China's State Council has authorized Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, to issue visas on arrival from Monday on.

Under this system, eligible foreign passengers can obtain visas directly at their destination airports, which play a role similar to overseas Chinese consulates in terms of visa issuing. It is a supplementary measure to provide visas for foreigners in emergency need.

Wuhan Tianhe Airport becomes the first port authorized to issue visas on arrival in central China area, after ports in municipalities directly under the central government, coastal cities and border areas.

According to the provincial police department, eleven kinds of foreigners could apply for visas on arrival, including incoming tourists approved by China's National Tourism Administration, foreigners coming on the invitation of Chinese commercial parts for bidding, compensation or contract signing, foreigners coming to visit critically ill patients or for funerals and others invited urgently and lacking time to apply for visas in Chinese consulates stationed in their countries.

(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2004)