China toughens immigration rules for US citizens
May 06 2009 by Gareth McConnell
The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. has imposed stricter visa application rules for U.S. citizens following the growing number of swine flu cases sweeping the country.
As of May 4 all new Chinese visa application will be subject to six business days for processing with express and rush services suspended until further notice. Previously, the wait was only one day.
The tougher stance by Chinese immigration authorities also requests tourist and business visa applicants declare which countries and US states they had visited in the previous two weeks.
Over 1,500 people worldwide have been infected with swine flu, with the U.S. recording one fatality and a further 400 infected.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman described the changes as necessary, adding the "relevant adjustment is non-discriminatory and is not targeted at any country. The adjustment of visa policy will not affect the normal entry of foreigners and exchanges of people."
See the latest Immigration News
