Author: Alex (Henghao) Zhang
Editor: Colette Bobenrieth
GREAT NEWS! China finally fully opened its borders after three years of closure to foreign visitors. Starting from March 15, 2023, anyone with a valid Chinese visa (including visas issued before March 28, 2020) can enter China without needing to apply for a new one. What’s more, Chinese embassies and consulates around the world finally resumed issuing tourist visas (also known as "L visas").
This article will introduce all the needs-to-know for entering China as of spring 2023, based on the author’s first-hand experience. Interested? Keep reading!
1. Applying for a Chinese Visa
First, if you still hold a valid Chinese visa (including those issued before March 28, 2020), you can use it to enter China. What's more, if you hold an ordinary passport from Singapore, Brunei, or Japan, you can even enter China without a visa and stay for up to 15 days.
If you do not hold a valid Chinese visa yet, or if your visa has expired, you can apply for a new one of any type now. This official website in English details each type of visa you can apply for: http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zytz/202206/t20220614_10702581.htm
Most foreign visitors apply for the tourist visa ("L visa"). However, if you have family members residing in China, you can consider the family reunion ("Q2") visa––which can be converted to a long-term residence permit while you are in China (additional application required). If your family members are not Chinese citizens, or are non-permanent resident foreigners, you should apply for the short-term "S2" visa.
If you are going to China for academic or exchange purposes, you may consider the study tour ("F") and student ("X") visas. For students wishing to study in China for a duration longer than 180 days, you should apply for the long-term student residence permit at the local Exit and Entry Administration office (出入境管理局) within 30 days upon entry into China. Lastly, if you have business connections in China, you shall ask them for an invitation letter enabling you to apply for a business ("M") visa.
Regarding really short stays, you may in fact transit through certain regions and cities of mainland China visa-free, depending on your nationality and the length of your stay (usually less than 3-5 days). If you are traveling with a registered tour operator, you may travel to Hainan for 30 days without a visa, and to the Pearl River Delta Area from Hong Kong and Macau without a visa as well. Check this website for more information: https://www.visaforchina.cn/BER2_EN/generalinformation/news/283420.shtml
Are you now considering visiting China? In order to apply for a tourist (L) visa, you should prepare the following documents:
Passport (the remaining validity must be more than 6 months, with at least 1 blank visa page)
Photocopy of the personal information page of the passport
COVA Visa Form. You can log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill out the form online.
Photocopy of the latest Chinese visa or Chinese Residence Permit (if applicable)
Proof of Residence (e.g. driver’s license, utility bill, bank bill)
Round-trip air tickets and hotel orders, or invitation letters issued by Chinese travel agencies or individuals (a photocopy of the ID of the inviting individual needs be attached) Plus: an invitation letter or traveling itinerary issued by a reception travel agency in China if traveling to China with your own vehicle
NOTE: Items above are for reference ONLY; please refer to China Visa Application Service Center https://www.visaforchina.cn/PAR2_EN/ of your country/region for the most accurate updated information. You should also apply for your visa through the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system, the link to which is listed above.
2. Entering Mainland China
Although China fully opened its borders, not everything has returned to the pre-2020 normal. Before traveling to China, you must fill out the Entry and Exit Health Declaration Form and screenshot your “Black QR Code” (黑码) within 24 hours before your arrival. You should fill out the same Entry and Exit Health Declaration Form again when you leave China. Chinese customs will scan your Black QR Code when you enter or exit mainland China.
The link to the Entry and Exit Health Declaration Form is attached below:
QR codes to the Form (Left: Chinese version; Right: English version):
From my own personal experience (entering Shenzhen from Hong Kong) in mid-March, mainland Chinese customs no longer check your negative COVID-19 test result upon entry to China. That said, a negative COVID-19 test result is still legally required, and I would still suggest that you complete a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of your departure to China to comply with Chinese law and be 100% safe.
3. Entering Hong Kong
According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, entering Hong Kong from the Mainland or Macau does not require any COVID-19 test results. Entering Hong Kong from Taiwan or other places outside China still legally requires a negative COVID-19 antigen test result within 24 hours, or PCR test within 48 hours, prior to departure.
Again, from my own personal experience (entering Hong Kong from overseas) in mid-March, Hong Kong customs do not really check your negative COVID-19 test result. That said, I would still suggest that you complete a COVID-19 test prior to your departure to comply with HK law and for greater certainty.
And a little bonus! Keep in mind: after entering Hong Kong, you can find the HK Tourism Board’s office at the HK International Airport or at the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station and apply for a 100 HK-dollar coupon, which you can spend at eligible restaurants, bars, and other places in Hong Kong. This coupon is eligible to all visitors. Don’t miss out!
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