IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government recently reopened its visa offices in Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. and plans to reopen its visa offices in Chicago and San Francisco on Feb. 3.

Key Points:

  • Visa applicants must complete forms using the China Online Visa Application before visiting the consulate or embassy. Once the COVA form is submitted, no information can be changed.
  • Appointments must be made through Appointment for Visa Application Submission to submit visa applications in person.
  • After completing the COVA forms, applicants must print the forms and sign the confirmation page. If the COVA forms are not printed and signed, the application will not be accepted.
  • Applicants must also prepare the physical Required Documents (including A. Basic Documents and B. General Documents) and submit them in person at the visa office
  • The application documents must be submitted to the visa office during the appointment  by the visa applicant or by an agent with the printed AVAS Confirmation page.

Additional Information: Multiyear multiple-entry visas issued before March 26, 2020, as well as tourism and medical visas are currently suspended and cannot be used. More information on the reopening of visa offices is available on the Chinese embassy or consulates’ webpages for Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C.

BAL Analysis: Those planning travel to China should review the instructions posted on the Chinese embassy or consulates’ websites to avoid complications or delays.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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