Forums » News and Announcements
Post-opening travel to China - what's changed?
-
Post-opening travel to China - what's changed?
In March 2023, China gave the official green light for foreign travellers and tourists to return to the country, announcing that it had resumed issuing all types of visas. This announcement followed months of gradual lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions, which saw quarantines, vaccination and testing requirements, and travel codes lifted. To get more shanghai china news, you can visit citynewsservice.cn official website.
However, foreign travellers may still be confused when planning their trip to China, as the country has taken a gradual approach to lifting restrictions and the latest information is scattered across a number of announcements. Below we answer some common questions about travel to China following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.Is my 10-year Chinese visa still valid?
All multiple-entry visas issued before 28 March 2020 that are still within their validity period can now be used to travel to China. This includes 10-year visas issued to citizens of the US and other countries. Note that this type of visa usually only allows you to stay in China for up to 60 days, and you will need to apply for a new long-stay visa if you want to stay longer than 60 days.
How do I apply for a Chinese tourist visa in 2023?
In order to travel to China, most foreigners will need to apply for a visa. This is done through your nearest Chinese visa application service centre, not the consulate or embassy. You must either be a citizen, resident or have another right to stay (such as a visa) in the country where you are applying for the Chinese visa.
The requirements for applying for a visa vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and where you are applying. It is therefore important that you check the website of your local Chinese visa application service centre to find out the requirements for your application.Note that the duration of short-term visas, such as tourist or business visas, may also vary depending on your specific situation, where you apply and your nationality.
For short-term travel, China offers a number of visa-free options. These include 144-hour, 72-hour and 24-hour visa-free transit. These allow foreign travellers to enter China through designated ports and travel within a limited area for up to six days, provided they continue on to a third country after leaving the country.
What are the COVID-19 testing requirements for travel to China?
You must have a nucleic acid test (PCR) or rapid antigen test (RAT) within 48 hours of boarding your flight to China. Note that from 29 April 2023, PCR testing will no longer be required and you can choose to take a RAT at home instead.The test result must be negative, and you must declare your test result along with other health information by completing the health declaration form on the China Customs WeChat mini-program, app or website.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you should wait until you test negative before travelling to China.
Airlines are no longer required to check COVID-19 before boarding, and there is no requirement to test when arriving in China. However, you may be asked to show the health declaration code you receive after completing the health declaration form, as the border police will carry out spot checks.