Current news

The China Visa Application Service Center announces that from November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, a unilateral visa-free regime will be introduced for ordinary passport holders from the following 38 countries:

Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Thailand, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan. Nationals with a valid ordinary passport (not official passports) from these countries can enter China visa-free for business or tourism purposes, family and friend visits, exchange visits and transit for a stay of up to 30 days. Persons who do not meet the requirements for visa-free entry must still apply for a visa before entering China."

The exemption from the visa requirement therefore applies exclusively for the following purposes and provisions:

• Tourist - single entry - maximum stay of up to 30 days
• Business - single entry - maximum stay of up to 30 days
• Family visits - single entry - maximum stay of up to 30 days
• Transit

The exemption therefore does not apply for the following purposes

• A stay of more than 30 days
• Multiple entries
• Holders of service passports
• All other categories not mentioned above (e.g. work visa, conference visa, etc.)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us

Your ÖVKG team

From 04.12.2024, there may be delays in processing or appointments for UK visas due to changes made by the authorities.

The ÖVKG recommends applying as early as possible.

The ÖVKG consular advisors will be happy to answer any questions.Your ÖVKG team

The United Kingdom (Great Britain) will introduce the obligation to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for other countries:

States with mandatory application:

States with mandatory application from January 8, 2025:

States with mandatory application from April 2, 2025:

What activities are permitted with a UK ETA

?

You can get a UK ETA if you

• come to the UK for a period of up to 6 months as a tourist, to visit family and friends, for business reasons or for short-term study
• come to the UK for up to 3 months with the Creative Worker visa concession
• come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
• travel through the UK (transit) - even if you do not pass through UK border control

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us

Your ÖVKG team

The Vietnamese consulate has announced that it will remain closed on 13.11.2024.

Dear Sir or Madam,

We would like to inform you that the American Embassy is getting a new appointment booking system.

Please note the following:

- no appointments can be booked between 23.10.2024 and 25.10.2024

- there may be delays in the delivery of passes

- the call center will not be available from 23.10.2024 -25.10.2024

Your ÖVKG team