Travel to China - what has changed?

To attract more foreign visitors, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has made changes to the simplified visa procedure starting September 20, 2023. This revision focuses on the visa application form and includes two major changes. First, applicants must now provide their travel history of the last year instead of the last five years. Second, the section on education has been simplified, so that only the highest level of education achieved is requested.

According to MFA spokesperson Mao Nin, these changes are intended to reduce the time applicants spend on filling out visa application forms and increase overall efficiency. The MFA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding contacts between Chinese and international people and emphasized China's commitment to quality growth and global cooperation.

On August 28, 2023, a representative of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Wenbin, made a significant announcement. As of August 30, 2023, travelers going to China will no longer require mandatory prior COVID-19 testing using nucleic acid or antigen tests.

In March 2023, China announced that it had resumed issuing all types of visas, thus giving the green light for foreign travelers and tourists to return to the country. This announcement followed months of gradual lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions, leading to the removal of quarantines, vaccination and testing requirements, as well as travel codes. The requirements for domestic and international travel have since been further relaxed, making currently hardly any additional steps regarding COVID-19 necessary to travel to China. However, foreign travelers may still be confused when planning their trip to China, as the country has chosen a gradual approach to lifting restrictions and the latest information is scattered across a series of announcements. Below we answer some frequently asked questions about traveling to China after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

China resumed the issuance of all types of visas in March 2023. All visa types available before the pandemic can now be applied for again. Please note that when you receive a long-term visa, such as a work or student visa, you are required to convert the visa into a residence permit within a prescribed period, usually 30 days. Read more about visas for China on our Visa page.

All multiple entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, and still within the validity period can now be used again for travel to China. This also applies to 10-year visitor visas issued to US citizens and citizens of other countries. Note that you can usually only stay in China for up to 60 days with this visa and must apply for another long-term stay visa if you want to stay longer than 60 days. If the visa has expired since March 28, 2020, you must apply for a new visa before you can travel to China.

In most cases, foreigners need to apply for a visa to travel to China. This is done through your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center and not through the consulate or embassy. You must either be a citizen or have a residency status or other right of residence (such as a visa) in the country where you are applying for the Chinese visa. The requirements for applying for a visa vary depending on the type of visa being applied for and the location where you apply. It is therefore important to check the website of your local Chinese Visa Application Service Center for application requirements. Note that the validity period of short-stay visas such as tourist or business visas may also vary depending on your specific situation, the place where you apply, and your nationality. China offers some visa-free options for short-term travel. These include 144-hour, 72-hour, and 24-hour visa-free transit, which allows foreign travelers to enter China through certain ports and stay in a limited area for up to six days, provided they continue their journey to a third country after leaving the country.

According to the latest information, as of August 30, 2023, travelers going to China are no longer required to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test or antigen test before their departure. The removal of these testing requirements represents a significant change in the entry process for people traveling to China. With the elimination of the COVID-19 testing requirements, travelers no longer need to present negative test results or undergo testing procedures before boarding their flights to China. This change is intended to significantly simplify the travel process and remove a significant barrier to curbing the spread of the virus. Airlines are no longer required to verify COVID-19 tests before boarding, and there are no testing requirements upon arrival in China. However, you may have to show the health declaration code that you receive after filling out the health declaration form, as border control conducts random checks. If you report symptoms, you may be asked for additional tests. If the test is positive, you are allowed to self-isolate at your place of stay or seek medical assistance if necessary. It is important to stay informed about further announcements or changes as travel advisories and policies may evolve in light of the ongoing global situation. Travelers should consult official sources such as the official websites of the Chinese government and diplomatic channels to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information before planning their trips to China.

China has lifted all domestic travel restrictions, which means people can now freely travel across provincial and regional borders without having to show negative COVID-19 tests or health codes. However, note that if you enter China with one of the short-term transit entry permits, you are not entitled to move outside a certain designated area dependent on your port of entry. Information on where you can travel with this entry permit can be found in our article here.

COVID-19 is still present in China, therefore it is recommended to take sensible precautions when traveling in the country. These precautions are similar to those in other countries and include regular hand washing or using hand sanitizer, wearing a mask in public areas, and avoiding crowded places as much as possible, among others. The obligation to wear masks on public transport and in public places such as restaurants, bars, shops, shopping centers, and parks has been lifted. However, the government still recommends wearing masks at one's own discretion. Wearing masks is still mandatory in nursing homes and medical facilities. You should also wear a mask if you have tested positive for COVID-19.

You are no longer required to go to a quarantine facility if you test positive for COVID-19. The current official advice in China is to self-isolate at home if you are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. If you have moderate to severe symptoms, you should seek medical help, and you may be admitted to the hospital if the condition is severe. It is recommended to take out health insurance before traveling to China, as staff in public health facilities may only speak Chinese and private healthcare can be very expensive. It is also advisable to bring fever medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, as you may not be able to buy the same brands you are used to in your home country, and pharmacy staff usually only speak Chinese.

In our visa office you can apply for a visa for China. If you love ecotourism, you will definitely want to visit this country. Learn more about China and go on a journey.