It now only takes five working days to get a passport as the exit and entry certificates procedure has been shortened in the Chinese capital. 

Good news for Beijing residents who want to apply for a private passport.

It now only takes five working days to get a passport as the exit and entry certificates procedure has been shortened in the Chinese capital.

It is the fifth time since 1992 that the city has expediated the process.

The practice aims to make exit and entry to Beijing more convenient.

Now the shortened deadline is the quickest in China, while international practice is commonly fifteen days.　

In addition, citizens who have urgent affairs to handle can still have their papers processed under emergency procedures.

In recent years, Beijing has seen more and more citizens applying for entry and exit certificates.

(CRI.com June 9, 2004)