Short-term visa issuance suspended for Japan, South Korea

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government recently suspended the issuance of new short-term visas to nationals of Japan and South Korea.

Key Points:

• As of Jan. 10, nationals of Japan and South Korea are temporarily unable to apply for short-term visas to travel to China.
• The visa suspension does not apply to Japanese and South Korean nationals who currently hold valid short-term visas; these individuals can still travel to China using their previously issued visas.
• Chinese authorities stated they “will take reciprocal measures” for countries that impose COVID-19 entry requirements for travelers from China.
• More information regarding China’s decision to suspend the issuance of short-term visas is available here.

BAL Analysis: Chinese authorities suspended the issuance of short-term visas as a reciprocal response to Japan’s and South Korea’s recent decision to implement COVID-19 entry requirements for travelers from China. Japanese and South Korean nationals should expect delays when planning travel to China.

Many countries around the world have implemented similar COVID-19 entry requirements for travelers from China. It is currently unclear if Chinese authorities will impose reciprocal measures on other countries. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.