Notice on Upgrading Visa Application Online Processing System 

To further enhance the efficiency of visa applications and optimize service processes, Chinese Visa Application Service Center (Hong Kong) * (hereinafter referred to as the "Our Center") * will implement an online processing system through the Our Center’s website. For details, please refer to the official announcement on the website of the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong S.A.R. Notice on Launching the China Online Visa Processing System. 

Starting from *March 17*, all applicants (excluding those applying for visas to Macau, China) must first fill out the application form and submit the required materials online. Only after the online review is approved can proceed to Our Center to submit their documents. 

Visa Application Process After Upgrading to Visa Online Processing System: 

1. Prepare Visa Application Materials:
   - Basic materials and other supporting documents.

2. Complete the Online Visa Application:
   - Visit the [Chinese Visa Application Service Center website] (www.visaforchina.cn) and find the Hong Kong Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
   - Register and log in, fill out the Visa Application Form online, upload the required materials, and submit for initial review. All applicants (excluding those applying for visas to Macau,China ) must complete this step online.
   *Important Reminder*:
   After submitting your application online, the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong S.A.R or Our Center may request further materials at any time. Please check the "Application Progress Inquiry" regularly to monitor your application status.

3. Submit Passport and Payment at Our Center:
   - When the status of the order changes to "online review completed" and you have received a confirmation email, bring the printed Visa Application Certificate to Our Center during business hours (9 AM to 3 PM on weekdays).
   Required materials include:
   - Original passport.
   - One recent photo (within 6 months, bareheaded wear, color, size: 48mm × 33mm).
   - The original documents required in the visa application instructions.
   - Other supporting materials as specified.
    Applicants must provide ten fingerprints at Our Center. The following applicants are exempt from fingerprint collection:
   - Individuals under 14 or over 70 years old.
   - Foreign Hong Kong residents who have retained fingerprints with Chinese visa authorities stationed abroad and have been issued visas, and temporary visitors to Hong Kong who have retained fingerprints with Chinese visa authorities stationed abroad and been issued visas with the same passport within five years.
   - Individuals with missing or unusable fingerprints.
   -Before 31 December 2026, the Commissioner's Office of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong S.A.R will waive fingerprint collection for all applicants applying for short-term visas with a duration of stay of no more than 180 days.
    Fingerprint collection will still be required, in accordance with relevant regulations, for applicants of D, J1,Q1,S1,X1 and Z visas, who are required to apply for residence permits after entry into China.
    *Important Note*: Applicants must appear in person for fingerprinting. Any impersonation will result in denial of entry to mainland China and associated consequences. 
  - All fees, included visa fees and service fees, must be paid upon submission of application materials. Please note that the original passport will be retained by Our Center or the Commissioner's Office. Three processing options are available for eligible applicants:
     Regular:  4 working days;
     Express: 3 working days;
     Urgent:   2 working days

4. Collect Visa:
   - Applicants can collect their Visa at the designated time by presenting the receipt issued at the time of application submission. Please note that the Commissioner's Office will decide whether or not to issue visa, Our Center has no decision on visa approval.

Chinese Visa Application Service Center Hong Kong

March 3, 2025