The French Consulate and Embassy has made its visa application tougher for Chinese tourists by asking for more personal data and bank savings information.

From July 19, local media reports that the French Consulate has asked each travel agency to submit more materials for visa applications for their tourists and has asked tourists to provide two current bankbooks instead of one. One of the deposit books must reportedly be opened a year before the visa application is submitted.

Except for France, the visa policy at other foreign consulates engaged in issuing Schengen visas in China has remained unchanged.

It is currently the high season for traveling in Europe. Travel agencies suggest citizens to enroll for a European tour 20-30 days in advance so they can have enough time to apply for a visa.