On February 21, crowds gathered outside the Chinese visa center in Moscow as people queued to submit documents, a scene later reported by TourDom.ru. The long lines underscored a surge in demand and the slow pace of processing that day, reflecting the center’s struggle to accommodate a spike in applicants.
The publication explained that the rush followed the end of the Chinese New Year holidays, during which the service center had been closed for five days. When normal operations resumed, applicants found the flow of service uneven, contributing to frustrations among those waiting. This pause in service highlighted how holiday schedules can ripple into backlogs that test patience and efficiency at consular facilities (TourDom.ru).
One applicant described the experience, noting, We stood for six hours yesterday, and today there is some kind of malfunction, which captured the tension felt by many that day. The account illustrated how delays can escalate stress and fuel a perception of systemic unreliability, even as travelers rely on timely visa approvals to meet travel plans (TourDom.ru).
The report observed that the nerves of those in line were worn thin, and tensions extended beyond individual travelers to involve local travel agencies operating in proximity. These agencies, which typically coordinate with the visa center, found themselves in disagreements over how to manage appointments and expectations. The piece did not rule out a return to pre-registration if the situation persisted, a shift that could reframe how applicants secure slots in the future (TourDom.ru).
Looking ahead, China is anticipated to pursue an economic rebound next year, with strategic efforts to broaden consumption into sectors such as tourism, smart home technologies, and major sports events. This broader growth plan is expected to influence international travel patterns and demand for Chinese visas as more residents seek opportunities to explore, do business, and participate in global events (TourDom.ru). Previous tourism industry analyses have identified Russia as a key source of outbound travelers, with preferences shifting toward destinations that offer cultural experiences, strong safety records, and convenient visa processes (TourDom.ru).