Effective December 17, 2025, China has extended its fingerprint exemption policy for short-term visa applicants until December 31, 2026. The policy covers tourist (L), business (M), family visit (Q2) short0term study (X2) and transit (G) visas for stays of up to 180 days.
For long-term stay (D), foreign journalists (J1), family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents (Q1), accompanying a foreign worker or student (S1), long-term study (X1) and work (Z) visas, which require the application for a residence permit after entry into China, fingerprint collection will still be required.
Fingerprint collection will also continue to be waived for the following categories of applicants:
- Children under the age of 14 and adults over the age of 70;
- Holders of diplomatic passports, or those eligible for diplomatic, service or courtesy visas of China;
- Applicants who are missing all ten fingers or whose fingerprints cannot be collected.
The extension was announced by Chinese embassies around the world.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.