The Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced the extension of a measure exempting applicants from providing fingerprints when applying for visas to the country. The new practice, aimed at simplifying visa procedures, comes into force immediately and will remain in effect until 31 December 2026, according to the Orient news agency.

According to the diplomatic mission, the exemption from the biometric procedure applies to all applicants for short-term visas for up to 180 days.

However, for visas of categories D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z, which involve the subsequent obtaining of a residence permit in China, fingerprinting remains mandatory and will be carried out in the usual manner.

The embassy noted that the innovation is aimed at increasing the convenience and accessibility of obtaining a Chinese visa.