The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has announced new regulations for travel agencies handling visa applications, citing alleged misconduct by some operators, including document falsification and misleading applicants, according to a notice posted on the embassy’s verified Facebook page on Wednesday.

In the notice, the embassy said that from July 5, 2026, travel agencies in Bangladesh processing Chinese visa applications on behalf of applicants must obtain accreditation from the International Air Transport Association, commonly known as IATA.

The embassy said it had recently identified irregular practices among some visa-related travel agencies, including falsifying application documents, failing to disclose service fees, exaggerating the complexity of obtaining Chinese visas, delaying procedures, spreading false information, and deceiving applicants.

According to the embassy, such activities had disrupted Chinese visa processing operations and harmed the interests of Bangladeshi applicants.

"Legal actions will be taken against any institution or individual impersonating the Embassy to conduct commercial visa application activities," the notice said.

Applicants were urged to remain vigilant against fraud and report suspected irregularities to the embassy through designated email addresses.

“The Embassy does not grant preferential treatment, nor relax screening standards for any agency,” the notice said, adding that no travel agency would receive special consideration in the visa review process.

To reduce waiting times, the embassy advised applicants to independently submit visa applications with complete documentation through the official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre portal rather than relying on third-party travel agencies.

The embassy also said it had neither authorised nor designated any exclusive visa agency in Bangladesh and warned that legal action would be taken against institutions or individuals falsely claiming affiliation with the mission for commercial visa-related activities.

The Chinese Embassy said it remained committed to providing efficient visa services for Bangladeshi citizens and would continue to introduce measures aimed at facilitating travel and exchanges between the two countries.