China entry requirements: COVID-19 Information – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China

Travel to China | Entry Requirements

You may be aware of reports that China is loosening entry restrictions for certain visa holders. At the same time, you may also be reading about continuing COVID-19 restrictions in Beijing and Shanghai. Needless to say, it’s a confusing time when it comes to China reopening, so let’s walk through the most recent developments and China’s governmental policy changes.

It is important to note that entry policy and visa requirements are frequently changing, so prospective visa applicants should frequently check to see if adjustments have been made.

Changes to China’s Entry Restrictions & Visa Policy

The biggest development has been China’s termination of the PU letter requirement for several classes of visas. The PU letter is a formal government-issued document required by foreign nationals (non-China residents) to begin the process of applying for a China visa. The PU letter requirement has been eliminated for the following classes of visa:

Z visa: Issued to those who intend to work in China.
S1/S2 visa: Issued to the spouse, parents, children under the age of 18, and parents of the spouse of the holder of a Z visa, or work category residence permit.
Q1/Q2 visa: Issued to foreign family members of Chinese citizens, or foreign family members of foreigners with permanent residence status in China. Note: ‘family members’ here refers to spouses, parents, parents-in-law, children, spouses of children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren.

Foreigners applying for Z visas will still typically need to show they are heading to China for COVID-19 control/prevention-related matters, or are foreigners going to China for the resumption of an existing business enterprise, or traveling for business of a critical, urgent, and/or important nature to China.

In addition, China is also issuing visas to some international students. So, if you are a student looking to study for a semester or year abroad in China, speak with the study abroad coordinator at your educational institution to check your eligibility. If eligible, CIBT can help with comprehensive visa and passport services specifically for student travel.

What Has Not Changed About Entry to China

Some visa classes still require a PU letter, including:

M/F visa: Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and technology activities.

Foreign nationals may travel to China if they hold a valid visa in one of the categories above, issued after March 28, 2020 (or after November 3, 2020 for certain countries, including the United Kingdom). People with valid residence permits for work, family reunions, or personal matters can also travel to China. Unfortunately for would-be leisure travelers, China remains closed to tourists, with the government not expected to begin issuing tourist visas before 2023 at the earliest. Of course, this remains subject to change.

Other Factors to Consider When Traveling to China

Getting to China
Even once a traveler obtains a valid entry document, entry into China can still be challenging. Currently, travel to China can only be conducted on aircraft, flying directly to China on pre-approved routes, if there are direct flights between the traveler’s country of departure and China. For individuals departing from countries without a direct flight to China, only itineraries with one stop before reaching China will be accepted.
COVID-19 Protocol
Not surprisingly, anyone traveling to China must demonstrate they are COVID-free. In addition to a valid visa or residence permit, all travelers to China must also have proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure, and a second PCR test taken less than 24 hours before departure. Even with the negative tests, upon arriving in China, travelers will still need to quarantine for a period of 10-14 days at an approved facility, and undergo a rigorous COVID testing protocol while in quarantine. A further seven days of quarantine at home, or the location you will be staying, is typically required once you are released from the quarantine facility.

China remains a top international business and leisure travel destination. While China is still closed to international tourism, some business and other forms of travel are possible. Still. as shown above, the process can be subject to frequent changes.

CIBT and Newland Chase are here to assist would-be travelers to China. We maintain up-to-date information on current entry requirements, and can assist you in the process of obtaining visas and other travel documents. If China is a destination for you, we’re here to help! Contact us today.

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Travel to China 2023/2024: Entry Requirements, Visas, Tours

Good news for travelers! China has fully opened its borders after a three-year wait. From March 15, anyone with a valid Chinese visa (including visas applied for before March 28, 2020 like China tourist visa) can enter China without needing to apply for a new one.

All types of visa applications have also been resumed like tourist visa (L visa), and visa-free policies have been reinstated. China Highlights’ first travelers holding L visa have successfully landed in Shanghai on April 14th, 2023.

Travelers with ordinary passport from Singapore, Japan, or Brunei will need to apply for a China visa before entry according to the List of Agreements on Mutual Visa Exemption Between the People’s Republic of China and Foreign Countries issued on February 22nd, 2023.

To enter China, all you need is a valid visa, passport, and a PCR or antigen self-test (depending on where you are from). A proof of vaccination is not required.

If you want to arrange a private tour, even tentatively, simply contact us. You’ll receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to three weeks before departure. (More details⇒)

Tibet is officially reopen to the foreign travelers. The local Tourism Bureau started to accept the applications for Tibet permits from March 15th 2023!

International travelers bound for Hong Kong will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 test (no PCR test, no RAT test) from April 1.

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What Ways to Enter China
Do I Still Need PCR Test to Enter China
Hong Kong/Macau Travel Restriction

International Flights to China
What to Expect When Traveling in China
Best Times to Travel to China

7 Ways to Enter China: All Open Now!

Since China has fully permitted visa applications, there are now several ways to enter the country.

1. Visa

If you still hold a valid Chinese visa (any type including tourist visa, 10-year visa, etc.), you can use it to enter China.

If you don’t have a Chinese visa or your visa has expired, you can apply for a new one. All visas can now be applied for, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and so on. (International visitors can apply for a tourist visa to the Chinese Mainland in Hong Kong.)

For the documents required for a visa application, you can refer to the information given by a Chinese embassy/consulate.

To apply for a tourist visa (L visa), you will be asked to provide an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency or individual or round-trip air tickets and hotel bookings.

When booking a private tour with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter, which is one more thing we do to make your travel more convenient, giving you more flexibility with your air tickets and hotel bookings.

Now it is very easy to apply for a visa. You can easily apply by yourself without an intermediary. The following is how one of our clients successfully applied for a Chinese tourist visa:

Usually, you will get your visa after 7 working days. The application fee is about USD150.

Q: What if my passport expires but my visa doesn’t?

A: You can travel to China on the expired passport containing valid Chinese visa in combination with the new passport, provided that the identity information (name, date of birth, gender, nationality) on both passport identical.

If there is change to any of the above details, you must apply for a new visa.

2. 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

If you do not apply for a Chinese visa, you may still have the opportunity to visit these areas of China visa free: the Shanghai area (including Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.), the Beijing area (with Tianjin and Hebei), the Guangzhou area (Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.), and more. Take advantage of the 6-day visa-free entitlements.

Find out if you could use the 144-hour visa-free transit policy with our information on China’s 144-hour Visa-Free Policy (Eligible Entry/Exit Ports, Applicable Countries, Documents to be Prepared…)

You can also obtain entry and exit control policies through the 24-hour hotline of the National Immigration Administration:

3. Visa Exemption for ASEAN Tour Groups to Guilin

In addition, tour groups from ASEAN member countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines, can visit Guilin for 144 hours without visas as long as they meet the visa-free transit policy requirements.

4. Shanghai Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Groups

Shanghai has a 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering China via a cruise. You must arrive and depart on the same cruise and be received by a Chinese travel agent at the Shanghai Cruise Terminal (or Wusong Passenger Center).

5. Hainan Visa-Free Access

No visa is required for staying on Hainan Island for up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders from 59 countries. Groups and individual tourists must book a tour through an accredited travel agency.

Find out whether you qualify for the policy here.

6. Visa Exemption for the Pearl River Delta Area

International travelers from Hong Kong or Macau are able to visit the Pearl River Delta area (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.) visa-free as long as they go with a registered tour provider, such as us.

7. APEC Cards

If you hold a valid APEC business travel card, you can simply enter China with the card without applying for a visa.

Travelers who hold a valid APEC business travel card can stay in China for up to 60 days.

Recommended China Tours:

Do I Still Need PCR Test to Enter China

It depends on where you are flying from…

Travelers from the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, etc. still need to do a PCR test within 48 hours before departure and declare a negative test result to China Customs by filling in a Health Declaration Form on the WeChat mini-program China Customs (scan the QR code below), at the website, or via the China Customs APP.

If you are flying to China directly from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Italy, etc., you can do an antigen self-test within 48 hours before departure instead of a PCR test.

Just declare the negative test result to China Customs by filling in a Health Declaration Form on the WeChat mini-program China Customs (scan the QR code below), at the website, or via the China Customs APP.

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Hong Kong / Macau Travel Restriction

Hong Kong Entry Requirements

Travelers from any region bound for Hong Kong will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 test (no PCR test, no RAT test) from April 1.

There is no need for any tests when traveling from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland if you haven’t been abroad or to Taiwan within 7 days of going. Otherwise, you will need to do a test.

Direct high-speed trains from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Hong Kong are available now. In preparation for the Canton Fair, it is expected that direct high-speed ferries will be launched from Guangzhou Pazhou Port to Hong Kong’s airport in mid-April.

Macau Entry Requirement

Travelers entering Macau from overseas will need to show a negative PCR test or rapid antigen detection test result for a time within 48 hours of leaving.

Travelers entering Macau from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, or Taiwan don’t need any test results. Nucleic acid test results are also not required for travel to the mainland from Macau (If you haven’t been outside Macau or the Chinese Mainland for the 7 days prior to going).

Macau has resumed international transfer services. Foreign nationals who enter Macau and leave for the Chinese Mainland within 7 days after their entry are required to show a negative PCR test within 48 hours before departure.

International Flights to China

Inbound and outbound international flights in the week beginning March 6th rose by more than 350% compared with a year earlier, to nearly 2,500 flights, according to Chinese flight tracking data from APP Flight Master.

At present, there are one or two direct flights a week from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Beijing, Seattle to Shanghai, London to Guangzhou, etc.

There are also many flight options with stopovers that are more frequent and affordable. Testing at transit airports is now not required! (If you get tested at the initial departure point and your test result is still within 48 hours when you board the plane again)

What to Expect When Traveling in China

The Coronavirus outbreak in China has subsided. China looks like it did in 2019 again. No special measures (like PCR tests or health codes) are required when traveling around China. All attractions are open as normal.

Wearing a mask is not mandatory when traveling. In hotels, masks are off for the most part. But in some crowded places, such as airports or subway stations, many people still wear masks.

Best Times to Travel to China

Weather-wise, the best times to visit China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when most of the popular places have their most tourism-friendly weather, except for the “golden weeks” — the first week of May and of October — when most attractions are flooded with Chinese tourists.

If you are looking for smaller crowds, favorable prices, and still good weather, you should consider March and April or September.

Tourism in cultural and historical destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an is hardly affected by weather conditions. They are suitable to be visited all year round.

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Based on 10168 reviews

HK-Beijing-Wuhan-Guilin-HK

We travelled first to Beijing for a few days before moving on to Wuhan for the wedding and then for a few days in Guilin along with my son and daughter in law. It was a great trip and all went smothly with the help of the guides we had along the way. William in Beijing and Jenny in Guilin were excellent. Chas in HK was also very helpful in getting us to the right place and the right time to fly home.

Apr 2023,
Alan Harris

HK-Beijing-Wuhan-Guilin-HK

This is the second time we have used China Highlights. The first was in 2015 and that went very well, so I had no worried about using them again this time. My son lives and works in Beijing and has married a Chinese lady from Beijing. This was suppose to happen during Easter 2020 and all had to be postponed. We wanted to travel out for the wedding reception in her home town outside of Wuhan. This time it meant organising a trip for 6 of us, including 2 children. It was very complicated trip and we had to change the itinerary several times, mainly due to the difficulty in getting flights from UK. However, Alisa from China Highlights was very good and made all the changes very efficiently.

Apr 2023,
Alan Harris

A Full Program in Beijing!

Yet another fabulous #ChinaHighlights vacation designed by Zac. Our Spring Break destination 2 of 3 was the capital city 北京市 and did not disappoint! Led by the amazing Sunny (老师+ tour guide) we packed in a week’s worth of tours in only 3 days! Tiananmen + The Forbidden City, Peking duck & Hutong food tour, The Great Wall, Summer Palace, Hutong Chinese Paper Cutting, Temple of Heaven et al. So grateful that we FINALLY made it to the Great Wall (because how can you really say that you’ve been to China without going there)?!?

Apr 2023,
Erin 孙琳

Amazing 2 day tour in Beijing

The tour itself was great, private driver to and from, my guide Ivy was great English speaking guide. She was very knowledgeable and passionate about her country. Was a great time exploring the Great Wall of china and then my second day did a city tour (forbidden city, hutong tour, summer palace). Felt extremely safe, and was confident having an English guide). Thank you china highlights.

Apr 2023,
Mark Lamberto

Amazing 2 day tour in Beijing

Overall a great well out your. Highly recommend using china highlights to organize a tour and guide. I emailed china highlights inquiring what I wanted to do in Beijing and took a few days to get a response but once they did Maggie was able to set up a great 2 day tour tailored to me.

Apr 2023,
Mark Lamberto

Excellent Service

I’ve received excellent service from Roger Li of China Highlights in arranging a visit to Beijing and Xi’an. Roger could not have been more helpful and prompt. I recommend China Highlights without hesitation.

Apr 2023,
South Westminster Legal Advice Centre

Alisa from China Highlights …

I would like to recommend China highlights for the wonderful memories they have helped carve out over the last 5 years with my family. In particular our wonderful memories and highlights would not have been possible if it wasn’t for Alisa from China highlights who carefully planned out all of our trips in a personal way making sure she catered for all my family’s needs. She was brilliant in responding to all emails and quick in making changes .

Apr 2023,
Javier Hernandez Stalder

thumbs up

Both Roger and our tour guide Tony were very knowledgeable and made this day on the Great Wall very special for us. Thumbs up!

Apr 2023,
matthias

Tour China with Us

We’ve been building our team for over 20 years. Even over the past three years we have continued, serving over 10,000 expats with China tours and getting a lot of praise (see TripAdvisor).

We are based in China and can show you the characteristics and charm of China from a unique perspective. Just contact us to create your China trip.

Our consultants will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and prepare the best plan for you.

Rules for entry into China for Russians in 2023

At the end of 2019, the world community faced the first cases of infection with a new coronavirus infection. The patients were identified in China. From there, the pathogen spread throughout the world.

Already 3 months later, the World Health Organization announced the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is still in full swing. By early 2023, more than 367 million people had been infected with the virus, and several new strains had emerged. There is no need to talk about the improvement of the world situation.

The People’s Republic of China was one of the first to impose severe restrictions, completely isolating the province in which carriers of the virus were initially identified. The external borders of the state were closed to prevent further spread of the disease with visitors from other countries. A slight weakening of the regime was allowed only in Hong Kong – the largest center of the world economy, where many foreign companies have their offices.

How to get to China:

What are the current restrictions at the Chinese border
Who is allowed to enter China
Is there air service between Russia and China
Conditions for entry into China
Do I need a PCR test and how long does quarantine last for visitors
China Special Entry Regulations 2022-2023 for Certain Provinces
Requirements for Russians returning from China

What are the current restrictions at the Chinese border

Gradually, the world community came to terms with the unfolding pandemic and is now learning to live with it, considering various options for restoring ties between countries. The Government of the Republic of China continues to carefully monitor the epidemiological situation and establishes the rules for entry into China for Russians and citizens of other states, based on actual incidence rates.

The entry regime of the PRC in force in 2023 implies significant restrictions for foreigners, and first of all, for tourists. Until now, the issuance of tourist visas by the Chinese consulate has not been restored, which means that it will not work to come to China for recreation. The government does not plan to open the border for students in the near future either.

The question of whether it is now possible to get to China and how, worries many Russians who had to hastily evacuate from China. Many of our compatriots left their jobs and studies here, suspended their internships in Chinese companies. Therefore, the resumption of transport links and the issuance of visa permits remains relevant and expected events for them.

What restrictions are in place during this period:

Air traffic has been partially restored, but most of the flights between our countries are not operated.
All ground checkpoints on the Chinese-Russian border are closed, while entry is prohibited from both sides.
The issuance of visas for students, tourists and citizens with indications for treatment in medical institutions has been suspended.
Transit travel is only allowed in Beijing. Transfers at airports in Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong and other major cities are prohibited.

The country’s authorities initiated a mass vaccination campaign. Currently, more than 1.2 billion people have received both components of the vaccine, which is more than 80% of the total number of inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom.

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Who is allowed to enter China

Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor

Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor is a natural harbor between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It became an important strategic object, a center of trade. Victoria Harbor is a popular tourist destination. It hosts annual fireworks displays, as well as a Guinness World Record-listed light show and sound show. It is created by lasers, spotlights, flashes and lights. You can watch it for free.

How to go to China now if there is an urgent need?

Residents of Russia have the opportunity to obtain an entry permit in the event that the purpose of the trip is associated with urgent circumstances.

The following categories of our compatriots are allowed to cross the PRC border:

Employees of Russian consulates who have diplomatic and service passports and go to China for service.
Citizens whose purpose of visit is trade and economic relations or research / technical activities.
Persons who have acquired Chinese citizenship or residency.
Humanitarian convoy workers.
Professionals who have issued a work permit, as well as members of their families.
Foreign persons married to Chinese citizens and arriving in the country for the purpose of reunification with their spouse.

Currently, the possibility of entering the Middle Kingdom for the purpose of tourism, as well as transit, is completely excluded, with the exception of major international airports in Beijing.

Is there an air connection between Russia and China

If you have a valid visa and the purpose of your trip meets the requirements of the Chinese authorities, then the question of whether it is possible to get to China by plane is still relevant in the face of restrictions.

Due to the pandemic, the number of international flights connecting Russia and China has been significantly reduced. Russians have the opportunity to fly to the Republic with Aeroflot, which offers several flights to major Chinese cities – Beijing, Shanghai. The airline’s schedule involves sending the aircraft twice a week, and in the future, the launch of daily flights to Hong Kong and Guangzhou – flight bookings are already available.

If the destination is in another city or you need to fly on dates when Aeroflot does not send flights, you should check with foreign airlines whether it is possible to fly to China from Russia with transfers.

Conditions for entry into China: what documents are needed

China and Russia maintain a visa regime between the countries, so Russian citizens will have to process permits to visit China. In 2023, the Consulate of the Republic limited the issuance of tourist visas, as well as permits for travel for the purpose of treatment, study, and guest visits.

If you are in the category of citizens who are allowed to enter the territory of the state, you must first submit an application and prepare a number of documents:

Passport. The document must be valid for at least 6 months at the time the visa expires. Two blank pages for visa stamps are required. Additionally, you should make a copy of the spread of your passport and pages with Chinese visas issued earlier.
Application form . The form can be downloaded from the official website of the department, printed and filled out. The questionnaire contains up-to-date information about the applicant, including place of work, registration, passport data. It is also necessary to glue your color photo to the printed form and put a signature on each page.
1 color photo conforming to standard requirements. The face is located full face, on a white background, occupying at least 80% of the total area of the image. Photo size 3.5×4.5 cm.
Russian passport . Copies of all pages with any entries and marks are provided.
Copies of booked tickets for arrival / departure from the country.
Proof of residence . A hotel reservation or a rental agreement for the period of stay in the country is provided.
Health insurance covering medical costs of $15,000 or more.

If a Russian has previously had Chinese citizenship, then in order to apply for a visa, you will need to provide a Chinese passport or a copy of it to the consulate. Additional documents will be required, depending on the purpose for which you plan to enter the Republic.

For Category C

Xihu Lake

Xihu Lake is a freshwater lake in Hangzhou. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in China. Dams and small islands divide it into 5 parts. On three sides, the lake was surrounded by emerald mountains. It has many lotus flowers, irises, bridges, arbors. According to legend, Xihu appeared from a fallen pearl. It is famous for its “ten species”. All parts of the lake are included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Permit is issued to foreigners who come to China on official business, as well as their family members. To obtain a permit, you will need a guarantee or invitation letter from the employer (transport or airline, Chinese organization, business partner).

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For category D

Entry on the basis of this visa is carried out if a foreign citizen plans to permanently reside in the Republic with subsequent registration of resident rights. For this purpose, a permanent residence permit is issued in advance by the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China.

Upon arrival in the country, it is necessary to obtain permanent residence within 30 days at the immigration department at the place of residence.

For category M

A business visa is issued to those foreigners who come to China to develop business cooperation, sign contracts, meet with partners and resolve commercial issues – making deals, attending economic forums. To obtain a permit, you will need documents confirming that you are engaged in commercial activities.

These can be invitations from Chinese partners, organizers of fairs and exhibitions, letters from individuals or companies. The invitation contains information about the foreign citizen (full name, passport details, date of birth), a description of the purpose of the trip with the main dates (including arrival and departure), a description of the type of business interaction with the partner.

In addition, a copy of the identity card of the Chinese citizen who assumes responsibility for the foreign visitor and information about the financial support of the trip for the entire stay is required.

For category R

This type of permit is issued to high-class foreign specialists who come to the Republic to work or participate in scientific research. The basis for issuing an entry permit can be a certificate indicating unique talents. The document must comply with government requirements.

The invitation of a researcher can be issued directly by the Chinese government if they are interested in his visit.

For category Z

The PRC Work Pass is issued to all foreigners who come to work. You can get it only if the authorized agency has issued an official work permit, which is provided to the immigration service. Work permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China.

An alternative document may be a special permit issued by the State Administration for Foreign Citizens. If the specialist comes at the invitation of the organization, a company registration certificate issued by the Chinese Administration of Industry and Commerce will be required. In the case when the activity is related to commercial transactions, permission for this type of cooperation from the relevant department will be required.

The 2021-22 China Entry Permit Rules require mandatory registration at the place of residence. To do this, within 30 days after entering the country, you must contact the branch of the Public Security Organs at the registration address.

Other types of entry permits are currently not issued by the Consulate of the Republic. You can clarify which permit is suitable for your case by contacting the Single Visa Application Centre. Our experienced specialists have exhaustively complete information on the grounds on which Russians are now allowed to enter China.

Do I need a PCR test and how long is quarantine for visitors? It was built on the outskirts of Beijing.

There are over 3,000 buildings throughout the park. Its total area is 290 ha. On the territory of the residence are temples, palaces, living quarters and an artificial lake. It can be divided into two parts: palace and park. Mountains are a beautiful backdrop for the residence. Every landscape here is inspiring.

Obtaining an entry permit is only the first step for a foreigner planning a trip to China. In the context of coronavirus, crossing the borders of almost any state in the world requires compliance with certain rules. China also sets its own list of requirements, which is due to anti-epidemic measures.

A prerequisite for visiting the country is a PCR test, which must be done no earlier than 72 hours before departure. The confirmation of the absence of infection must be in English / Chinese, with the original seal of the medical institution that carried out the examination. Only those organizations that have international accreditation are suitable.

A certificate issued on the basis of a negative PCR test is submitted to the PRC Consular Section in Russia along with an application for a Green Health Code. The received HS-code will be required when crossing the border with the Republic.

Can I enter China without vaccination? At the moment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC does not impose mandatory requirements for the presence of a vaccination certificate for visitors. All foreigners arriving in the Republic are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, after which a PCR test is repeated. If it is negative, then further travel around the country becomes possible.

Like local residents, it is important for foreigners to follow preventive measures – wear a protective mask and gloves, avoid crowded places, wash hands thoroughly and use antiseptics to disinfect them.

Special rules for entering China 2022-2023 for some provinces

The Chinese authorities have revised the conditions for visiting some regions of the country due to the high risk of infection of the population. This affected, first of all, regions with a large flow of visitors: Hong Kong, Macau and a number of other provinces.

These directions were in demand by foreign guests as points for transit transfers. During the period of coronavirus restrictions, transits through these provinces were limited or completely prohibited.

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What are the restrictions in the provinces:

Hong Kong. Foreign nationals can still fly into Hong Kong Airport from the mainland, but return transit is not allowed on this route.
You can only enter Beijing if you have a current negative PCR test. It must be done no earlier than 7 days before arrival in the province.
Macau . Entry into the region is possible only for the local population and foreigners who have received the status of a resident of the PRC. Citizens of Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are allowed to visit the province.
For all new arrivals, a recent PCR test is required (the analysis is submitted 72 hours before arrival). An important condition for entry remains a 14-day quarantine, after which the test for coronavirus must be re-taken.
For tourists coming from the mainland of the Republic, it is also possible to visit the region.
Taiwan . Transit transfers at Taiwan airports have not been possible since 2021, and as of early 2023, the situation has not changed. To visit the region, visitors must carry a negative PCR test and a confirmed quarantine hotel reservation as recommended by the government. The period of stay in isolation is also 14 days.
Shenyang . For this region, the most stringent entry rules have been established, which involve a long quarantine with a gradual easing of restrictions. All visitors from abroad spend 14 days in a special quarantine hotel, during which they take a PCR test twice. In case of a negative result, foreigners will have to spend another 7 days in self-isolation at their place of residence, and 7 days under the control of the local administration. After the end of the established period, re-testing for coronavirus follows.

When planning a trip to a particular province of China, you should check the current restrictions in advance, as the region you need may be completely isolated. This is due to the tactics of local authorities, which introduce an emergency mode in cities where outbreaks of the disease are recorded.

Requirements for Russians returning from China

All Russian citizens wondering how to get to China from Russia should also remember about the moment of returning to their homeland, which is associated with certain anti-epidemic measures.

All Russians returning from the Republic of China must submit a PCR test within 72 hours. The government provides for the following algorithm for registering new arrivals:

After purchasing a return ticket to the Russian Federation / just before boarding the flight, you must register on the State Service portal.
Upon arrival in Russia, a test for Covid-19 is carried out, the results of which must be uploaded to the portal no later than 96 hours after arrival.

Russian citizens who have received both doses of the vaccine over the past 6 months or who have been ill with a coronavirus infection during the same period are exempted from the need to take an antibody test.

You can clarify the details for your individual case right now by contacting the specialists of the “One Visa Application Center” in a convenient way for you.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army

Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army – At the age of 13, Qin Shi Huang began building the tomb. After the persuasion of advisers, the ruler abandoned the tradition of burying a living army with him and decided to replace it with an earthen one. March 1974 peasants discovered a tomb with thousands of statues of soldiers. All the figures have different faces, detailed clothing. It took 38 years and more than one life to create the tomb. Living concubines and treasures were buried with the ruler.

Rules for Russians to enter China in 2023

Just 3 months later, the World Health Organization declared the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemicwhich is still in full swing. By early 2023, more than 367 million people had been infected with the virus, and several new strains had emerged. There is no need to talk about the improvement of the world situation.

How to get to China:

What are the current restrictions on the Chinese border
Who is allowed to enter China
Is there air service between Russia and China
Conditions for entry into China
Do I need a PCR test and how long does quarantine last for visitors
China Special Entry Regulations 2022-2023 for Certain Provinces
Requirements for Russians returning from China

What are the current restrictions on the Chinese border

Gradually, the world community has come to terms with the unfolding pandemic and is now learning to live with it, considering various options for restoring ties between countries. The Government of the Republic of China continues to carefully monitor the epidemiological situation and establishes the rules for entry into China for Russians and citizens of other states, based on actual incidence rates.

What restrictions are in place during this period:

Air traffic has been partially restored, but most of the flights between our countries are not operated.
All ground checkpoints on the Chinese-Russian border are closed, while entry is prohibited from both sides.
The issuance of visas for students, tourists and citizens with indications for treatment in medical institutions has been suspended.
Transit travel is only allowed in Beijing. Transfers at airports in Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong and other major cities are prohibited.

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Who is allowed to enter China

Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor

How to go to China now if there is an urgent need?

Residents of Russia have the opportunity to obtain an entry permit in the event that the purpose of the trip is associated with urgent circumstances.

The following categories of our compatriots are allowed to cross the PRC border:

Employees of Russian consulates who have diplomatic and service passports and go to China for service.
Citizens whose purpose of visit is trade and economic relations or research / technical activities.
Persons who have acquired Chinese citizenship or residency.
Humanitarian convoy workers.
Professionals who have issued a work permit, as well as members of their families.
Foreign persons married to Chinese citizens and arriving in the country for the purpose of reunification with their spouse.

Currently, the possibility of entering the Middle Kingdom for the purpose of tourism, as well as transit, is completely excluded, with the exception of major international airports in Beijing.

Is there an air connection between Russia and China

Conditions for entry into China: what documents are needed

If you are in the category of citizens who are allowed to enter the territory of the state, you must first submit an application and prepare a number of documents:

Passport. The document must be valid for at least 6 months at the time the visa expires. Two blank pages for visa stamps are required. Additionally, you should make a copy of the spread of your passport and pages with Chinese visas issued earlier.
Application form . The form can be downloaded from the official website of the department, printed and filled out. The questionnaire contains up-to-date information about the applicant, including place of work, registration, passport data. It is also necessary to glue your color photo to the printed form and put a signature on each page.
1 color photo conforming to standard requirements. The face is located full face, on a white background, occupying at least 80% of the total area of the image. Photo size 3.5×4.5 cm.
Russian passport . Copies of all pages with any entries and marks are provided.
Copies of booked tickets for arrival / departure from the country.
Proof of residence . A hotel reservation or a rental agreement for the period of stay in the country is provided.
Health insurance covering medical costs of $15,000 or more.

For Category C

Xihu Lake

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For category D

Upon arrival in the country, it is necessary to obtain permanent residence within 30 days at the immigration department at the place of residence.

For category M

For category R

The invitation of a researcher can be issued directly by the Chinese government if they are interested in his visit.

For category Z

Do I need a PCR test and how long is quarantine for visitors? It was built on the outskirts of Beijing.

Special rules for entering China 2022-2023 for some provinces

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What are the restrictions in the provinces:

Hong Kong. Foreign nationals can still fly into Hong Kong Airport from the mainland, but return transit is not allowed on this route.
You can only enter Beijing if you have a current negative PCR test. It must be done no earlier than 7 days before arrival in the province.
Macau . Entry into the region is possible only for the local population and foreigners who have received the status of a resident of the PRC. Citizens of Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are allowed to visit the province.
For all new arrivals, a recent PCR test is required (the analysis is submitted 72 hours before arrival). An important condition for entry remains a 14-day quarantine, after which the test for coronavirus must be re-taken.
For tourists coming from the mainland of the Republic, it is also possible to visit the region.
Taiwan . Transit transfers at Taiwan airports have not been possible since 2021, and as of early 2023, the situation has not changed. To visit the region, visitors must carry a negative PCR test and a confirmed quarantine hotel reservation as recommended by the government. The period of stay in isolation is also 14 days.
Shenyang . For this region, the most stringent entry rules have been established, which involve a long quarantine with a gradual easing of restrictions. All visitors from abroad spend 14 days in a special quarantine hotel, during which they take a PCR test twice. In case of a negative result, foreigners will have to spend another 7 days in self-isolation at their place of residence, and 7 days under the control of the local administration. After the end of the established period, re-testing for coronavirus follows.

Requirements for Russians returning from China

All Russian citizens wondering how to get to China from Russia should also remember about the moment of returning to their homeland, which is associated with certain anti-epidemic measures.

All Russians returning from the Republic of China must submit a PCR test within 72 hours. The government provides for the following algorithm for registering new arrivals:

After purchasing a return ticket to the Russian Federation / just before boarding the flight, you must register on the State Service portal.
Upon arrival in Russia, a test for Covid-19 is carried out, the results of which must be uploaded to the portal no later than 96 hours after arrival.

You can clarify the details for your individual case right now by contacting the specialists of the “One Visa Application Center” in a convenient way for you.

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