If you’re a UAE resident looking to visit China, there’s a new visa procedure you need to follow. The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai has updated its requirements, and applicants must now complete a two-step process that combines online and in-person actions. Here’s what to expect.

Step 1: Apply Online First

You can no longer walk into the visa centre without completing an online step. All applicants must now fill out their visa application at https://www.visaforchina.cn.

You’ll need to:

  • Complete the visa application form online
  • Upload all required documents (e.g. passport copy, recent photo, no-objection certificate, hotel bookings, and flight details)
  • Submit your application for initial review

If approved, you’ll receive a Visa Application Certificate by email, which allows you to move to the next step.

Step 2: Visit the Visa Centre

Once you have your Visa Application Certificate, visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai.

Bring the following documents with you:

  • Passport
  • Signed visa application form
  • All original documents you uploaded online

Tourists must present hotel and flight bookings. Business travellers should bring their invitation letters.

Step 3: Pay and Collect

Payment for the visa must be made in person at the centre — cash and card are both accepted. After payment and submission, you can collect your passport four working days later (with the day of submission counted as Day 1).

Some applicants may be exempt from fingerprints collection:

  • People under 14 or over 70 years old
  • Holders of a diplomatic or service passport
  • Those having had fingerprints collected at the Dubai centre within the last 5 years using the same passport
  • When applying for a visa valid for less than 180 days until December 31, 2025

Note: The Chinese consulate still has the right to request fingerprint collection if needed.

And if you’re a citizen of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, or Kuwait, good news: you can now travel to China without a visa starting June 2025.

Be aware that visa changes have also been announced for several other countries. The United States has introduced an integrity fee for non-immigrant visa applicants, and Indonesia now requires an in-person visit for visa extensions.