China to issue new versions of visas from June 1

The Chinese government has announced that it would commence issuance of new versions of its visa from June 1.

The exit-entry departments of China’s public security said authorities will begin to issue the new versions of visas and residence permits for foreigners from Saturday.

The new versions of the documents are sticker-like papers designed based on the standards of the DOC9303 machine readable travel documents of the International Civil Aviation Organization, with application of multiple physical anti-counterfeit technologies.

“The current versions will no longer be issued on the same day, while the documents already issued are still valid until their dates of expiry,” the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said on Friday.

“Compared to the current versions, the new versions have made adjustments in the documents’ formats, sections and machine readable codes.

“The means and requirements for application, procedures for examination and approval, and the standards, charges and requirements of port examinations will remain the same.”