Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka to Launch Online Visa Application System from June 30

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced that it will officially launch the “China Visa Online Application System” starting from June 30, 2025. The new system aims to streamline the visa application process and improve efficiency for travelers to mainland China.

According to the Embassy, applicants can now fill out visa forms, upload documents, and monitor their application status online via the website https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/. Once the application enters the “Passport to be submitted” phase, applicants must visit the Embassy in person to submit their passport, provide biometric data such as fingerprints, and later collect the visa.

Account registration using email is mandatory for accessing the system. While the online process includes both “Normal” and “Express” options, expedited service only takes effect after the preliminary review is complete and physical documents are submitted. The online review phase typically takes 1–3 working days, and the final review takes around 3–4 working days.

Applicants can apply on behalf of others, but biometric data collection must be done in person unless exempt. Applications submitted via the old system before 5:00 PM on June 27 remain valid until that deadline. From 8:00 AM on June 30, all applications must go through the new online platform.

This system applies only to mainland China visas; applications for Hong Kong and Macao visas will continue to follow the existing procedure.

For inquiries, the public can contact the Consular Office via phone at 0094-112676658 or email at colombo@csm.mfa.gov.cn.