The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka has inaugurated a dedicated visa centre at the Prasad Trade Centre in Banani, Dhaka, aiming to enhance visa-related services for Bangladeshi citizens.

Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen presided over the opening ceremony, emphasizing that the new visa centre will streamline the visa application process for general passport holders. Notably, individuals with diplomatic or official passports will still be required to apply directly at the embassy.

Ambassador Wen highlighted the increasing exchanges between Bangladesh and China across various levels and sectors, noting a rising demand for Chinese visas among Bangladeshi travelers. Last year, an average of 1,500 Bangladeshis applied for Chinese visas daily, indicating the necessity for enhanced visa processing capabilities.

This initiative marks China's commitment to facilitating smoother visa procedures globally, with 103 visa processing centres established in 55 countries and regions.

Additionally, Wen highlighted the successful transition to an online visa application system in Bangladesh, launched by the embassy in June 2023. This digital platform has significantly expedited visa processing, with nearly 44,000 visas issued within ten months.

The visa centre's website provides comprehensive information on the application process, including necessary fees. For ordinary passport holders, the application begins online, followed by in-person processing at the centre. Operating hours for the centre are from Sunday to Thursday, excluding holidays, with application and fee submissions accepted from 9am to 3pm and passport collection available from 9am to 4pm.