Italy has simplified its procedure for issuing visas for Chinese citizens by allowing them to apply at the Italian Embassy in Beijing or at one of the consulates general closest to their place of residence starting Saturday.

Chinese citizens used to have to apply for visas at the Italian Embassy or consulates general assigned to the location of their household registration or temporary residence permit.

That restriction is now lifted to spare applicants from long-distance travel at a time when more people work in a city but have their household registration somewhere else.

The new rule is expected to substantially increase the number of Chinese citizens visiting Italy for tourism and business purposes, according to a statement released by the Italian Consulate-General in Guangzhou on Friday.