KOTA KINABALU: The Chinese consulate office here yesterday launched Visa Hall, a facility for processing application of visa, passport and other travel documents for those planning to visit the country.
Consul General of China in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie, said the facility was set up to meet the increasing demand for exchanges between Sabah and China.
“The consulate has worked overtime to provide such convenience at the soonest time possible to the vast majority of residents in Sabah and Labuan,” she said in a statement issued at a press conference to announce the service, yesterday.
Chen said her office would start to officially process visa, notarization, document authentication and passport applications starting December 28, although the operation will only be carried out on a ‘test-run’ mode first.
She said a full run operation would start after all administrative issues such as limited preparation time, staff unfamiliarity with the new operation, unstable Internet service and space constraint had been addressed.
During the test run, she said advance appointment would be required for visa application. Applicants can download and fill an electronic appointment form from the consulate’s website and send it to [email protected].
Successful appointment will be confirmed and replied with appointment number and time through fax or email.
Applicants will also need to bring the printed appointment confirmation slip along with other application documents when visiting the consulate for their visa application.
“For emergency entry, subject to urgent business invitation, urgent undertakings of engineering repair or any other emergency situation, application should be made and processed through the urgent service.
“For those who wish to apply for visa and document authentication, please register with us. We shall contact and brief you in groups about our requirements. There is no need to make advance appointment for authentication of documents,” said Chen.
To save time, visa and passport applicants are advised to visit http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/cgkotakinabalu/eng in advance to check on the requirements and necessary documents.
Applicants are also advised not to bring oversized luggage to the consulate and all bags will be checked at the entrance for security.
The Visa Hall will only process applications from residents of Sabah and Labuan and proof of residency will be required.