China has reopened its borders to foreign tourists after more than 3 years of closure. This follows the relaxation of COVID restrictions for business travelers and family visits. The Chinese government declared victory over the pandemic in February. China resumed issuing all types of visas, including tourist visas, on March 15, 2023. The move aims to facilitate the exchange of Chinese and foreign personnel and is expected to boost the country's tourism industry.

Comparison of Chinese Visa Requirements and Resumption of Visa-Free Entry

According to Wenbin, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the visa policy for China has now returned to its pre-pandemic state. This includes the reactivation of visas that were issued before COVID-19 and are still valid, the resumption of the review and issuance of tourist visas and other types of visas, and the reinstatement of visa-free entry to several places.

Changes in China's visa policy:

1. Reactivation of all valid visas issued before March 28, 2020.
2. Visa exemption for certain areas, including Guangdong province, for foreign citizens arriving from Hong Kong or Macau.
3. Visa-free access for cruise passengers passing through the port of Shanghai.

As a result, travelers with visas issued before March 28, 2020, will not need to apply for a new travel document. However, it should be noted that the majority of international travelers still require a visa to enter China. This applies regardless of their destination within the country, purpose of the visit, or the duration of their stay.

Ongoing COVID Restrictions in China Despite Visa Policy Changes

It's exciting news that tourists can once again visit China with a tourist visa. However, to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents, certain COVID entry requirements must be met before gaining entry to the country.

Entry Requirements:

To successfully enter China as a tourist, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

1. Complete an Entry/Exit Health Declaration Form and present a QR code: Before arrival, tourists need to fill out a health declaration form regarding their COVID-related information. Once completed, they will receive a QR code, which must be presented upon entry.
   
   
2. Present a printed negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 48 hours: It is mandatory to provide a printed copy of a negative COVID-19 test result. The test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to the scheduled arrival time in China.
   
   
3. Acceptable test types for most passengers: For the majority of passengers, a NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test), PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, or RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is required.
   
   
4. Exemption for rapid antigen test from certain destinations: Passengers arriving on a direct flight from specific destinations have the option to present a rapid antigen test result instead. The eligible destinations include:
• Cambodia
• Egypt
• Hungary
• Indonesia
• Kenya
• Laos
• Maldives
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• UAE
  
  
5. For passengers from these destinations, even home testing kits are acceptable. It's important to note that airlines are not required to check the test results for these passengers. Additionally, some exemptions to the testing rule apply, including passengers under the age of 3.

In conclusion, while China is once again welcoming tourists, it is crucial to adhere to the specified COVID entry requirements. By fulfilling these requirements, travelers can enjoy their visit to China with peace of mind and contribute to the overall safety of everyone.