Germany expected to ease tourist visa process

The cuppola of the cathedral in Berlin, Germany, 28 May 2015.[Photo/IC]

After Singapore, Canada and Indonesia introduced favorable visa policies to for Chinese toursitstourists, Germany is also expected to significantly simplify its visa application by the end of this year.

Last October, a consensus was reached between the Chinese and German government on offering a 48-hour visa approval time. Germany began providing business visas to Chinese in 48 hours in May. Now it is hoped that ordinary tourists will also get German visa in two days before the end of this year.

Currently applicants need to submit proof of hotel reservation when they apply for a Schengen visa. Germany is expected to cancel this requirement in order to speed up the process.

Apart from Germany, several other countries have simplified their requirements for Chinese tourists this year. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority announced on May 15 that Singapore will issue multiple entry tourist visas to qualified Chinese citizens starting on June 1.