IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government announced that it will ease its COVID-19 testing requirements for all air travelers.

Key Points:

  • Beginning April 29, air travelers can show proof of a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure instead of a negative PCR test to enter the country.
  • Currently, air travelers must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure.
  • Air travelers will still be required to complete the health declaration form upon arrival.

Additional Information: More information regarding China’s COVID-19 entry requirements is available here.

BAL Analysis: Individuals are reminded that COVID-19 entry requirements for China can change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change, 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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government recently eased its COVID-19 entry requirements for air travelers from Taiwan.

Key Points:

  • As of April 1, air travelers from Taiwan must show negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test results taken within 24 hours before departure.
  • Previously, air travelers from Taiwan were required to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure.
  • Air travelers from Taiwan will still be required to complete the health declaration form upon arrival.

Additional Information: Individuals who are transiting through Taiwan to mainland China will still need to provide negative PCR test results taken in the country they departed from. More information regarding China’s COVID-19 entry requirements is available here.

BAL Analysis: Individuals are reminded that COVID-19 entry requirements for China can change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change, 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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government will join the Apostille Convention, a change that is expected to decrease the time required to authenticate certain documents.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Nov. 7, 2023, the Apostille Convention will enter into force for China.
  • Individuals will receive a single Apostille by a Competent Authority in the country where the document originated.
  • Individuals will need an Apostille  if all of the following apply:
    • The country where the document was issued and the country where the document is to be used have joined the Apostille Convention.
    • The law of the country where the document was issued considers it a public document.
    • The country that will use the document requires an Apostille to recognize it as a foreign public document.

Additional Information: The electronic Apostille Program was launched in 2006 to support the electronic issuance and verification of Apostilles around the world. China will join 122 other countries who are a part of the Convention. More information on the Apostille Convention is available here.

BAL Analysis: The Chinese government has joined the Apostille Convention with intent to improve and ease the time required to authenticate certain public documents.

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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government recently announced that it will end its COVID-era restrictions for tourist travel to the country.

Key Points:

  • Beginning March 15, foreign nationals holding valid multiyear, multi-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, can travel to China.
  • Foreign nationals can apply for all visa types, including port visas and visas for tourism and medical treatment.
  • Specific application requirements for visa types should refer to the “Notice on Visa Application Requirements” on the Chinese Consulate General websites.

Additional Information: Chinese authorities will resume the country’s visa-exemption policy for Hainan; visa-exemption cruise policy for Shanghai; for foreign nationals to visit Guangdong from Hong Kong and Macao; and its policy for ASEAN tour groups to Guilin, Guangxi.

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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government recently resumed the issuance of new short-term visitor visas to South Korean nationals.

Key Points:

  • As of Feb. 18, South Korean nationals are eligible for short-term visitor visas and port visas to enter China as well as 72/144 hour visa-free travel to China.
  • Previously, the issuance of short-term visitor visas had been suspended since Jan. 11.
  • Chinese authorities continue to state they “will take reciprocal measures” for countries that impose COVID-19 entry requirements for travelers from China.

BAL Analysis: Chinese authorities resumed the issuance of short-term visitor visas as South Korean authorities have lifted their entry restrictions imposed on Chinese travelers.

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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government recently reopened its visa offices in Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. and plans to reopen its visa offices in Chicago and San Francisco on Feb. 3.

Key Points:

  • Visa applicants must complete forms using the China Online Visa Application before visiting the consulate or embassy. Once the COVA form is submitted, no information can be changed.
  • Appointments must be made through Appointment for Visa Application Submission to submit visa applications in person.
  • After completing the COVA forms, applicants must print the forms and sign the confirmation page. If the COVA forms are not printed and signed, the application will not be accepted.
  • Applicants must also prepare the physical Required Documents (including A. Basic Documents and B. General Documents) and submit them in person at the visa office
  • The application documents must be submitted to the visa office during the appointment  by the visa applicant or by an agent with the printed AVAS Confirmation page.

Additional Information: Multiyear multiple-entry visas issued before March 26, 2020, as well as tourism and medical visas are currently suspended and cannot be used. More information on the reopening of visa offices is available on the Chinese embassy or consulates’ webpages for Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C.

BAL Analysis: Those planning travel to China should review the instructions posted on the Chinese embassy or consulates’ websites to avoid complications or delays.

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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government recently resumed the issuance of new short-term visas to Japanese nationals.

Key Points:

  • Japanese nationals are now eligible for port visas, and the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy has resumed for those traveling to China.
  • Previously, the issuance of port visas and the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy had been suspended since Jan. 11.
  • Chinese authorities continue to state they “will take reciprocal measures” for countries that impose COVID-19 entry requirements on travelers from China.

Additional Information: Reports say that South Korean authorities extended their visa restrictions until at least Feb. 28. As such, the Chinese government continues to restrict the issuance of visas for South Korean nationals.

BAL Analysis: Chinese authorities resumed the issuance of short-term visas as Japanese authorities lifted their previously imposed visa restrictions on Chinese nationals. 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.

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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Many countries have implemented or are planning to implement COVID-19 entry requirements for travelers from China following a recent surge of COVID-19 cases. The countries that have implemented COVID-19 testing requirements include:

  • Australia. As of Jan. 5, travelers from China, Hong Kong or Macao must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure. Travelers who are under the age of 12 or have evidence that they have recovered from COVID-19 within 30 days before departure are exempt from the testing requirement.
  • Costa Rica. Beginning Jan. 9, individuals traveling from or who have been in China, Hong Kong or Macao within 14 days before intended arrival must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours before departure.
  • France. As of Jan. 5, travelers coming from China on a direct flight or with a layover must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure and submit a sworn COVID-19 statement.
  • India. As of Jan. 1, travelers ages 12 and older from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or Thailand must complete the self-declaration form before travel and submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure on this website.
  • Israel. Non-Israeli nationals traveling from China must have proof of a negative PCR test taken before departure to enter the country.
  • Italy. As of Jan. 4, travelers from China, Hong Kong or Macao must submit proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours or 48 hours before departure, respectively. Travelers must also take an antigen test upon arrival at the airport or within 48 hours after arrival.  
  • Qatar. As of Jan. 3, travelers arriving from China must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before departure.
  • South Korea. As of Jan. 5, all travelers from China must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours or 24 hours before departure, respectively, and register through the Q-Code System within 48 hours before departure. Korean nationals and long-stay foreign nationals must take a PCR test within 24 hours after arrival; short-stay foreign nationals must take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport testing center.
  • Spain. As of Jan. 3, travelers ages 12 and older from China must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure, a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure, or a certificate of recovery issued at least 11 days but no more than 180 days after the first positive PCR or antigen test.
  • Taiwan. As of Jan. 1, travelers on direct flights from mainland China must take a PCR test upon arrival. Beginning Jan. 6, travelers from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao must have proof of a negative PCR test or antigen test taken within 48 hours or 24 hours before departure, respectively.
  • United Kingdom. As of Jan. 5, travelers from mainland China must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within two days before departure. Beginning Jan. 8, random travelers from China will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. U.K. authorities have yet to set testing requirements for those arriving in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Additional Information: Other countries, including Canada, Japan and the United States have also implemented COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers from China. Additional countries are expected to do so in the coming days and weeks.

BAL Analysis: Recent COVID-19 testing requirement changes make travel from China to certain countries more difficult. Countries may add entry requirements and restrictions with little or no notice because of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in China. 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.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Chinese government recently announced it will end its requirement for travelers to quarantine upon arrival beginning Jan. 8.

Key Points:

  • Individuals traveling to China must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.
  • Travelers must declare their negative test results to China Customs by completing a health declaration form via the China Customs app or at this website.
  • Upon arrival, individuals who show symptoms during their entry inspection will be required to take an antigen test. If they test positive, they will be required to self-quarantine.
  • Travelers will no longer need to obtain a green health code from a Chinese consular office or embassy before departure.

BAL Analysis: After nearly three years, China is moving toward reopening its borders as the country greatly reduces its COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The Chinese health agency has downgraded COVID-19 from a Class A to a Class B infectious disease, allowing for less stringent health management regulations. China is expected to announce measures to facilitate foreign travel to the country for work, business, study, family visits and reunions in the near future. 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.