From March 16, Chinese nationals can go online to schedule their visa interview appointments, pay processing fees and check the status of their applications. Applicants can also pick up their visas at any China CITIC Bank branch instead of forking out money to have their passports mailed back.

Ivana Ren, operator from one of travel agencies specilized in providing travel products and services in US, welcomed the new initiative. “(Going online) is more convenient than booking interviews via phone.”

In 2012, the US mission in China processed more than 1.3 million non-immigrant visa applications, posting 34 per cent growth over 2011.

Ren expects the upward trajectory to continue with an increase in flight connections, such as China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai-San Francisco service, beginning April.

Lots of tour operaters also believes that South America would also stand to gain, as Brazil is emerging as a hotspot for trade fairs. “In fact, it’s easier to obtain a travel visa (for South America) if visitors possess a US one.”

Earlier this year, Italy also abolished its travel consultant visa application quota for Chinese nationals in January. The three Italian embassies in China saw over 100,000 visa applications last year, while it is expected this change to result in 10 per cent growth for 2013.