement application documents. When the status of the order changes to “Passport to be submitted”, please submit the application in person with your passport and documents, and provide biometric information (e.g. fingerprints). The application will now enter the final review stage. If approved, the applicant is required to visit the Chinese Embassy again to collect the passport and visa and pay visa fees.
Q2: Do I need to create an account for the online visa application system? How to register?
A: Yes, the online visa application system requires an account registration and login. Currently, only email registration is supported.
Q3: What changes have been made to the expedited processing service? How long does the review period take?
A: When filling out the application form online, applicants can still select “Normal” or “Express” processing method. However, this selection does not affect the timeline of the preliminary review phase. The expedited processing will only accelerate the procedure after the online preliminary review is approved and physical documents have been submitted offline. An additional fee is required for expedited processing, and the request cannot be revoked once submitted. If the consular officer decides to extend the processing time based on a case-by-case review, the expedited service fee will not be refunded.
Generally, the online preliminary review takes about 1-3 working days, and the review after submitting the passport takes 3-4 working days. Submitting an application too early (e.g. 1 month or more in advance) may cause a backlog in the visa system and may not be processed in a timely manner. It is recommended to apply for a visa two or three weeks in advance.
Q4: Can I apply for someone else? Can someone else submit passports on my behalf?
A: Online applications can be processed by yourself or by someone else.
Except for those who meet the conditions for exemption from fingerprint collection, after the online preliminary review is passed, applicants must leave fingerprints when submitting passports and other materials to the Embassy. Those who are exempt from fingerprint collection can entrust others to submit passports, collect visa and pay for the fees.
Q5: I submitted an application form in the previous Chinese visa application system before June 30, but did not submit the documents at the Embassy, do I need to reapply via the upgraded system from June 30?
A: The visa application system will be undergoing an upgrade from 17:00 on June 27 to 08:00 on June 30. Any applications submitted during this period are invalid. After 08:00 on June 30, apply via the new procedure.
Visa application forms submitted through the original system before June 27 remain valid. You may submit your documents in person using the existing procedure by 17:00 on June 27. After this time, applicants must reapply online through the new process.
Q6: Does the new system apply to visa applications for Hong Kong, China and Macao, China?
A: No. The new system is only applicable to visas for mainland China. Applicants who are eligible to apply for Hong Kong and Macao visas at our Embassy still submit their application documents to the Embassy in the original way.
For further details, the public is advised to visit https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/.htm. For enquiries, please contact the Consular Office via 0094-112676658 or by Email: colombo@csm.mfa.gov.cn. (Newswire)