'Mutation' Emerges... China Suspends UK Visa Issuance

Indefinite Suspension of Visa Issuance to Block Entry of Variant Virus
China's Sichuan Airlines Bans Transit Passengers from the UK

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese government has suspended visa issuance services in the United Kingdom.

This measure was taken out of concern for domestic transmission after reports emerged of a new variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) being detected in the UK.

The Chinese Embassy in the UK announced on the 22nd (local time) through its official website that the China Visa Application Service Center in London has temporarily suspended operations starting from the 22nd.

The embassy also stated that the resumption date for visa services will be announced later.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As a result, it is expected to take a considerable amount of time for ordinary British citizens to travel to China.

Previously, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the variant virus confirmed in the UK and other countries has not been detected in China.

The private airline Sichuan Airlines also banned passengers departing from the UK and transiting through third countries from boarding its aircraft starting at midnight on the 22nd.

Sichuan Airlines announced, "Passengers who purchased related tickets can receive a refund at the point of purchase." Although Sichuan Airlines does not operate direct routes to the UK, it appears this measure was taken due to concerns that passengers departing from the UK might transfer in other countries.

Currently, there are three flight routes between China and the UK: London-Guangzhou, London-Shanghai, and London-Qingdao. With the temporary suspension of visa services by the Chinese Embassy in the UK, the possibility of air routes between China and the UK being cut off cannot be ruled out.

Meanwhile, at least 50 countries, including major European nations such as France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, are restricting entry of passengers arriving from the UK to prevent the spread of the variant virus.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.