In order to further facilitate the entry into and departure from the People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) by Chinese and foreign nationals, several adjustments to visa and entry policies have been made starting from 15 March 2023, according to a statement from the PRC National Immigration Administration.1
Why this matters
KPMG in the People’s Republic of China has observed that policies concerning Chinese visa applications and entry requirements have been fluid in recent months. Individuals scheduling trips to and from the country and organisations planning to resume sending globally-mobile employees (and accompanying family) into and out of China need to be aware of the updates as well as existing rules and conditions before traveling to China so that they are in compliance and can mitigate any disruptions or delays to their entry.
The changing policies and practices in the country’s immigration regime appear to be aimed at easing travel into China by foreign nationals and facilitating work in China by foreign nationals. (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2023-026, 1 February 2023.)
Highlights
- Chinese visas that were issued before 28 March 2020, and remain valid, will be reactivated.
- Visa authorities stationed abroad will resume issuing various types of visas for foreign nationals.
- Chinese port visa authorities will resume the examination and issuance of various types of port visas.
- Visa-free entry to Hainan Province, visa-free cruises to Shanghai, visa-free entry to Guangdong Province for tourist groups of foreign nationals from Hong Kong and Macau, and visa-free entry to Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, for ASEAN tour groups, will be resumed.
People’s Republic of China – Resuming Entry Procedures, Visa Applications
- Chinese visas that were issued before 28 March 2020, and remain valid, will be reactivated.
- Visa authorities stationed abroad will resume issuing various types of visas for foreign nationals.
- Chinese port visa authorities will resume the examination and issuance of various types of port visas.
- Visa-free entry to Hainan Province, visa-free cruises to Shanghai, visa-free entry to Guangdong Province for tourist groups of foreign nationals from Hong Kong and Macau, and visa-free entry to Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, for ASEAN tour groups, will be resumed.
Changes in Policy and Practices
Chinese visa application processing has resumed and entry requirements have been eased – this seems, so far in 2023, to be the trend.
China’s Immigration Inspection Frontier at Shanghai Pudong International Airport has confirmed2 that the aforementioned policies (see “Highlights”) have been implemented since 15 March 2023.
Please note that 15-day visa-free travel for Singapore, Japan, and Brunei citizens has not been resumed.
Meanwhile, the pre-departure PCR testing requirement has been adjusted and antigen tests with negative results taken within 48 hours prior to departure would be accepted.
KPMG Insights
In view of these updates, KPMG in the People’s Republic reminds individuals who wish to travel to China for various reasons to take the following into consideration when planning their journeys:
- Foreign nationals who hold valid multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before 28 March 2020, could use their existing visas for entry into China. Travellers should check the validity of their visas and make sure travel documents are completed without any errors.
- International travellers who plan to enter China for commercial activities in the coming months are also advised to pay close attention to the websites of the overseas Chinese Embassy / Consulate to see if any new requirements have been introduced in respect of Chinese visa applications and entry requirements.
The adjustments in China's policies represent welcome steps to opening up China for the resumption of inbound and outbound travel under eased restrictions and a step-up in processing around visa applications and entry and exit procedures.
If travellers have questions or concerns, they may wish to consult with their travel agent, global-mobility professional, and/or immigration counsel, or a member of the Immigration team with KPMG in China (see the Contacts section).
We will continue to closely monitor these and future regulatory updates and will endeavour to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert informed.
Contacts
Additional Resources
Footnotes
1 中国国家移民管理局
2 Confirmed by telephone call to a KPMG professional by an official of the Immigration Inspection Frontier at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on March 14.
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the People’s Republic of China.
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