As of Nov. 8th 2019, the consular legalization applications of non-Chinese nationals should be submitted to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh (hereinafter referred to as 'Visa Application Centres'). Consular legalization applications filed by Chinese nationals can still directly submitted to the Chinese Embassy/Consulate-generals in UK. The followings are the basic information you need to read before you come to apply:
A) Office Hours: Monday-Friday exclusive the holidays.
Application Submission and payment: 9a.m - 3p.m
Collection: 9 a.m - 4 p.m
B) Processing time
Regular service: The processing time is usually 4 working days.
Express service: The processing time is usually 3 working days.
*The consular officer has the right to require the applicant to provide other proof documents, supplementary materials, or to have an interview at the Embassy. Therefore the processing time may be longer than service time which are listed above.
** If the applicant requests to have the passport returned by post while lodging the application at the counter, the service time will be 5-10 working days exclusive Royal Mail post time.
C) Fees
The visa centres will charge legalization fees on behalf of the Embassy/Consulates and the service fees. Applicants requesting express service will be charged an extra visa fee and service fee. Please click here for details.
**All fees must be paid immediately after submitting the application. Fees will not be refunded if the application were rejected or refused.
D) Additional notes
1. Consular legalization applications filed by Chinese nationals can still directly submitted to the Chinese Embassy/Consulate-generals in UK. Legalization fee and service fee will be charged if submitting at the Visa Application Centre.
2. As of Nov.8,2019, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates require all legalization application forms be filled in on the computer. Handwritten forms will no longer be accepted.
3. An appointment must be booked before you come to the Visa Centre to submit your application. The Centre can't accept any application without an appointemnt.
Express service is available from 9:00- 12:00. Be sure to book the right time slot if you need express service. Not all applicants are eligible for express service.
4.The visa centres are only responsible for the handling of the application submissions. The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the U.K. are in charge of the process of decision-making.
Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in London
Oct 8th. 2019
