Q1: After the system upgrade, where should I go to apply for a visa? What changes have been made to the application process?

A: Visa applicants can visit the website of  Chinese Visa Application Service Centre Medan to fill out the visa application form online, upload the required documents, and the application will enter the initial review phase. During this period, applicants can log into the website to check the application status and, as required, modify the form or supplement application materials. When the status of the order changes to “Passport to be submitted”, please submit the application in person with passport and materials, provide biometric information (e.g. fingerprints), and pay visa fees in the visa centre. The application will now enter the secondary review stage. Upon approval, the applicant is required to visit the visa centre again to collect the passport and visa.

Q2: Do I need to create an account to apply for a visa online? How do I register?

A: Yes, online applications require creating an account and logging into the system. Currently, registration is only supported through email addresses.

Q3: What changes have been made to the express service?

A: When filling out the application form online, applicants can still select “Regular” or “Express” processing method. After the initial review phase is approved and the documents have been submitted to the visa centre, the “Express” processing will take effect and accelerate the procedure. An additional fee is required for “Express” processing, and the request cannot be revoked once submitted. If the consular officer decided to extend the processing time based on a case-by-case review, the express service fee will not be refunded.

Q4: Can I authorize others to submit my application?

A:Yes. Applications may be submitted either by authorized individuals (e.g. family members, friends, or agents) or by the third-party agencies, such as travel agencies.

Q5: Is fingerprint collection still required, and when will it take place?

A: Except for applicants can be exempted from fingerprints collection under specific conditions, fingerprints must be collected when applicants visit the visa centre to submit passport and other materials.

Q6: If I filled an application form in the previous Chinese visa application system before June 30, but hadn't submitted to the visa centre by June 30, do I need to reapply via the upgraded system again?

A: From June 30 (Monday) to July 11 (Monday), application forms submitted in the current “China Online Visa Application System” will remain valid. Applicants may either submit materials in person using the original form or reapply via the upgraded system. Starting from July 14 (Monday), all applicants must use the upgraded system to submit the application.

Q7: Do I need to apply the Diplomatic, Service or Courtesy Visas through the Online Visa Processing System?

A: Diplomatic, Service or Courtesy visa applicants also need to apply through the Online Visa Processing System.
Q8: Do I need to apply the Visas for Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China through the Online Visa Processing System?

A: Hong Kong Visa and Macao Visa will continue to be processed in the existing manner.