Initial China visa application with fingerprints only

Fingerprints become mandatory on first application

Color fingerprint with Chinese flag on white background

From 16/12/2019, you, as a traveler, must personally submit your fingerprints to a competent Chinese diplomatic mission abroad as part of the China visa application process.

Your fingerprints will then be kept in the authorities' system for 5 years and will be attached to your passport. If you apply for a new passport within those 5 years, you will have to submit new fingerprints to the Chinese diplomatic mission abroad.

Otherwise, you can book a visa to China with us as usual during this period - without fingerprints.

Update on entry requirements:

Fingerprints no longer required.

In 2023, China decided to temporarily eliminate the mandatory fingerprinting requirement for certain visa categories. This policy was extended until December 31, 2025 and applies to single-entry and double-entry short-stay visas with a maximum stay of up to 180 days:

Tourist visas (L)
Business visas (M)
Family Visitor Visas (Q2)
Transit visas (G)
Journalist Visas (J2)
Student Visas (X2)
Travel by invitation (F)
Work visas up to 180 days (Z)

Exemption from mandatory fingerprinting also applies to certain age categories: persons under 14 years of age and persons over 70 years of age.

Fingerprinting is required.

However, applicants for long-term and multiple-entry visas such as family reunification (Q1, Q2), family visit visas (S1, S2), student visas (X1), work visas (Z), and multiple-entry business visas (M) are required to be fingerprinted. These applicants must visit a Chinese embassy or consulate for the procedure.

It is important to keep in mind that visa policies are subject to change, so it is recommended that you update your visa requirements regularly. Keep an eye on official sources to stay abreast of any changes and nuances.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance with your visa application, contact the visa center Buch-dein-Visum.de. Our experts are ready to offer qualified assistance and timely advice.

Apply for your China visa now - no fingerprints required!

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Where can I get fingerprinted for a visa to China?

To make an initial application for a Chinese visa, you need to visit an official branch of the embassy - a visa application center (CVASC).

Chinese visa centers are located, for example, in

Berlin
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Munich
Düsseldorf

How does it all work?

The new application procedure standardizes the China visa application process. When applying for a visa to China for the first time, it does not matter which visa you are applying for. This is because everyone traveling to China, regardless of visa type, must visit an official Chinese diplomatic mission abroad to submit not only fingerprints but also a completed visa application.

Filing is by appointment only

Please note that you must make an appointment at an official Chinese diplomatic mission. Without an appointment, you will not be able to be fingerprinted or submit your visa documents to the consul. Consequently, you will not be able to apply for your desired visa.

How we can help you with your first application

With our convenient fingerprinting service, we will prepare you perfectly for your meeting at one of China's visa centers! We will take care of filling out the complicated visa application, communicating with the authorities and organizing a meeting at the foreign office of your choice.

It's that easy

After processing, we will send you a ready-made application package. All you need to do is sign the visa application and give it to the authorities. This must be done in person as you will be asked to be fingerprinted when you submit your application . Once your application is approved, we will be happy to collect your passport from the consulate. This service is already included in our convenient service. All you need to do is send us a power of attorney and a passport receipt. Upon request, we can also provide you with a no obligation flight and/or hotel offer in China. In this way, you get a complete package for your first visa application to China.