China: Visa exemption for more countries
09/10/2024 08:00
Good afternoon,
Current communication informs us that the current 15-day visa-free entry to the People's Republic of China for nationals until the end of 2025
- of the French Republic,
- the Federal Republic of Germany,
- the Italian Republic,
- the Kingdom of the Netherlands,
- the Kingdom of Spain
- of Malaysia
- of Austria,
- of Switzerland,
- of Ireland,
- of Hungary,
- of Belgium and
- of Luxembourg
- of Poland
- from Australia and
- from New Zealand
from October 15, 2024 (initially until the end of 2025) also for citizens
- of Portugal
- of Greece
- of Cyprus
- of Slovenia
is planned. The exemption from the visa requirement is to be valid exclusively for the following purposes and provisions:
- Tourist - single entry - maximum stay of up to 15 days
- Business - single entry - maximum stay of up to 15 days
- Family visits - single entry - maximum stay of up to 15 days
- Transit
The exemption shall NOT apply for the following purposes:
- A stay of more than 15 days
- Multiple entries
- Holders of Austrian service passports
- All other categories not mentioned above (e.g. work visa, conference visa, etc.)
As soon as we have more detailed information, we will of course inform you again.
If you have any questions, the DVKG consular advisors are available at any time.
Your DVKG team
Chinese national holidays
24/09/2024 10:00
Good afternoon,
Please note that from September 28 - October 03, 2024, the Chinese Embassy and Chinese Consulates in Germany will be closed due to Chinese national holidays.
Please take this into account when applying for your visa.
Best regards
Your DVKG team
Introduction of the EES and ETIAS systems
23/09/2024 08:00
Good afternoon,
The European Union will introduce the EES and ETIAS systems. Below you will find an explanation and further information:
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) - launch date in 2025 not yet defined:
- Purpose:
- ETIAS serves to pre-authorize travel to the Schengen area for citizens of countries that currently do not require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). It is a system for security screening travelers before they even enter the Schengen area.
- Function:
- Travelers from visa-free countries must apply online for an ETIAS authorization before entering the country. The system checks the traveler's information in various databases (e.g. Interpol, Europol, EES, etc.) to identify potential security risks, such as criminal activity or terrorism. The authorization is usually granted within a few minutes and remains valid for three years or until the passport expires.
- Target group:
- Citizens from visa-free third countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia) who wish to travel to the Schengen area.
- Next steps:
- An ETIAS application is submitted before the trip.
- The DVKG will provide a tangibly simple application process in good time.
EES (Entry-Exit System) - introduction currently planned for Nov. 10, 24:
- Purpose:
- The EES records and stores information on the entry and exit of third-country nationals in the Schengen area. It replaces the manual stamping of passports at border crossings with an electronic system that stores both entry and exit data.
- Function:
- The EES registers biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition) and stores the length of stay in the Schengen area. It is intended to help prevent overstaying (usually 90 days within 180 days) and improve the tracing of illegal entries. It also supports the border authorities in better controlling and managing the external borders.
- Target group:
- All third-country nationals entering the Schengen area, both those who require a visa and those from visa-free countries.
- Next steps:
- No further preparatory steps necessary for the traveler.
All consular advisors will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Best regards
Your DVKG team
China - new visa applications from August 26, 2024
16/08/2024 12:00
The Chinese embassy and the Chinese consulate in Germany announced that a system change will take place on August 26, 2024 and there will be a new visa application.
ATTENTION: From August 26, 2024, old visa applications will no longer be accepted. However, the new visa applications can only be created from August 26, 2024. Please expect temporarily longer processing times in the week starting August 26, 2024.
If you have any questions, the DVKG consular advisors are available to you at any time.
Your DVKG team
Israel - Introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization
08/07/2024 10:00
From August 1, 2024, a prior electronic entry permit - the so-called „ETA-IL“ - will be mandatory for entry into Israel.
The Electronic Entry Authorization will be introduced for all citizens who can enter Israel without a visa.
The application process for the „ETA-IL“ is already bookable in the DVKG portal. We will be happy to assist you with the application process.
