1. Chinese embassies abroad to temporarily reduce visa fees

From Dec. 11, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2024, Chinese embassies and consulates abroad will implement a temporary measure, reducing visa fees to 75 percent of the current rates, according to a statement published on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s social media account.The local Chinese diplomatic and consular missions are available for more information, the statement said, noting that after the implementation of managing COVID-19 as a Class B infectious disease on Jan. 8, 2023, the Chinese government has continued to optimize visa and entry policies for foreigners to promote people-to-people exchanges.

2. Non-Acceptance of Hague Apostille Documents by Entry-Exit Bureaus

As of November 2023, foreign nationals applying for a residence permit or permanent residence card in Beijing and Shanghai should be aware that the Entry-Exit Administration Bureaus currently do not accept documents with a Hague Apostille. This includes Hague Apostille certifications of educational qualifications and criminal record checks.