The 14 exit and entry administration service windows in Qingdao, Shandong province have all opened since the country optimized its immigration administration policies and measures on Jan 8.

People apply for travel documents at the Qingdao Exit and Entry Administration Service Center. [Photo/Guanhai News]

The centers resumed full operations after having stopped issuing travel documents for tourism and nonemergency purposes on July 30, 2021 due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to officials from the Qingdao Exit and Entry Administration Service Center, there is strong demand for passports and other services from local residents as well as foreigners seeking residence permits and visas, and demand for services is expected to continue to rise.

The center has launched an online appointment service to avoid long waiting times. It has also arranged a number of staff members to offer help at the service hall.