China Visa Centre Opening Hours

When planning a visit to China, one of the essential steps is obtaining the appropriate visa. To facilitate this process, China has established Visa Application Centres (VACs) worldwide, where applicants can submit their visa applications. Understanding the opening hours of these centres is crucial for efficient planning and ensuring that your application process goes smoothly.

General Overview
China Visa Centres operate at specific times to handle visa applications. These centres are typically open on weekdays, Monday to Friday, with some exceptions during public holidays. The hours of operation may vary depending on the location of the centre, so it is advisable to check the specific centre’s schedule in advance.

Opening Hours by Region

1. North America:
   In the United States and Canada, China Visa Centres are generally open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for submission of applications, and from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for passport collection. However, it is important to note that these hours may differ slightly between locations. For example, the Visa Centre in New York might have slightly different hours than the one in Los Angeles or Toronto.

2. Europe:
   In European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, China Visa Centres typically operate from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for application submissions and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM for passport collection. The centres usually follow local public holidays, which means they might be closed on certain days even if they are open in other regions.

3. Asia:
   In Asian countries like India, Japan, and Singapore, the hours of operation for China Visa Centres are usually from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for submissions and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for passport collection. Given the proximity to China, these centres might have more streamlined processes, but it is still crucial to adhere to the given timings.

4. Australia and New Zealand:
   China Visa Centres in Australia (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) and New Zealand (e.g., Auckland) typically operate from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for application submissions. Passport collection is usually scheduled between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The centres may observe both local and Chinese public holidays, so checking the schedule ahead of time is recommended.

Public Holidays and Special Closures
China Visa Centres observe both local public holidays and Chinese national holidays, during which the centres may be closed or have reduced hours. For instance, during the Chinese New Year, many centres worldwide might close for a few days. Similarly, during local public holidays like Christmas in Western countries or Diwali in India, the centres might also be closed.

It’s important to plan your visa application process with these holidays in mind. If you’re applying close to a holiday period, it’s advisable to submit your application well in advance to avoid any delays.

Tips for Visiting the China Visa Centre

• Check Specific Centre Hours: Before visiting, always check the specific centre’s website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours. This is particularly important if you are traveling from a distance or taking time off work to visit the centre.
• Arrive Early: Visa Centres can get quite busy, especially during peak travel seasons. Arriving early can help you avoid long waiting times.
• Prepare All Necessary Documents: Ensure that you have all the required documents prepared before your visit. This includes your passport, visa application form, photos, and any supporting documents. Missing documents can result in delays or the need to reschedule your visit.
• Consider Appointment Scheduling: Some Visa Centres offer an online appointment system, which allows you to schedule a specific time for your visit. This can significantly reduce waiting times and ensure that your application is processed more efficiently.
• Bring Proper Payment: Check what payment methods are accepted at the Visa Centre. Some may only accept certain types of credit cards or cash.

Table: Sample Opening Hours of China Visa Centres in Major Cities

Region	City	Submission Hours	Collection Hours	Notes
North America	New York	9:00 AM - 3:00 PM	9:00 AM - 4:00 PM	Closed on U.S. public holidays
Europe	London	9:00 AM - 2:00 PM	2:00 PM - 4:00 PM	Closed on U.K. public holidays
Asia	Tokyo	9:00 AM - 3:00 PM	3:00 PM - 5:00 PM	Closed on Japanese holidays
Australia/NZ	Sydney	9:00 AM - 3:00 PM	3:00 PM - 5:00 PM	Closed on Australian holidays

Common Questions

1. What if I miss the opening hours?
   If you miss the opening hours, you will need to visit the centre on the next working day. It’s advisable not to wait until the last minute to submit your visa application to avoid any potential delays.

2. Can I submit my application outside of the listed hours?
   No, submissions are only accepted during the designated hours. However, some centres may offer a drop-box service for document submission, but this depends on the specific location.

3. Are there any days when the centres are open longer?
   Typically, no. The hours are generally consistent, but occasionally, during peak travel seasons, some centres may extend their hours. It’s best to check directly with the centre for any special arrangements.