In March 2020, China suspended entry into the country for all foreigners. For necessary or emergency entry into China, foreigners need to apply for a new visa at the Chinese Embassy.
Travelers with visas obtained after March 28th 2020 will be allowed to enter China.
In September 2020, restrictions were eased for foreign nationals holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters, and reunion. They are allowed to enter China with no need to apply for new visas.
Starting from March 15th 2021, China provides facilitation for reunion, work, and business visa applicants who have been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines produced in China and obtained a vaccination certificate.
So, now there are three ways to go to China:
- Holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters, and reunion
- Holding a diplomatic, service, courtesy, or C visa
- Applying for a new China visa (the previous visa will not be cancelled) only for work or emergency humanitarian needs, such as visiting a seriously ill family member
FAQs about Traveling to China
1. If I hold a L, 10-year, Q, or X visa, can I go to China now?
No. Those holding certain visas (L, 10-year, Q, or X visas) issued before March 28th, 2020 cannot enter China (even if vaccinated).
2. My family members (wife/husband, fiancée/fiancé…) are Chinese citizens and now in China, can I enter China to visit them?
Probably not. Family visits to China are still impracticable if you don’t have a residence permit for reunion. However, now, if you have been fully inoculated with a Chinese vaccine, there is a new avenue to apply for a reunion visa to go to China.
3. Can international students return to China yet?
No. International students cannot return to China yet. There is no official news yet on when China will open its borders for international students.
4. How to apply a new visa to China?
Please see the section “China Visa Restrictions“. We suggest purchasing your ticket to China after you confirm that your visa application was successful.
5. Do I need to be quarantined when entering China? Is there any way to shorten or avoid quarantine time?
Yes. Anyone entering China needs to be quarantined, whether you are vaccinated or not. There is no way to shorten or avoid your quarantine time. More to see “China Quarantine Rules“.
6. Can I transit into Mainland China through Hong Kong?
No. Hong Kong / Macau / Taiwan cannot be used to transit into Mainland China.
7. I am from USA/South Africa, and I have already inoculated with Chinese vaccine and hold a valid residence permit. I need to go back to USA/South Africa and return to China. Is that ok? (Update July 26)
Yes. If you go back to USA/South Africa, your residence permit is still valid. You can come back China with your current valid residence permit without applying a new visa.
But you need to contact the Chinese Consulate in USA/South Africa to get approval first before you buy the ticket. In the case of Los Angeles, you need to submit your information here.
You are required to be quarantined when return to China.
8. I am from UK, and I have already inoculated with Chinese vaccine and hold a valid residence permit. I need to go back to UK and return to China. Is that ok? (Update July 26)
Yes. You can go back to UK and return to China with the same valid residence permit. You need to be quarantined when you return to China.
Other countries that apply this policy include Canada, Belgium, Italy, and France.
Policy changes quickly. Please double check with the Chinese consulate/China visa center to ensure your trip.
When Will China Open Its Borders?
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China may open its borders to visitors in early 2022 according to current trends:
- The use of COVID-19 vaccines around the world is improving the situation. According to the World Health Organization, at least 180 countries and regions have started vaccinating.
- China aims to vaccinate up to 80% of its population, or over a billion people, by the end of 2021 or mid-2022.
- Preparations for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games (Feb. 4–20) are still proceeding. If you are planning a Beijing Winter Olympics trip, contact us.
We will continue to monitor China’s entry policy and update you as soon as the latest official news is issued.