Chinese Embassy in This Country Releases New Visa Guidelines

  

Source: OT-Team(G), 中国驻墨西哥大使馆

  On March 13, the Chinese Embassy in Mexico released a notification titled "Guidelines for Applying for a Chinese Visa in Mexico."

If you hold an ordinary (private) passport and are applying for a regular Chinese visa, please carefully read the following information and prepare the required materials in advance to ensure a smooth application process:

1. Application Location

Applicants must submit their applications at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (hereinafter referred to as "Visa Centers") in Mexico. Chinese embassies and consulates no longer accept applications directly.

·Mexico City Visa Center: 

https://bio.visaforchina.cn/MEX3_EN/qianzhengyewu

·Tijuana Visa Center: 

https://www.visaforchina.cn/TIJ3_EN/qianzhengyewu

2. No Online Appointment Required

Since November 20, 2023, the requirement for online appointments for regular Chinese visa applications has been canceled. Applicants can visit the Visa Centers directly with the required documents to submit their applications.

Note: The cancellation of online appointments may result in a higher number of applicants during peak periods, leading to longer waiting times. Applicants are advised to plan their visits accordingly and submit applications during off-peak hours.

3. Required Application Documents

(1) Complete the Application Form in Advance

Applicants must visit www.visaforchina.cn, select their application location, and fill out the form ("Register" -> "Login" -> "Fill Form"). After completing the form, applicants must download and print a hard copy (entire form) and sign the confirmation page and page 6. The signed confirmation page, printed application form, and other required documents must be submitted at the designated Visa Center for biometric information collection.

(2) Required Visa Application Documents

For details on required documents and requirements, please visit the Visa Center or Embassy website:

https://bio.visaforchina.cn/MEX3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/banliliucheng

The Chinese Embassy in Mexico and the Consulate General in Tijuana have entrusted the Visa Centers with processing visa applications. For inquiries related to visa applications for ordinary passport holders, please contact the Visa Centers at +52-5552058165 or email mexicocity_hr@csm.mfa.gov.cn.

4. Fingerprint Collection Requirements

To facilitate travel, fingerprint collection is exempted until December 31, 2025, for applicants of single or double-entry short-term visas (with a stay of up to 180 days). Applicants for long-term multiple-entry visas must still provide fingerprints.

The following individuals are also exempt from fingerprint collection:

(1)Heads of state or government and their accompanying family members.

(2)Individuals eligible for diplomatic, official, or courtesy visas.

(3)Personnel assigned to Chinese embassies or consulates and their accompanying spouses, parents, and minor children.

(4)Applicants under 14 years old or over 70 years old.

(5)Those who have obtained a biometric visa with fingerprint collection at the same Chinese embassy, consulate, or Visa Center within the past five years using the same passport.

(6)Individuals with all ten fingers missing or whose fingerprints cannot be collected.

Note: Applicants must visit the Visa Center in person to provide fingerprints. Any attempt to falsify fingerprints or have another individual provide them on their behalf will result in denial of entry into China, with all consequences borne by the applicant.

5. Visa Fees

From December 11, 2023, to December 31, 2025, visa fees for China-bound travelers will be temporarily reduced. The updated fee schedule can be found at: 

‍http://mx.china-embassy.gov.cn/lsfw1/sfzn/202404/t20240423_11287996.htm

For Visa Center service fees, please refer to the Visa Center website.

6. Processing Time

·Mexico City Visa Center: 

oRegular processing: Pick-up on the 4th business day

oExpedited processing: Pick-up on the 3rd business day

·Tijuana Visa Center: 

oProcessing takes approximately 10-15 business days (documents must be mailed to Mexico City for unified review and issuance, so transit times may vary).

7. Important Notes

(1) Accuracy and Authenticity of Application Information

Applicants must provide truthful, complete, and accurate information on their application forms and supporting documents. False information or incomplete applications may result in processing delays or visa refusal.

(2) Additional Documentation and Interviews

Visa officers may request additional documents or interviews based on specific circumstances. Submission of application materials or attending an interview does not guarantee visa approval.

(3) Visa Validity, Entries, and Duration of Stay

Visa validity, number of entries, and duration of stay are determined by visa officers in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.

8. Additional Information

If you hold a diplomatic, service/official, or special passport, or if you are applying for a diplomatic, service, courtesy, or R visa with an ordinary passport, please submit your application at the Chinese Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

For information on the jurisdiction and contact details of the Chinese diplomatic missions in Mexico, visit: 

http://mx.china-embassy.gov.cn/lsfw1/bgxx/202503/t20250313_11573867.htm

For the Consulate General of China in Tijuana:

http://tijuana.china-consulate.gov.cn/zlgxx/bgsjjdd/

Applicants in this category should complete the application form online at:

https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/qzCoCommonController.do?show&pageId=index&locale=en_US

Note: Any changes to the above information will be subject to the Embassy's final interpretation.