In a significant move to ease travel processes, China has announced the extension of its fingerprint exemption policy for certain visa applicants for an additional year, reported 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Saturday.
Initially introduced in 2022, the policy was designed to facilitate smoother entry into the country for specific groups of travelers, including tourists, business visitors, and those seeking transit or crew member visas.
The original exemption was slated to expire on December 31, 2023. However, Chinese authorities have decided to extend this policy until December 31, 2024, making it more convenient for travelers to obtain visas without the need to submit fingerprints.
In a fresh update, the policy has now been extended further, with the exemption lasting until December 31, 2025.
Despite this relaxation for short-term visa applicants, it is important to note that the fingerprint collection requirement remains mandatory for those applying for long-stay visas.
This includes individuals seeking family reunification, family visit, and study visas, who will still be required to provide their fingerprints at a Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center.
This decision marks a further relaxation of China's travel restrictions, which were eased last year following the reopening of its borders.
The move is expected to boost tourism and business travel to China, with travelers no longer facing the inconvenience of fingerprint collection for short-term stays.