According to a diplomatic note from the German consulate in China, all Schengen countries will initiate a visa application system in China from Oct 12, 2015. Applicants will be required to provide fingerprints to the consulate general when applying for a visa.
Visa assistants from foreign affairs offices are required to submit application documents between the hours of 8: 30 am to 10:00 am on Tuesday and Thursday. Applicants can have their fingerprints taken from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm on the same day as applying. Applicants giving fingerprints should be on the morning’s application list of the same day.
Applicants who have obtained a Schengen visa and have provided the abovementioned information do not have to have fingerprints taken within five years.
The fingerprint method of other Schengen countries is still unclear; please prepare in advance and take enough time on the application.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
