According to relevant Chinese laws and regulations, and with reference to international practice , starting from 1st September 2021, the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Hong Kong SAR will start to collect all fingerprints of those applicants applying for visas for the mainland of China, and issue biometric visas accordingly (sample attached).

For visa applications submitted on and after 1st September, the CVASC will kindly request all visa applicants to fill online application forms and make appointment online, and then submit all required application documents in person to CVASC and have all their fingerprints collected (Applicants for diplomatic, official or courtesy visas will still have to submit their applications at the visa section of the Commissioner's Office, and the decision on whether to collect fingerprints will be subject to bilateral reciprocal arrangements).

The following applicants can be exempted from fingerprints collection:

1. Applicants under the age of 14 or over 70;

2. Applicants who have applied for Chinese visa with the same passport and have had fingerprints collected and visa approved within 5 years at the the Commissioner's Office or CVASC；

3. Applicants with all fingers mutilated or fingerprints uncollectible.

Please be noted that all applicants are requested to go to the CVASC in person for fingerprints collection. Applicants who forge fingerprints or use other people's fingerprints should be denied to enter into China and bear all the consequences incurred.

Thank you for your cooperation and support!

Attachment: Sample of the Biometric Chinese Visa

Consular Department of the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

25th August 2021