14 Mar 2023 | 06:48 AM UTC
China: Authorities to resume visa issuance to foreigners for tourism and medical purposes from March 15 /update 58
Officials in mainland China to resume visa issuance for foreign tourists from March 15. Visa-free entry to resume for certain areas.
Event
Authorities in mainland China will resume issuing visas to foreigners, including for tourism and medical purposes, from March 15. Officials previously suspended visa issuance for foreigners in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreigners traveling to Hainan Island and arriving on cruise ships to Shanghai, as well as certain tour groups from Hong Kong and Macau to Guangdong, and from ASEAN countries to Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, will also be able to resume visa-free travel. Additionally, foreigners holding valid visas issued before March 28, 2020, may enter China.
Domestic Restrictions
Officials have lifted requirements for individuals to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test and green health code to take public transport or enter most public venues, except for schools and medical facilities. Persons traveling between cities and provinces are no longer required to present a negative PCR test result or undergo mandatory quarantine. Asymptomatic individuals or those with mild COVID-19 symptoms may self-isolate at home.
International Restrictions
Foreign nationals with valid residence permits and visas may enter China for business, employment, education, and family purposes. C visa holders (primarily flight and ship crew members) and diplomatic personnel are exempt from entry bans.
Generally, international travelers no longer need to quarantine on arrival but must present a COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 48 hours before departure. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 before departing for China must postpone their travel until they obtain a negative test result. Passengers arriving from Cambodia, Egypt, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates are exempt from the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test requirement and can take an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) within 48 hours before boarding; airlines will no longer check COVID-19 test results for such passengers.
All customs checkpoints between mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau are open. Individuals who have traveled abroad in the past seven days must present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours. Travelers entering mainland China by land from Macau and Hong Kong are no longer required to register in advance.
Most major airlines are gradually resuming international flights to mainland China.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by local health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
