China lifts further travel restrictions for certain foreigners

Effective from 28 September 2020, China will allow foreign nationals holding three categories of valid Chinese residence permits (work, private affairs, and reunion) to enter China without the need to apply for a new visa. This is a further lifting of current travel restrictions for foreigners who need to return to China.

On August 10, 2020, the Chinese government allowed foreigners from 36 countries in Europe and 11 countries in Asia holding valid work, private affairs, and reunion residence permits to apply to the embassies and consulates in their countries to return to China. Based on the latest announcement, the Chinese government has lifted the restrictions on nationality and further stipulates that if the above three categories of residence permits held by foreign nationals expired after 12am on 28 March 2020, the holders may apply for relevant visas by presenting the expired residence permits and relevant materials to the Chinese embassies or consulates on the condition that the purpose of the holders’ visit to China remains unchanged. Specific requirements may vary depending on the location and applicants are advised to check with the local Chinese embassy before submitting applications.

After the new policy comes into effect, there are still two types of foreigners that need to apply for PU invitation letter (i.e. the invitation letter issued by the Foreign Affairs Office to be used for applying for visas) to enter China. These are foreigners whose work, private affairs, or reunion residence permits expired before 12am on 28 March 2020; as well as foreigners who have NOT previously held any of the three types of residence permits stipulated. It is uncertain if the Chinese government will loosen the requirements for PU invitation letter applicants along with the new policy.

Furthermore, overseas travelers will still be required to quarantine according to local epidemic prevention and control regulations, which may vary among different provinces and cities in China.

It is hard to estimate whether the Chinese government may further lift or impose any travel restrictions on foreigners in the near future owing to the constantly changing state of COVID-19 around the world. Foreigners who meet the above mentioned requirements and need to enter China should take this opportunity to return sooner rather than later.