Chinese Visa Application Service Centre
Government office Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, 12 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DU, United Kingdom:
149 reviews
of visitors, the most complete information about the address, business hours, location on the map, photos, phone number, website and other contacts.
Address: 12 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DU, United Kingdom
Website: visaforchina.org
Phone number: +44 20 7776 7888
GPS coordinates
Latitude: 51.5144871Longitude: -0.0906751
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reviews
Mark Orenchuk
I’ve had to use both the London and Edinburgh service a couple of times now. The staff are absolutely lovely. From entering at security to my exit they were pleasant and extremely helpful. A problem arose ( as does with these things) mine was my dual citizenship with an Irish passport. It was quickly sorted ( forms reprinted twice) and with a smile. I’m used to getting visas for my work. This office is very professional and made a positive experience out of what can be a stressful process. Thank you.
9 months ago
Sonia Toribio
I would like to say, thank you very so much for your help on the 22Oct2019 when my mother suddently passed away. I needed an emergency Visa; I didn't complete an online application form before I went to the Visa Centre, The manager helped me complete my online application form, and I also didn't bring any photo with me! A few other members and a manager helped take a photo with a smart phone to help complete the emergency Visa form. I got the Visa on the same day. Without their help, I wouldn't be able to arrive to my Mother's funeral on time. I couldn't thank them enough. I will never forget this.
2 months ago
Radiant Audio
1- Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than stated to avoid queuing for 1h
2- Make sure you are ready to spend 2h inside
3- Make sure you are ready to listen to a gentlemen screaming things every 30 seconds
4- Make sure that you have all your documents printed (both sides)
5- Make sure you have hotel reservation and flight reservation printed
6- Make sure you have coins in case you need to print something
All in all if you have all the right documentation it is a straight forward process and well organised. However, I think efficiency could have been improved since I had to wait 45 minutes only to pay for my application.
2 months ago
Sue Wolter
I have been to the centre a couple of time already. Considering the process and the queue the office is very efficient. The first time you go there you might feel lost, confused and people are not willing to answer your questions. Even so I believe that they are very efficient and avoiding waste of time for themselves as also the applicants. Their website is well organized, you might need a little more time to fill the online form, compared with an Esta or similar, but everything is very well explained in the website. Compared with other diplomatic centers they are always answering your questions within a reasonable time, while other center don't and you need to go in person, never mind how far from London you live. If I can give you an advise pick up a very early appointment and queue there before the opening and you'll be able to do everything very quickly. Before to go check carefully your application. Many people forget to bring their picture and a copy of the passport. There is a gentleman everybody out. He is quite funny and he is able to explain you the process while you walk in into the office. He is a lovely and funny gentleman which bring a nice sparkle into the office.
1 month ago
Tammie Dean
My Application date 2020-03-13 postal return
Still waiting for my Passport to be returned
Has been approved,will not reply to Emails
Telephoned Many TIMES
no answer,why cant someone answer the phone
Appointment number number LON2200224AP560228
REF G0007214 maybe someone will see this and reply
3 months ago
Devyn Keller
Nothing wrong with the center, technically. Efficient, friendly enough.
However think again before applying for a visa - from Nov 7th 2020 onwards, one can only board a flight to China with - Covid nuclei testing result + Covid IgM testing result, both have to be done within 48 hours before your flight. And of course, the results have to be both NEGATIVE and OUT when you try to go on a plane.
Is it possible? yes, technically..
9 months ago
Richard Poulin
I don't really understand the bad comments. If you read the application online, and get all the documents, you will be fine. All the staff was really nice both times I had to apply for a visa.
The second time, I was missing a document. They allowed me to come back on the next day. I then ran into an issue because my daughter can't get a visa as my wife is Chinese (without permanent residency in the UK). Everything was explained to me very clearly. Once I left, I knew exactly what had to be done.
Thanks again for the very professional staff.
3 months ago
Virginia Honan
1. The application process is a long one and requires preparation and if travelling with children original long form birth certificates
2. You need to have an open computer window to check on the addresses of arrival/ departure ports as you need to state the province of arrival.
3. The form is very thorough and will take about an hour to complete, but you can save the form and return to it later.
4. The photo that needs to be attached to the form can be made by taking a photo on an iPhone in front of a white sheet and various websites offer a service to convert to the appropriate format. Cost approx £8 each.
5. If you want the passport sent back to you, then provide an appropriate self addressed envelope paid postage and registered so that it can be tracked. Note if relying on postage the cost increases to £175 each. Provide your own postage
6. On the day be prepared for 2 hours from door to door service. The staff are very helpful and polite. The queues seemed to get longer thus an earlier appointment might save some time
I would advise that you leave nothing to do at the last minute - have every document and form printed and photocopied to ensure a smooth process. If there is a missing piece of work then you need to rebook an appointment.
All in all an efficient process and marks the start of your trip
Remember perfect planning prevents poor performance
2 months ago
Roy Tuttle
First time applying for a Chinese visa - to visit one of my best friends who recently moved to Shanghai. Website application a bit long winded but when it comes to the appointment, as long as you are well prepared and bring the correct documents, the whole process is actually quite quick. I went at 9am and was out by 09.20. My visa was ready a week later and collected it within 2 minutes of arriving. The staff there may come across as a bit cold but they are simply doing their job and trying to make the process as easy and efficient as possible for you. If there are any problems with your application they will flag it up during the application check and amend it for you. Very happy with the service given!
6 months ago
Aneesha reyes
Very efficient. My appointment was at 13.30, i arrived 12.50 and was out by 13.35. There was a big queue for reception but they opened a couple of extra windows so it didn't take long. First they check your appointment and forms, take a photo and you are given a number. Then sit in the comfortable waiting area to be called to a window where fingerprints and forms are taken and you are given another number to wait downstairs to pay.
6 months ago
Debbi Kubicky
It seems as though people only tend to review the visa application centre when the have a negative experience. I have had numerous visas for China and have never had an issue. Make sure you fully read the instructions and completely fill out application forms in order to ensure there are no delays.
On the topic of delays, during peak seasonal times the waiting times can be longer. You are able to arrive around 45 minutes before your appointment time and receive a ticket for the queue. If you go early you will find yourself waiting around thirty minutes.
1 week ago
Jai Lee
I was quite confused by all the negative reviews here. This is the third time I've applied for a Chinese Visa. The first two times I was able to do by post and was very straightforward, prepare all the required documents, send it to them, and you get it back around a week later. The policy has changed now so that you have to apply for the visa in person, it's a bit of a pain but manageable. This was my first time going to the visa centre, I had an appointment for 10:30, I arrived at about 10:15 and got in the queue and was given my number and proceeded to wait in the designated area. I waited about 25 or so minutes and was then seen by someone who I sat with at a desk with where they just asked my purpose to go to China and just reviewed my documents which took about 20 or so minutes. After that you go downstairs to pay. I had my appointment on a Thursday and received my passport with the visa on the following Wednesday. Overall it was a completely fine experience and everything ran smoothly. Perhaps the staff could have acted a little more enthusiastic but it's not that big of a deal considering they did their jobs well. Just arrive to your appointment early and triple check you have brought all of the required documents with you and it should be fine.
1 month ago
Richard Fessenden
Smooth and easy process. Ensure that you arrive early as the queues can be quite long. As long as you have all the correct documents you will be fine. You do have to pay on the same day as submitting your application and can only pay using Debit cards.
TIP: When collecting, you can skip the queue and speak to someone at the reception and they'll give you a collection ticket which you need to take and wait downstairs with
2 months ago
Michelle T
As previous reviews state - ensure all of your documents are completed correctly and PRINTED off. You are not allowed to complete an application form on the computers provided. Also, take a photocopy of your current passport otherwise you will have to queue up to do that. If you do need to print / photocopy anything there then ensure you have plenty of pound coins with you. Staff were friendly and sweet and the security guy / MC was essentially also the entertainment.
3 months ago
Deanna Hartman
I went to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre expecting a long wait. Even though I had followed the online application directions, one just expects to have to wait…but, the efficient process AND the professionalism of the Staff proved me wrong. They have a wonderful Floor Manager named Solomon! His commanding bass voice is clear and his instructions are simple—but he injects his banter with elfish humor and he was able to get everyone smiling.
The sheer numbers of applicants is great and it is not 'drive through efficient', but, all Staff can and do help—they are pleasant and understanding. I thought I had gone armed with everything, but I am human (not a bot—ha!) and my receptionist guided me through the solution…no time lost.
(I could have had my materials mailed to me, but decided that I would like to be in the 'presence of Solomon' because he was just such a positive energy!)Thank you for great service!
2 months ago
Anurag Gauba
I had my appointment time between 9:00-9:30
I got there at 08:50 and there was already a queue of 50 people in front of me. Get there early if you have an appointment slot at 9:00-09:30. You have to queue to get a ticket number and then you will wait for your ticket number to be called where you will go to a desk and they will process your application. After that you are given another ticket number to queue for the payment of the visa application downstairs. The whole thing took me till 10:00. The security guard there is a delight and keeps things well organised and humorous- he needs a pay rise! There are not enough seats to sit down while you wait.
2 months ago
EZ TechTalk
After reading all the reviews I was expecting long queues and inefficiency but my experience was far from that! I booked the 9:30-10:00am slot, arrived at 9:20am and was out by 10:05am. Most of my recommendations are similar to others but definitely follow them if you want to be out quick (UK Tourist Visa).
1. Print 2 copies of all the documents
2. Book an early slot, preferably before 10am
3. Arrive at least 10 mins early because the queue gets really long at times. I was there by 9:20am and was met with no queue!
4. Documents: passport copy, travel documents - flight/hotel information, complete application form. I took some extra ones but they weren't needed. Check online for specific documents if you've had a visa before etc.
5. Check your payment method before because some people were turned away for not using the right method - I used a Debit card.
Just be thorough with the application, check over everything and print beforehand for a smooth experience.
2 months ago
kevin brown
Looks like many of the 1 star reviews are from people who didn't do enough research... I had an appointment at 9:30, got in line at 8:45 when they opened the doors, and the process was effecient considering the amount of people present (they could probably do with a bigger space). I was out by 10 with a visa on a longer term than I even asked for. The staff were polite and patient with me. I even made a small error on the application which the lady corrected for me at the time. Little expensive though.
2 months ago
Melissa DG
Rang for 2 hours and nobody picked up, sent an email and nobody replied. The information on the website about how long the collect, post, and express options take is not clear enough and you cannot access which one you have selected after downloading the application. Website has many typos and is very old and bad. The ‘Contact us’ button at the bottom of the application page automatically sends to complaints rather than just a normal contact/ customer service email but does not tell you this until after you send your email (that you can also not access after sending as it’s one of those horrid pop up type in your email and message in the box below sort). Does not say anywhere on my application or managing my appointment which passport retrieval method you have selected or information about when and where you pay. Application does not accept passport photos as the service will automatically reject the slight blueish background that comes with UK passport pictures. Had to photoshop mine to remove the background for it to be accepted. Shambles. Desperately need someone to answer the phone or reply to my email as I fear I may have selected that I want my passport posted back to me when I need it within ten days to go abroad, I would not have selected this if it said plainly how long it takes. The thing is I don’t even know if I did select this or express post because it doesn’t show you when manage your application/appointment. Will have to wait and see when I have my appointment but awful service so far and I don’t have high hopes for the in person service reading other reviews. Do they want Chinese tourists or not.
1 month ago
Heather Hoffman
My Advice; book an early appointment and ARRIVE EARLY. It took 45 minutes to queue at reception to register for my appointment and to get a ticket number. 9am appointments mean they open the doors earlier so try beat the queue.
Arriving 10 minutes before your appointment will result in a minimum of an hour wait. And make sure you have printouts of everything, copies of your passport and a passport photo. Print out of documents are required, but as a last resort you can print onsite for 50p a page, or £1 a copy.
3 months ago
Mollie Mckibben
Tourist visa.. Made an appointment for 9am 12th was out at 9.30am.( New thing that's not on the web site you need a letter from your employer saying your employed)(I said I was self employed). I Collected my passport with the visa 3days later normal speed and was in and out in 5mins at 3pm on the 15th.
1 week ago
Tommy Webstar
So far so good! I have yet to pick up my passport and visa. I was able to get my Visa photograph taken here (£6) and my passport photocopied for 50 pence. As well as the buses given the number 11 goes from near Victoria Station to Bank.
A word of warning. Be very careful to go to Old Jewry and not Jewry Street! At least twenty minutes walk apart. A guy I asked on an office reception in Jewry Street said that he has people coming in every day asking for the Chinese Visa Application Centre!
6 months ago
Raymond Beaudet
I went on 31/12/19 at the centre at about 2pm. Went to reception, showed them my documents and they took a pic of my face with a webcam. Was given a ticket and told to wait to be called. After about 10mins my number came up. Produced my documents and they took copies of my passport and my fingerprints. This process lasted about 5mins. Was then told to go downstairs to pay for the visa and paid straight away without waiting. I was at the centre for not more than 20mins. 6 days later I received my passport from royal mail.
Maybe everyone assumes going early morning may be faster but everyone thinks that way and they will be loads of people.
5 star service.
1 week ago
Tony Slayton
Great staff professionalism and customer service. Provided you had every document needed it was very smooth. If missing a document, they immediately allowed use of computers for printing (charged) and to return to complete the service.
1 month ago
James Walters
While the foreign personnel dealing with the visa applications and security staff are very helpful and pleasant, all the remaining staff is extremely rude. The passports left there were returned with dents and bent! Make sure you bring all your flight details and hotel reservations with your name and correct address otherwise you'll have to spend 50p/page at their printer.
6 months ago
Jesse Housley
Very straightforward process, if you follow the guidelines and turn up with the required documents. Must give credit to the famous Solomon. Nothing was a problem for him, despite being bombarded with a thousand questions. I’ve never seen anyone so willing to help. Everyone’s stress and anxieties turned in to calmness thanks to Solomon’s attitude.
3 months ago
Becky Sowell
Our experience was very positive. We arrived early and were see 15 minutes ahead of our appointment time. If you are properly prepared the process is very smooth. Staff were very business like and the waiting area was pleasant. The ticketing system worked well and the directions were clear.
4 months ago
Tom Oswald
Arrived before my appointment, had missed a couple signatures on documents but the lady at reception was very helpful in assisting what I had to do. The lady who processed my visa was friendly and helpful, a little blunt, but overall a positive experience. I was in, amended my errors, and out all in 20 minutes.
Worth noting that I wasn’t offered a postal service, meaning a trip back (or a favour of someone picking up) is needed to actually collect the visa itself. - May be worth asking about it once sat, before the documents are looked through.
9 months ago
Ann Lowe
Are they trying to encourage people to visit China or put them off?
Serious question!
The website to apply for a visa is so flakey it is unreal.
I have a brief query to make concerning an upcoming appointment at the visa centre in London and emails have gone unanswered.
Have just tried ringing them and having gone through an automated menu the phone has been ringing for about 20 minutes without any answer.
I’m seriously considering forgetting about visiting China, I’ve never had so much aggro in all my life over an intended holiday.
3 months ago
Alexa Forti
Waited over 4 hours and no one picked up their damn phone. I just wanted to ask a simple question. The line was automatically cut off. I JUST WANNA KNOW IF I CAN GET THE VISA AND THEN BOOK MY FLIGHT. And what's worst. I just noticed I ran out of mins on my phone. Great. What a great phone line they got.
3 months ago
Kimberly Weipert
Not sure why the bad reviews (other than not picking up the phone calls). Only took me 30 minutes for the whole process, from submitting to paying. An afternoon appointment will save you from queueing! I only waited for 10 minutes (14 counts to my number) to submit the documents. Please ready all your documents including passport, a photocopy of passport, Visa application form, confirmation of your flights and hotels in hardcopy and details of your visits to avoid chaos! They only accepts British Debit Card!
1 month ago
Ethan Wilds
Ridicolous. Today I've been schooled by an employee for not knowing a rule about having two passports like it had to be obvious and the information it's absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to find on the pointless China Embassy website.
Get your facts straight and CLEAR before making people waste hours.
6 months ago
Jewelz S
I have been there twice for visa application and the personal is very kind, efficient, and the delivery of the passport with visa is very fast. Given the high volume of visa application for China every day, having the document ready within 4 business days is great!
3 months ago
Steve Tucker
Read the bloody instructions online, bring all your docs and you'll be fine. If it's too complicated then go through an agency.
Staff are all super friendly. Ask the security guard if you're lost. Be prepared to queue, but if you get there roughly at the time of your appointment you should be in and out in a couple of hours.
Collection of visa takes about 20 mins, and you can skip the initial queue - just ask the security guard.
1 week ago
sayed hamid
Due to culture difference, you might find the staff there unsmiling and even rude. But to be honest, they are very helpful and very efficient.
1 month ago
Umesh Gautam
I was extremely disappointed by the fact that it appears to be impossible to speak to a human being on the phone and have wasted multiple long hours on the phone on hold waiting to speak to someone across various days.
However, while I was there, there was a man shouting out instructions in such a jolly way and shouting out in "Is everybody happy? Is everybody smiling?" in a way that showed he held that in equal importance. He made polite but brief and efficient conversation, helping everyone he could in a manner that was extremely professional but that also made everyone's days better. If a few thousand people spend an hour or two there per day, he's created the equivalent of a few months worth of happiness every single day. My stress about the long, arduous and strict process evaporated as a direct result of him and him alone. Whatever they're paying him, it should be double.
8 months ago
emma gallagher
As a regular frequenter of this establishment over the years, I have known all to well the emotional highs and lows that the place induces in the depths of one's soul. I experienced the traumatic period of 2015-2016 when 30-day tourist visas were the norm, and staff pedantry and sadism were rife. People would wander the building in a state of existential angst, too sapped of energy even to cry.
Thus like a veteran I have become used to my gut instinctively turning somersaults whenever I am within a 247 yard radius of the building. You cannot imagine my elation on this occasion to be in and out in the space of, let me pause for effect, TWENTY MINUTES.
FURTHERMORE, the staff were either conducive or uncharacteristically affable. Shout outs all round, but most especially to the security guy who, in my humble opinion, has successfully transformed the entire institution from a cesspit of eternal agony into a foyer of transnational camaraderie.
Nothing will be able to reverse the nightmares and sweats instilled by years of visa affliction. But at least now, dear people, you can get your 90-day 2-year tourist visa 'hassle-free'. Words I never thought I could use. Cherish it.
4 months ago
Patrick Garrett
I can see why everyone gets stressed, but as long as you have all you hotel and flight confirmations, document photocopied before you get there, get to your appointment probably 30/40 mins early it runs fairly well. Highly recommend paying to get your visa documents done by an expert as they tell you everything you need.
3 months ago
Joanna Xu
Unlike other reviewers my experience was quite positive overall. Staff was polite and helpful and once all documents are OK the process is very quick. One thing though (which prevented me from giving 5 star) was that it is not stated on their website that European passport holders cannot use the postal service, they just send you back all your docs and say you have to go there... It's worth knowing also that they ask for permanent residence card (ILR), in my case I had one but I don't know the score if you don't. Unlike what is said on the website you can get someone else to pick up your passport, no need for official letter from a lawyer etc, only the receipt is needed.
1 week ago
Joe Castellano
Any experience of applying for a visa is slightly nerve wracking, especially if one hasn't done it before.
Staff at the reception aren't very helpful and clear when responding to questions, very open ended answers. So it can take a bit of figuring out.
The Chinese visa application website you're asked to visit on the visa centre computers is quite hard to navigate. I only got onto the application page as the applicant before left their application form up and all their details.
Once the online form is filled in, you need to print it out, EMAIL IT TO YOURSELF AND PRINT OUT AT HOME/OFFICE, the printing queuing system there is not explained and I wasted £2 (money non refundable at the paybox), the printer is activated by another computer.
Don't do what I did, and go to the centre, all this can be done at home/office, just have to read the website with a fine tooth comb.
After the application is sorted then you can make a booking for an appointment. Be aware that the website is very clunky and you might have to refresh a few times.
Appointment day was different, a really helpful and jolly security guy was there to greet everyone and guide, which was much better than the reception staff could do.
I got there early, and was given an earlier slot.
Visa staff, although not forthcoming, were very efficient and I'm able to pick up my visa quicker than the two days indicated.
Then you pop downstairs with another ticket to pay your fee. All in all a mixed experience.
Not bad really.
3 months ago
Kevin Meade
the process was really good, and efficient. But the receptionists were not very welcoming. They don’t know how to smile?
Everything else was perfect.
3 months ago
Selin Susoy
Book an early appointment and arrive early! Make sure you have all your documents prepared and you shouldn't have a problem- I feel like many of the other reviews aren't good because applicants had trouble bc of not bringing their paperwork! This makes for a stressful experience- defo get 9-10am slots and arrive before 9am to queue outside before they open.
1 week ago
Chris Holton
Very quick and efficient service. I turned up an hour early before my appointment and they saw me in 10 minutes. When collecting my visa four days later I was in and out in minutes when collecting my visa, staff were friendly.
3 months ago
Paola Reza
Honestly some of the rudest people I've met at an establishment.
I understand that they can be busy, but it costs no money to be kind to someone while telling them you cant assist them. Just awful.
I hate that I have to go back to them again.
4 months ago
Mark Rivero
Quite the shambles, exacerbated by the poor website. I'd recommend arriving 45 mins before your appointment time, the 10 suggested by the site is insufficient. The site also fails to clarify what dates are being asked in several places (the date field following the question of your parents' occupation is actually for their DOB), and also fails to indicate what are required fields (hotel address in China.)
Should the administrators of this centre happen to read this review, making 2 receptionists screen applicants that you have setup 20 odd desks to serve, doesn't work. The reception should be handling appointments alone
3 months ago
Lisa Gibson
As long as you have all the paperwork stated on the website and a passport photo you will have no problem.
Visa a bit pricey though.
2 months ago
Thomas Kennings
My husband and I make an appointment with the Center for our Visas Applications on February 16 .. The service is efficient and excellent. Less than five minutes of handing in our Applications forms, we were given a collection receipt for February 19! I went to collect for both of us. The service is friendly and fast. Thank you for the good service.
8 months ago
April Knighton
Shockingly bad customer service right at the front desk. If the guys not happy in his job, get another job because you suck at customer service.
Having an “appointment” means absolutely nothing here either, turn up 10 mins before it but still queue for 20 mins just to get a ticket after being spoken to by the rude staff member and then wait for about 30 mins to be seen.
Needs a massive overhaul, unless they’re aiming for people to get riled up that they just leave and don’t bother going China.
3 months ago
Charlie Magiera
Easy as long as you have all the paperwork they are expecting. We didn't have everything so had to print and photocopy a few bits there (50p per sheet).
Documents you need:
- Complete application form
- Confirmation of entry and exit of China (+ flight from UK if arriving into China overland)
- Photocopy of passport page
- Photocopy of any previous china visas
- Hotel/hostel booking confirmations for all nights in China (must either have name on or specify booking is for two people)
- Pound coins for printer if you forget anything
We got there at about 8.45am for the 9am slot, and were completed within an hour. We did have to sort out and print multiple things though. If you had everything sorted you could be in and out within 1/2 hour
6 months ago
Pat Mattiacci
why when i fill inthe online appointment with all the right information
it is not generating the application number what information goes into this box they it starts with lon it is so frustrating is it the web site please help i have tried so so many times to book a online appointment thank you
1 month ago
