Before travelling to China whether on a tourism trip, business development, exhibitions, study or work, you must apply for Chinese visa. Numerous Dubai inhabitants are conversant with the rudimentary documents yet they lack the appropriate methodology of applying for Chinese visa including the appointment booking system, processing schedules, tracking measures and post-approval measures.
This guide explains the whole process in a simple way and emphasizes on the steps and details that have not been covered in our previous blogs and thus ensures that you can easily apply for Chinese visa without any misunderstanding.
The official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre is in Wafi Mall and all the applications in Dubai are done there.
Step 1: Apply for Chinese Visa by Filling the Online Application Form Correctly
The official visa form should be filled online before visiting the visa center.
Major considerations to keep in mind:
- Complete the form in English.
- All the details have to be identical with your passport.
- Post an electronic photograph in the necessary format.
- Check travel dates twice before sending.
- Once that is done, print the entire application form.
- Sign on the appropriate pages.
After filling the form on the Internet, it is not possible to edit it. In case of a mistake, you might be required to fill another form.
Hint: You can save your application ID number. Later you will require it to track.
Step 2: Reserve an appointment in Dubai
Once the online form has been filled, it is necessary to make an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Dubai has compulsory appointments. Presentation at the entrance is not generally accepted.
When booking:
- Choose the appropriate classification of visas.
- Select an appropriate date of submission.
- This is because you should report at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time.
Late arrivals may need to reschedule.
Step 3: Visit the Visa Center for Submission & Biometrics
Despite the fact that you may engage a travel agency such as Holiday Destination Travel to prepare your file, most applicants are required to attend personally there.
Even though you can have your documents done or filled by an agency, you are required to visit the visa center and do biometric checkups yourself.
In Biometric procedure, there is:
- Fingerprint scanning
- Digital identity verification
This is mandatory unless it has been exempted. Until biometrics are done, the processing will not commence.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fees at the Center
The submission fee is paid at the visa center in the form of visa fees.
The total cost depends on:
- Visa category
- Number of entries
- Processing rate (normal or express)
Dubai may have different ways of paying, hence it is important to establish the forms of payment before coming there.
Upon payment you will get:
- A pickup slip
- A tracking reference number
Keep this slip safely. You will have to use it to retrieve your passport.
Step 5: Time of processing in Dubai
Processing time is based on the service that has been chosen.
Normal Processing
Normal average 4-7 working days.
Express Processing
Typically 2-3 working days (additional charge has to be paid).
Important Notes:
- Public holidays do not form part of processing days.
- Processing could take more time during high seasons.
- Visa center is just a location where applications are gathered, the Chinese authorities make the final decision.
Note: Avoid booking non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Step 6: Track Your Application After You Apply for Chinese Visa
Following the application, Dubai applicants are able to check their visa status online through:
- Passport number
- Application reference number
Tracking usually shows:
- Application received
- Under processing
- Passport available to pick-up.
Such a system will enable transparency and decrease follow-up visits that were unnecessary.
Step 7: Collecting Your Passport
After the application status has changed to the Ready, you are able to collect your passport at the visa center.
Options may include:
- Personal collection
- Personal collection
- Approved representative (approval letter)
- Courier delivery (on selection at the time of submission)
Before leaving the center, check your visa sticker carefully:
- Name spelling
- Passport number
- Entry type
- Visa validity
- Duration of stay
In case of any error, warn the staff members.
What Is Visa Validity vs. Duration of Stay for Chinese Visa?
A lot of the Dubai dwellers mix up these two concepts.
Visa Validity
This demonstrates the time you have to gain access to China.
Duration of Stay
This will indicate the number of days you can spend in the country once you have arrived in China.
Example:
Given your 3 month visa and 30 days stay, then you have to enter within 3 months, and you can stay 30 days after entry.
An overstay may result in fines, imprisonment or subsequent visa rejection.
What Is Single vs Multiple Entry When You Apply for Chinese Visa?
Chinese visa as a Dubai applicant one of the most significant choices you can make is whether to take a single, a double or multiple-entry visa. A number of applicants do not understand the real-life scenarios of the functioning of these.
What Will You Do in Case you leave China on a single-entry Visa?
A single entry visa permits you to visit Mainland China on a single entry.
Upon leaving Mainland China even though it is just one day, the visa gets invalid automatically.
For example:
Travelling between Dubai to Shanghai and then making a slight trip to some other part not in China under the Mainland, you cannot get back with that same single-entry visa. You would have to apply externally to China.
This is extremely crucial to business travelers and tourists intending to make multi-city trips all over Asia.
How Multiple-Entry Visas Work in Real Travel
Multiple-entry visas will be issued to you to both enter and leave Mainland China multiple times within the validity period of the visa.
Example scenario:
- You attend a trade fair in Guangzhou.
- You return to Dubai.
- You will be travelling once more in the next month for supplier meetings.
In case you have a multiple entry visa, there is no need to re-apply every time, provided you remain within the expiration date.
This option is ideal for:
- Business travelers (frequent).
- Import/export companies
- Exhibition participants
- Local travelers go to China more than once a year.
What Are the Important Rules After You Arrive in China?
After entering China, there are rules that should be observed.
1. Temporary Residence Registration
If you stay in:
- A hotel – The hotel books you up automatically.
- Personal apartment – You should enroll in the local police station within 24 hours.
The unregistering can lead to penalties.
- Visa Extension Inside China
In case you have to remain longer than you are allowed:
- Apply at the local Exit-Entry Administration office.
- Apply at least 7 days before your visa expires.
- Approval is not guaranteed.
Never wait until the last day.
- Altering the type of Visa within China
Switching between different types of visas (a tourist to a work one, etc.) is usually not a simple task.
In most cases:
- You must exit China.
- Reapply in your country (or place of legal residence) of origin (Dubai).
Make sure you plan your visa category prior to travelling.
How to Apply for Chinese Visa from Dubai Successfully?
When you intend to get a Chinese visa in Dubai, it is as important to know the proper procedure as it is to make preparations.
Since you will fill out the online form to trace your application and learn about the post-arrival requirements, each and every step should be done carefully.
With the right procedure of visiting the Chinese Visa Application Service center in Dubai and keeping in touch with the official directions, the application process will be a smooth process with no stress.
To be assisted with professional help, appointments, and professional guidance, the Holiday Destination Travel would make it easier to complete your visa history between Dubai and China.
Is it possible to apply without going to the visa center?
No. Even when the travel agency is doing your paperwork, you have to go to the Chinese Visa Application Center in Dubai and have your biometrics checked. There are only a couple of exceptions.
Will another individual take my passport?
Yes, you can have someone pick up your passport on your behalf as long as he or she is in possession of the pick up slip, your authorization letter signed and with proper identification. Misuse of documents is avoided because the visa center is very strict in document verification.
What happens if my visa is declined?
In the case of rejection, it is not always the reason. You may re-apply once you have rectified the errors such as wrong information or form, or failure to provide required documents.
