Recent Visa applications - turnaround times - London Centre

Question

Hi all

Thanks for your assistance thus far in planning our 16 day itinerary.

Within our party of 4. there are 2 of us that will require a Visa.

The applications have gone in recently however I can't seem to find any information as to the expected time frame between submitting the online form (with all the associated info) and when you can be expected to be invited to the processing centre to submit your passport.

Its been nearly 2 weeks since I submitted my online application and I have heard nothing as yet! I have emailed to ask about expected timelines - as I will need to schedule 2 trips to London for the submission and collection of passport - but although they responded quickly, they would not be drawn on timeframe!

Any recent experiences of Visas being issued from London centre....??

I am starting to research how we might need to make a dash to a third country, and re enter - so as to get 240 TWOV x 2 instead. - Not ideal due to the extra hassle and cost in our already busy intinerary!!

Answer

For UK residents applying for a Chinese visa at the London Visa Application Centre (LVAC), the processing times can vary depending on the type of visa, time of year, and volume of applications. Recent applicants have reported some delays, and the lack of published timelines can be stressful, especially when planning a multi-destination itinerary.

Here is an overview based on recent experiences:

Online Form Submission to Centre Invitation: After submitting the online form with all required documentation, applicants typically receive an invitation to submit passports within 1–2 weeks, but this is not guaranteed. Some applicants have reported waiting up to 3 weeks, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Passport Submission to Processing: Once your passport is submitted at the centre, standard processing usually takes 4–5 working days. Express or same-day services are sometimes available for an additional fee, but availability can vary.
Collection: Passports can be collected in person or via courier if pre-arranged. Collection times typically match standard business hours, and delays can occur if the centre is busy.

Practical considerations and tips:

Check the LVAC website regularly for appointment availability; slots for submission can fill quickly.
If timing is tight and you cannot afford potential delays, consider alternative visa options such as a 144-hour or 240-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) in China, which allows short stays in certain cities without a full visa. This requires careful planning but can provide flexibility.
Keep copies of all submitted documents and any confirmation emails for reference in case of inquiries.
Expect some unpredictability, and plan travel arrangements with a buffer for visa processing and possible delays.

In summary, from submitting the online form to receiving the invitation to the London Visa Application Centre usually takes 1–3 weeks, but delays are possible. Once submitted, standard processing is around 4–5 working days. If your itinerary is tight, consider backup options such as the TWOV scheme to avoid stress from potential visa processing delays.

Recent Visa applications - turnaround times - London Centre

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