1.  Background to the establishment of the Application Centre

　　China’s rapid opening up in recent years, amid the ongoing globalization process, has led to a remarkable increase in people-to-people exchanges with other countries, creating a great demand for Chinese visas.

　　Chinese Embassies and Consulates-General have been working hard to improve the quality of their visa services; however, with limited staff and available space, many have become overwhelmed by the increasing number of visa applications.

　　In recent years, many countries facing such problems have chosen to introduce the Visa Application Service Centre system offering a wider range of more efficient services to applicants; Chinese Embassies and Consulates-General handling a large number of visa applications in certain key countries decided to follow this trend.

　　Up to now, dozens of Chinese Visa Application Service Centres have been established throughout Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North America to provide quality Chinese visa services.

2．What the Application Centre offers

　　The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (hereinafter referred to as the “Application Centre”) is a commercial service organization registered in accordance with local laws and regulations and recognized by a Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General to handle the daily routine work of processing ordinary visa and authentication applications. However, it operates independently of diplomatic missions and is neither a branch nor an affiliated organ. Its main services are:

(1)  To receive visa or authentication applications and ensure their application documents meet Chinese Government requirements for smooth processing in the various categories.

(2)  To provide applicants with intermediate business services, including computer entry of basic information, and transmission of the passport, visa, document of authentication and other application documents between the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General and the application centre.

(3)  To collect visa fees and authentication fees, whether for normal, express or rush service in accordance with the requirements of a Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General and, on their behalf, deliver the passport, visa, documents and document of authentication to the applicant.

(4)  To release visa and authentication information in a timely manner, answer customer inquiries and provide assistance through the Application Centre’s website, information desk, telephone, and e-mail.

(5)  To provide the applicant with other necessary services in accordance with requirements of a Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General.

3.  How a Centre Benefits Applicants

(1)  GOOD LOCATION: In order to provide applicants with a welcoming environment for applicants and easy access, the Application Centres are usually located in top-grade commercial buildings in convenient locations in major cities of each host country.

(2)  FULL USE OF NETWORK TECHNOLOGY: The Application Centres have their own websites providing up-to-date online information, online consultation, online form completion and online application status inquiry services.

(3)  REDUCED WAITING TIMES: In order to ensure efficient application processing and promote quality service, an Application Centre normally uses an online appointment system and queuing ticket machines installed in the reception area. This is especially helpful in ensuring short waiting times even during peak application periods.

(4)  CUSTOMER-ORIENTED: Application Centres work hard to fully focus on applicants’ needs. In order to facilitate the reception and processing of applications, sufficient windows are opened to provide quality service. In the lobby, there is a receptionist responsible for guiding applicants and providing on-site consulting services; special windows are also provided for physically challenged applicants, and a VIP room is available for distinguished guests or other applicants with special needs. Applicants can also obtain all kinds of visa and authentication information from leaflets and posters and enjoy consultation services through telephone, fax, and mail.

(5)  POSTAL SERVICE AVAILABLE: In order to meet the needs of applicants with travel difficulties, some Application Centres provide postal application services based on local circumstances.

(6)  CONSTANT MONITORING: Through an Application Processing & Integrated Service Platform, the operation and management centre can monitor all Application Centres’ operations and services in real time so as to provide rapid technical support and handle operational emergencies as well as service quality monitoring.

4.  Operating Company of the Application Centre

　　The Centre is operated by CITS V SERVICE (GREECE) S.A., and its operation conforms strictly with relevant Greek laws.

5.  Trademarks of the Centre

　　The Logos of the Centre (including and    ）are trademarks legally approved and registered in Greece, and are under the protection of the relevant laws and regulations of Greece. Any infringement on the owner’s exclusive right to use the aforementioned trademarks in any way is strictly prohibited.”

　　While providing high quality services, the Centre reminds users to carefully read the Terms and Conditions before submitting an application.