Czech Republic Opens Five New Visa Centers in China

The Czech Republic recently opened five new visa centers for Chinese citizens applying for Czech (Schengen) visas. The centers are located in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Kunming, Chongqing and Hangzhou.

Along with Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, the Czech Republic now has a total of eight visa centers throughout China, each operated by VFS Global. The visa centers' regional competence follows the competence of the embassy and consulates of the Czech Republic in China.

Residents of the following regions can apply for a visa in Guangzhou and Shenzhen: Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan and Guangxi. As those visa centers are under supervision of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Beijing, the visa application process can take up to eight days. Applications for a Czech visa through the Consulate of Belgium in Guangzhou are no longer accepted.

Residents of Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui can apply for a visa in Hangzhou. Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan residents can apply for a visa in Chongqing and Kunming.

The Czech Republic believes that this step will lead to increased convenience for Chinese travelers. More visa centers are expected to be opened in 2017.