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China to Resume Issuing All Types of Visas since March 15, 2023

Published: Mar. 14, 2023
Since March 15, 2023, China will restart to issue all types of visas to foreigners, which means all visa restrictions set after the covid-19 will be lifted and all foreigners can apply for a China visa as before.
 

Tourist visas (L) will be resumed!

Actually, the visas for the purpose of family reunion/ work/ study/ business and some other urgent situations have been resumed from January 8, 2023 on. But it is still impossible for tourists to enter China for sightseeing. 

Since March 15, 2023, tourist visas will be resumed, too and overseas tourists will be allowed to enter China holding it. Welcome! 

Tip: It is predicted that China Visa Application Service Centers, China Embassies and Consulates abroad will be very busy because of this at the initial stage. In fact, it has already become difficult to make an appointment to submit the visa requirements since January 8, 2023 in some countries. So if you plan to visit China, prepare for the application early enough, at least 1 to 2 months before departure. 

 Read more about China Tourist Visa 
 

Long-term visas issued before March 28, 2020 will be activated. 

Someone may hold a long-term China visa, like a 5-year or 10-year multiple-entry China visa. However, those issued before March 28, 2020 have been suspended after the outbreak of covid-19 and their holders need to apply for a new one to come to China.

Since March 15, 2023, those visas will be activated. As long as they are within the validity period, their holders can use it to enter China as before. 

For instance: Mr. Sean was issued a 10-year multiple-entry visa in 2015 that should be valid through 2025. But it has been suspended and turned invalid during covid-19. Since March 15, 2023, it will be valid again and Mr. Sean can use it to enter China. 

 Read more about:
10-year China Visa for US and Canadian Citizens 
10-Year China Visa for UK Citizens 
 

Shenzhen Visa on Arrival, as well as Zhuhai/ Xiamen VOA will be available.

The VOA at related ports will also be resumed, but please note that they only allow one to stay in China for 3 to 5 days in the limited administrative boundary. 

 Read more about China Visa on Arrival 
 

This will allow foreign tourists to tour around the whole Hainan Island freely. But as before, one needs to register with a local travel agency to get the visa-free entry. 

15-day visa-free policy for cruise tour groups to Shanghai, 6-day visa exemption for group tourists to Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong and Macao, and 6-day visa exemption for ASEAN tour groups visiting Guilin will also be activated since March 15, 2023. 
 

24/72/144-Hour visa free tansit has been resumed since January 8, 2023

If you are going to make a transfer in China, check if your route is eligible for the visa-free transit or not. If eligible, it will save you lots of time and energy. 

 Read more about:
China 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
China 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit 
 

No PCR Test Required for Inbound Tourists

Since April 29, the PCR test requirement is replaced with a self-testing antigen result within 48 hours before boarding your flight to China. See Details
 

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