The Deutsche Visa und Konsular Gesellschaft (DVKG) has improved the quality and cost-efficiency of the application processes for visas / A1 certificates and EU notifications for the benefit of its customers by using modern technological solutions. DVKG is an expert in taking over your administrative processes in the area of consular services.
Submission of fingerprints when applying for a China visa
Since Dec. 16, 2019, every traveler must go in person to one of 5 consular providers (Visa Application Center) when submitting visa documents:
- a print is taken of each finger
- a biometric photo is taken
- the passport is read electronically
IMPORTANT:
If you need a China visa, allow sufficient time for the application process. We recommend at least 14 days.
Summary of the changes:
- When applying for a visa since Dec. 16, 2019, the „trip for the trip“ to a consular provider is required
- Fingerprints are provided and a biometric photo is taken
- Notes: You continue to use the simple application process of the DVKG both for the initial application including fingerprinting and for subsequent visas
When does the regulation on handing in fingerprints apply?
As of Monday, December 16, 2019, visa applications will only be accepted in conjunction with the submission of fingerprints and a biometric passport photo.
What happens to my current China visa?
Currently valid China visas remain valid until the expiration date of the visa. No fingerprints need to be submitted to a consular provider (Visa Application Center) at a later date.
What are the exceptions?
Exempt from this regulation are:
- Persons under the age of 14 or over the age of 70
- Possession of diplomatic passports or persons who are exempt from fingerprinting under bilateral agreements
- Persons who have applied for a Chinese visa with the same passport and whose fingerprints have already been recorded within the last 5 years can be exempted from the collection. However, the biometric visa issued must be presented in the same passport
- Persons who have limitations in the finger area or persons for whom fingerprints from all 10 fingers cannot be recorded for other reasons
When do I have to hand in fingerprints?
Fingerprints are handed in on the day the visa documents are submitted to the consular provider (Visa Application Center):
- The fingerprints are valid for 5 years together with the submitted passport.
- If you apply for a visa with another passport within 5 years, new fingerprints must be submitted with the new passport.
- If you are invited to an interview at the embassy and hand in fingerprints there, it may be necessary to hand in fingerprints again at the consular provider (Visa Application Center).
- Fingerprints that have already been submitted when entering China will not be accepted
.
Where do I hand in the fingerprints?
Fingerprints are always handed in at the consular provider (Visa Application Center) where the visa documents are submitted. Please note that the consular provider has made a strict allocation of the federal states to 5 consular providers. Please check in which federal state you have your primary residence and at which consular provider the visa documents can be submitted:
In the DVKG order process, you can freely decide which location to submit to:
| Berlin: |
Invaliden Straße 116-119, 10115 Berlin |
| Frankfurt: |
Bockenheimer Landstraße 51-53, 60325 Frankfurt am Main |
| Hamburg: |
Willy-Brandt-Straße 57, 5th floor, 20457 Hamburg |
| München: |
Lutzstraße 2, 80687 Munich |
| Düsseldorf: |
Pempelforter Straße 50, 40211 Düsseldorf |
How do I make an appointment to hand in my fingerprints?
You always need an appointment with the consular provider (Visa Application Center) to hand in your fingerprint. Please note the following recommendations:
- Please arrive on time for your appointment with the consular provider (Visa Application Center).
- If you arrive earlier, depending on the frequency, you may be able to hand in your application before the agreed date.
If you miss the appointment, this may result in a new appointment having to be made, including the creation of a new visa application.
- We recommend allowing sufficient time for the submission
.
You choose which appointment option you would like to use:
- Make an appointment with personal assistance from the DVKG when submitting your fingerprints
- Payment and display of the consular and consular provider fees
- Collection of the passport from the consular provider
- Make an appointment for the independent submission of fingerprints,
- Collection of passports only against delivery of the original consular provider collection slip
- Provision of access for independent appointment booking
How long are the fingerprints valid for?
Fingerprints and the biometric passport photo taken are valid for 5 years from the date of issue of the visa.
The fingerprints are linked to the passport with which the visa was applied for. As soon as a visa is applied for with a different passport within the 5 years, new fingerprints will be taken.We recommend that you check the validity of your passport and start the visa application process with a new passport if necessary. Please note the following:
- You may hold any number of passports.
- Your employer must provide you with confirmation that you need another passport as a frequent traveler.
- Please keep old passports urgently. These may be relevant for future visa applications.
What are the benefits of using the DVKG?
- Visa application created by the DVKG for an error-free application
- Pre-check the document set
- Timely booking of appointments
- Personal contact person at the DVKG for the submission of fingerprints
- Display and payment of consular and consular provider fees
- Collection of the passport and return shipment - thus avoiding a second trip
As of 16.Dec.2019
