Starting from today (Sept 28), foreigners holding valid Chinese residence permits of specific categories are allowed to enter China. We’ve got many inquiries on the announcement, so today we will explain the policy. Hope this can help you.
According to the announcement released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Immigration Administration on Sept 23, foreign nationals holding valid Chinese residence permits of the following categories are allowed to enter China with no need for applying for new visas:
- For work
- For personal matters
- For reunion
Finally, here comes a big good news for our foreign friends who want to come to China to continue their life and business, after 6 months of the implementation of the entry ban. You can click the following link the get the full content of the announcements:
So what’s the notice exactly about? Who can enter China now? What conditions are included? Let’s check the answer!
Q1: Who can enter China now?
In summary, there are five types of foreigners can come to China so far:
A. Those who hold the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
B. Those who hold valid residence permits of the above-mentioned categories (for work, for personal matters or for reunion)
C. Those who hold valid visas issued after March 28, 2020
D. Those who hold diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas visas
E. Those who meet the conditions of Agreements on Mutual Visa Exemption
Q2: What’s the difference between the new policy and the previous policy on visa facilitations for foreigners from some countries?
It has not been mentioned before that if the residence permit has expired, you can apply for a new visa without the invitation letter.
Now the new notice stipulated that if the permit expired after 0 a.m., 28 March 2020, the holder can apply for the relevant visa 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.
Q3: Is the invitation letter still required?
The letter is not required for foreigners with valid residence permits of the above-mentioned categories. However, the following types of applicants still need to apply for invitation letters:
Type 1: Those whose residence permits of the above-mentioned categories have expired before 28 March 2020.
Type 2: Those who have never held permits of the above-mentioned categories.
Q4: What do personal matters mean?
Please check your residence permit. If the Purpose for Residence on your permit is “私人事务” (private affairs), that means your permit is for personal matters.
According to China Daily, the residence permit for private affairs is issued to spouses, parents, children under the age of 18 or parents-in-law of foreigners residing in China for work, study or other purposes, who apply for long-term visit to China, as well as for persons who need to reside in China for other private affairs.
So in most cases, if you stay in China for the purpose of living with your family, study, doing business, or other private affairs, your permit is of this category.
Q5: Is the 14-day quarantine required after entering?
All passengers entering China shall strictly abide by the Chinese regulations on epidemic prevention and control.
Therefore, if the local government required passengers to undergo a 14-day quarantine, then you still need to follow the rules. That depends on the city and the measures vary.
We will keep following the updates on the entry policies for foreigners. Stay tuned!
If you have any questions on Chinese visas or residence permits, please feel free to contact HACOS.
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SOURCE | China Gov / 义乌外事 / 上海边检
