IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Canadian government recently announced that it will increase its COVID-19 testing requirements for air travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macao.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Jan. 5, air travelers age 2 or older who arrive from China, Hong Kong or Macao must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure.
  • Travelers who provide proof that they tested positive for COVID-19 more than 10 days but no more than 90 days before departure are exempt from the negative test requirement.
  • This temporary COVID-19 testing policy applies to all travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macao, regardless of their nationality or COVID-19 vaccination status, and will be in place for at least 30 days, after which Canadian authorities will reevaluate the need for such measures.

Additional Information: Airlines must receive the negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of a positive COVID-19 test result taken within the prior 10 to 90 days before the traveler can board the plane to Canada.

BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities will increase its COVID-19 testing requirements for air travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macao because of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the country and regions. 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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Wednesday that it would implement a new COVID-19 testing requirement on air travel from China.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Jan. 5 at 12:01 a.m. ET, air passengers 2 years or older will be required to provide their airline with proof of a negative COVID-19 test if they are:
    • Traveling directly to the U.S. from Mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau; or
    • Transiting through Incheon International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport or Vancouver International Airport to the U.S. if they were in China in the last 10 days.
  • The requirement will apply regardless of nationality or vaccination status. It will remain in effect until further notice.
  • Passengers who tested positive more than 10 days before air travel may provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 instead of a negative test.
  • Airlines will be required to confirm the negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery before passengers board.

Additional Information: The CDC said it was implementing the testing measure “to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the United States during the surge in COVID-19 cases” in China, citing a “lack of adequate and transparent epidemiological and viral genomic sequence data” from the country. More COVID-related information on international travel to and from the U.S. is available here.

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

Copyright © 2022 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 reduced its COVID-19 quarantine and testing requirements for inbound travelers.

Key Points:

  • As of Nov. 12, inbound travelers must quarantine for five days at a centralized location and three days at home upon arrival. Previously, travelers were required to quarantine for seven days at a centralized location and three days at home.
  • Travelers must have proof of one negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure instead of two negative PCR tests.
  • Chinese authorities is no longer canceling inbound flights when COVID-19 cases increase.

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 may change with little or no notice. 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 © 2022 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 has announced that it will allow Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) card holders and students to enter the country.

Key Points:

  • As of Aug. 24, foreign nationals who hold APEC business travel cards can enter the country to conduct business activities without having to apply for a new visa. Previously, APEC card holders were required to apply for special permission to enter China.
  • Foreign nationals who hold valid student residence permits can enter the country without having to apply for a new visa. Foreign nationals can also apply for a new X1 or S1/2 visa to enter the country.
  • More information regarding the latest visa requirements for foreign national students in China is available here. Those traveling to China should ensure they adhere to current COVID-19 entry requirements.

BAL Analysis: APEC card holders and foreign students will now be able to enter China without having to apply for special permission to enter. Chinese authorities continue to lift border measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus situation improves around the world. Travelers are reminded that entry requirements may change with little or no notice.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Chinese government has waived its requirement that certain foreign nationals obtain a general invitation (PU) letter to enter China.

Key Points: 

  • As of June 6, foreign nationals can apply for work (Z) visas at Chinese consular posts without a PU letter if they:
    • Hold a valid work permit notification letter and are traveling for work in China.
    • Will work in China and have a spouse or child under the age of 18.
    • Have a spouse who is working in China and a child under the age of 18.
  • Foreign nationals traveling for business purposes still must obtain a PU letter to enter China.

Additional Information: As of June 8, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology will resume in-person services, such answering inquiries and accepting hard-copy applications.

BAL Analysis: Eligible foreign nationals will now be able to apply and obtain Z visas without having a PU letter. Those intending to apply for Z visas should work closely with their immigration provider to ensure they meet the work-visa application requirements.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

The National Immigration Administration of China announced last week that it would temporarily stop issuing entry and exit documents to Chinese citizens.

Key Points:

  • As of Aug. 4, the Chinese government stopped issuing passports and entry and exit documents to Chinese citizens for nonessential and nonemergency travel.
  • The suspension includes ordinary passports, permits and endorsements for travel both to and from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
  • Chinese citizens who have confirmed overseas studies, employment or business will not be affected by the travel document suspension.

Additional Information: Chinese authorities have issued a total of 335,000 passports in the first half of 2021. This accounts for only 2% of the total number of passports that were issued in the same period of 2019.

BAL Analysis: 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 © 2021 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

Officials have launched a “Chinese Consul” mobile app that provides immigration services to Chinese citizens in the United States.

Key Points:

  • As of May 31, Embassies and consulates in the U.S. only accept applications for passports and emergency travel permits from Chinese nationals through the app.
  • As of June 7, the “Online Appointment System for Passport Application Overseas” is no longer used at Chinese embassies or consulates in the U.S.

Additional Information: Chinese citizens with special emergency needs can still contact embassies and consulates in the U.S. through mail or telephone. Detailed instructions on how to use the application are available here.

BAL Analysis: The new application is intended to streamline consular services provided to Chinese citizens in the U.S. BAL will continue to monitor news related to the application.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 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 – HIGH

Chinese officials recently outlined the procedures recipients of “non-inactivated” U.S. COVID-19 vaccinations should follow when applying for QR health codes to travel from the U.S. to China.

Key Points:

  • Vaccination doses. Travelers should complete “all prescribed doses” of their COVID-19 vaccine before planning travel. More information on the required doses is available here.
  • PCR and IgM antibody test. Travelers must take PCR and IgM antibody tests before traveling. Officials have stressed that because non-inactivated vaccines may yield positive IgM antibody tests, applicants should ask test centers to complete a second IgM antibody test for the N protein if an initial test for the S protein is positive. Applicants should consult the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate’s webpage for information on which testing centers are designated for purposes of obtaining a QR health code. Travelers should also give consent to the testing institutions to provide test results to the relevant embassy or consulate.
  • Letter of Commitment. Travelers must complete a “Letter of Commitment on COVID-19 Vaccination,” providing information about their COVID-19 vaccination. They must attach a copy of their vaccination certificate, e.g., their CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card. Commitment letters can be obtained on the relevant embassy or consulate webpage.
  • Documentation requirements. When applying for a QR health code, travelers must provide (1) their PCR/IgM antibody test records, including results of their N protein antibody test, if applicable; (2) their letter of commitment; (3) their vaccine certificate; and (4) copies of their passport and valid Chinese work permit/residence permit.
  • Verification. The relevant embassy or consulate will verify the authenticity of vaccine and testing records, including contacting vaccination institutions or testing centers when necessary. Officials will not issue QR health codes if applicants provide false statements or records or if the authenticity of records cannot be verified.

Additional Information: Travelers who have received a Chinese-made “inactivated” vaccine should follow the same process described above only they do not need to request the N protein antibody test. Applicants with a negative PCR test and positive IgM antibody test result after being vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine can apply for a health code as usual. Unvaccinated travelers may still complete “double testing” and apply for a QR health code through the WeChat App (for Chinese nationals) or online through this website (for non-Chinese travelers). More information is available here.

Analysis & Comments: Travel to China remains restricted. Applicants in the United States must have an urgent reason to travel to China and must contact the embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the location of the airport of final departure to get their travel approved before departing. While unvaccinated travelers can still apply for a QR health code to travel to China, they will likely only be approved in the most urgent of situations. In Deloitte’s experience, inoculated travelers have a better chance of obtaining a QR health code than those who are not inoculated with a similar urgency to travel to China.

The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in China and other countries.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Foreign nationals in Beijing and Shanghai are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.

Key Points:

  • Beijing. Foreign nationals aged 18 and older in Beijing are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations provided their participation is voluntary, they give informed consent and are willing to assume personal responsibility for the risks involved. Foreign nationals working in Beijing should make appointments through their employers. Foreign teachers and students in colleges or universities should make appointments through their institutions. Other foreign nationals should make appointments through their residential community offices. More information is available here.
  • Shanghai. Foreign nationals in Shanghai who meet age requirements may be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations provided their participation is voluntary, they give informed consent and are willing to assume personal responsibility for the risks involved. Those who are covered by medical insurance in China will be subject to the same treatment as insured Chinese citizens, while those who are not insured will be responsible for the cost (RMB 100 per dose). Appointments can be booked online through the Jian Kang Yun (Health Cloud) app. More information is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Chinese officials have implemented changes to travel procedures for residence permit holders traveling to China from certain parts of the United States.

Key Points:

  • Travelers who (1) hold valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters or reunion and (2) are flying to China from areas in the jurisdiction of the Chinese consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles or San Francisco, must submit a copy of their passport, a copy of their residence permit, and a reason or reasons for travel to China before booking travel or taking the required COVID-19 tests. This information must be provided by email to the relevant consulate.
  • Consular officials may request additional information before approving travel. In some cases, for example, people holding residence permits for work have been asked for an explanation of why their travel is necessary or urgent. Officials may also request a letter from the relevant local government organization in China explaining the necessity of travel and other information.
  • The travel requirements do not apply to Chinese citizens or foreign nationals who secured Chinese visas on or after March 26, 2020.
  • Consular officials “strongly suggest” that foreign nationals in China who hold residence permits for work, personal matters or reunion avoid unnecessary travel abroad and consider the difficulty of returning to China before they leave the country.

Analysis & Comments: COVID-19 travel and immigration policies continue to evolve, and those planning travel to China from the United States or other countries may wish to consult with Deloitte.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.