When applying for Schengen Visas, Chinese nationals face eight-week wait times

Due to increased demand, Chinese nationals wanting to visit Europe now that the Coronavirus travel restrictions have been abolished may face extended wait times of up to eight weeks when applying for Schengen visas.

After the limitations were lifted, the number of Chinese tourists and business people seeking for Schengen visas increased considerably.

However, because the various embassies and consulates were caught off guard and understaffed, the majority of persons planned to travel in the coming weeks for vacation or business will be unable to do so.

Joerg Wuttke, the head of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, stated that all Chinese people, even those travelling to the EU for business, will face lengthy waits.

Wuttke emphasised that some Chinese executives are currently waiting six to eight weeks for a business visa to travel to the EU. At the same time, Wuttke noted that applications were handled within days prior to the epidemic, implying that authorities should take steps to expedite the process.

In terms of business contacts with China, those wanting to travel to Germany have been hit the worst. As a result, Chinese authorities have already requested that Germany expedite the processing time.

The authorities have not released any particular information regarding those planning to visit the EU for tourism purposes. Nonetheless, it is claimed that the majority of Schengen Area nations have received a large number of visa applications from Chinese nationals.

Because China has not achieved visa-liberalisation in the Schengen Area member states, all Chinese nationals must get a Schengen visa in order to travel to the bloc.

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows its bearer to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes within a 6-month period.

Chinese nationals wishing to visit the EU for tourism must apply for a tourist Schengen visa. Chinese citizens seeking a tourist Schengen visa must submit an application form, two recent photographs, and their passport.

In addition, they must provide proof of having secured accommodation in the EU, proof of having sufficient financial means to maintain themselves during their trip, proof of having obtained EU travel health insurance, and a flight itinerary.

By fLEXI tEAM