Applications for UAE and China visas have recommenced with some new requirements, according to an alert sent out to the trade from Visas & Passports Unlimited.
An additional fee for COVID-19 medical cover is required when applying for all Dubai visas. “This is to cover a traveller who contracts COVID-19 while in Dubai,” says Debbie Nicholson, Visas & Passports md.
Debbie also told Travel News that the Chinese visa system would go online from September 1.
A notice on the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on its Republic of South Africa website states that the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in South Africa has implemented a newly developed online visa application form and appointment booking system from August 1.
Starting September 1, all applications will have to be submitted through the online application system and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in South Africa will cease to accept [physical] application forms. All applicants are required to log on to the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (www.visaforchina.org), to fill out the e-form and make appointment online.
During the transitional period from August 1 to 31, applicants can still use the existing physical paper application forms.
The following issuing authorities have re-commenced visa issuing:
- USA: All visa types
- UK: All visa types
- UAE: All visa types
- Nigeria: Work permits only
- Guinea: Work permits only
- Egypt: Work permits only
- Ivory Coast: E-visa only
- Ethiopia: E-visa only
“Until international commercial flights resume, all of the above countries will require permission from immigration from both country of departure and country of destination,” the alert says.
