"Can applicants check the status of their visa application and processing online after submitting the visa application form?" "Is it possible to provide expedited visa processing for applicants with upcoming imminent travel dates?" "When the required documents for a visa application are complex, can duplicate materials be exempt from resubmission?"
On the morning of October 18, a seminar on visa policy interpretation for foreign consular officers in China was held at the Henan Luxembourg Center, which was jointly organized by the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Affairs Office of Henan. Thirteen visa officers from various embassies in China, representing nine countries, including Argentina, Spain, and the UK, delivered authoritative interpretations of their countries' current visa policies at the seminar.
Henan has intensified its opening-up efforts, forging closer connections with countries around the world. The number of individuals embarking on business negotiations, academic pursuits, work trips, and travel abroad is on the rise year by year. The seminar on visa policy interpretation highlights the attention that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign embassies and consulates in China have given to Henan. Through face-to-face communication, Henan has strengthened mutual understanding with these embassies. Both parties are committed to deepening cooperation, establishing communication channels, and providing more efficient and convenient visa services for Henan-based enterprises and residents seeking to travel abroad.
At the same time, various visa-free policies in China have been implemented in Henan, making it easier and more convenient for people from all over the world to visit the province.
Since December 1st of last year, China has successively implemented unilateral visa-free policies for 20 countries, including France and Germany. Individuals from these countries holding ordinary passports can now enter China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transit for up to 15 days without a visa. On July 15th, the National Immigration Administration announced the implementation of a 144- hour visa-free transit policy at Zhengzhou Airport in Henan Province. This policy applies to the administrative region of Henan Province, providing foreign tourists with the convenience of "enjoying an impromptu getaway to Henan".
"The visa-free policy has gained widespread recognition in Switzerland." Tang Kaining, Director of the Visa Office at the Swiss Embassy in China, told reporters that his friends had mentioned over phone that to visit him in China, all that was needed was to book a plane ticket - no visa required.
In Tang Kaining's view, the introduction of various visa-free policies in China has not only simplified travel procedures, but also deepened friendly relations between countries. "Visa-free policies have attracted more foreign tourists to China and promoted international exchanges and cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, and other fields," Tang Kaining said.
The Foreign Affairs Office of Henan will continue to enhance communication and coordination with foreign embassies and consulates in China, improve communication mechanisms, and expand friendly cooperative relationships between Henan and other countries, aiming to create more international exchange platforms that promote high-level openness. (Chinese source: dahe.cn Reporter: Yang Jiaxin and Wei Kai Translator: Tong Lin and Chen Jing Proofreader: Ding Lan)
