News and updates on the status of the Chinese border reopening for internationals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
China to resume Tourist Visa for foreigners
March 14, 2023 - Chinese embassies in multiple countries have announced that China will resume issuing all types of visas, including tourist visas for foreigners starting from March 15. China visas issued before March 28, 2020 are restored to validity (including 10-year visa). Please note that not all Chinese embassies have published the notice yet.
China further streamlines procedures for Int'l arrivals
July 5, 2022 - After halving the collective quarantine time for international inbound travelers, China made another major adjustment for this group of people by streamlining procedures for those coming to the Chinese mainland. The policy has prompted a huge increase in flights connecting China with other countries, especially the US, and the number of people travelling out of the country.
Those changes include cancelling the requirement for an antigen test 12 hours before boarding.
More Travelers bound for China can transit via another country
June 30, 2022 - China further eases requirements for international arrivals. Several Chinese embassies eased the travel restrictions for China bound transit via another country.- UK
- Indonesia
- Finland
- Italy
- Brazil
- UAE
- Hungary
- Uganda
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- More to be announced....
Please note that some of the above mentioned embassies only released the notice on it's Chinese version of the website. We encourage you to confirm with your local embassy or consulate to know whether you are subject to this policy update.
China shortens quarantine to 7+3 days
June 28, 2022 - Close contacts of COVID-19 infected patients and people entering China from overseas will undergo shorter quarantine period. The time has been reduced from 14+7 to 7+395+ Countries no longer require PU letter
June 22, 2022 - Chinese Embassies in more countries/ regions announced the simplified visa application procedures, including (in alphabetic order):
-Algeria
-Angola
-Austria
-Australia
-Bahrain
-Belarus
-Belgium
-Benin
-Botswana
-Brazil
-Brunei
-Burundi
-Cambodia
-Cameroon
-Canada
-Cape Verde
-Côte d'Ivoire
-Croatia
-Cyprus
-Czech
-Democratic Republic of Congo
-Denmark
-Egypt
-Equatorial Guinea
-Estonia
-Finland
-France
-Greece
-Germany
-Ghana
-Guinea
-Hong Kong
-Hungary
-Kuwait
-Iceland
-India
-Indonesia
-Iran
-Ireland
-Italy
-Laos
-Latvia
-Lebanon
-Liberia
-Madagascar
-Malaysia
-Malta
-Mauritius
-Mexico
-Moldova
-Montenegro
-Morocco
-Myanmar
-Namibia
-Nepal
-Netherland
-Niger
-Nigeria
-Norway
-Oman
-Philippines
-Poland
-Portugal
-Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
-Romania
-Russia
-Rwanda
-Saudi Arabia
-Senegal
-Serbia
-Slovakia
-South Africa
-South Korea
-Spain
-Sudan
-Sweden
-Switzerland
-Thailand
-Togo
-Tunisia
-Turkey
-Vietnam
-UAE
-U.K.
-United States
-Uzbekistan
-Zambia
Chinese Embassies no longer require PU letter!
June 6, 2022 - the following categories of foreign travelers will no longer be required to apply for a PU Letter, and they will be able to apply for a Chinese work visa/Z-visa to the relevant Chinese authorities abroad by presenting their Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit or proof of family relationship:- Foreigners who have been approved by the competent
authorities to work in China and hold a valid Notification Letter of
Foreigner’s Work Permit.
- Foreign dependents whose spouse has been approved to work in China (including those who are already in the country), and their children under the age of 18 years.
Please note that not all Chinese embassies have released this notice. We encourage you to confirm with your local embassy or consulate to know whether you are subject to this policy update and eligible for PU Letter exemption, especially those whose work permit is valid while the residence permit has expired.
