Covid-19 entry ban lifted for foreigners with residence permits

On 23 September 2020, the Foreign Ministry and National Immigration Administration of China announced an adjustment to the entry ban for foreign nationals holding one of the following categories of Chinese residence permits:

• Residence permits for work
• Residence permits for personal matters
• Residence permits for reunion

Effective from 28 September 2020, foreigners holding valid residence permits for work, personal matters or reunion may enter China without applying for new entry visas. Foreigners whose residence permits for work, personal matters or reunion expired after 28 March 2020 may apply for new entry visas at the relevant Chinese embassies and consulates directly, by submitting supporting documents proving the same purpose of visit as their expired residence permits.

Entries by foreigners holding other categories of Chinese residence permits or visas, as well as foreign nationals using APEC business travel cards, policies for visa on arrival, transit visas, and other visa-free schemes, are still suspended unless such persons are able to obtain official invitation letters from the local Foreign Affairs Office and corresponding new entry visas.