IMPACT – HIGH

China has implemented new testing measures for passengers traveling from the United States.

Key Points:

  • Effective today, Sept. 15, Chinese and foreign passengers taking a direct flight from the United States to China must complete a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within three days of boarding. Upon obtaining a negative nucleic acid test certificate, Chinese citizens must apply for a green health code with the “HS” logo through the WeChat mobile application. More information is available here.
  • For foreign nationals, a report showing a negative nucleic acid (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test is acceptable, but antibody or serology test results are not. The negative test result certificates must be emailed or submitted to the Chinese Embassy or Consulates General in the United States. They must be submitted once they are issued and no later than 24 hours before boarding in the U.S. The certificate must be submitted to the embassy or consulate that has consular jurisdiction for the area where the testing facility is located. It must also be submitted with a scanned copy of a valid passport information page and the signed health declaration. Processing the health declaration usually takes one day. To view the list of embassy and consulates email addresses and submission links, please click here.
  • Following the consulate’s approval, the copy of the scanned health declaration is sent back to the passenger. The passenger must print out the declaration and carry it with them while traveling. The health declaration will remain valid for three days following the nucleic acid test certificate’s issuance.
  • Foreign nationals flying from the U.S. to China who transit through a third country or territory must meet the requirements in this Aug. 12 notice. COVID-19 nucleic acid tests should be taken within three days before boarding in the transit country.
  • Foreign citizens transiting in the U.S. before flying to China must present a health declaration form to the airlines. The declaration will be verified by the Chinese Embassy or Consulates in the country of departure.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic 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 other countries.

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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

China has announced that effective Aug. 22, it will accept visa applications from Japanese, Singaporean and Indonesian citizens who have valid residence permits.

Key Points:

  • Japanese citizens: Japanese citizens with valid residence permits can apply for visas at Chinese visa centers in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya or Chinese consulates in regions without visa centers. For more information, please click here.
  • Singaporean citizens. Singaporean citizens with valid residence permits can apply for visas to China at the Chinese Embassy. For more information on the procedures for departure, including the requirements for a nucleic acid test, please click here.
  • Indonesian citizens. Indonesian citizens with valid residence permits can apply for visas at any Chinese embassy or consulate. For more information on the procedures for departure, including the requirements for a nucleic acid test, please click here.

Background: In mid-August, China began allowing foreign nationals from over 30 countries with valid residence permits, work permits or family reunion/personal matters permits to apply for visas.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic 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 other countries.

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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

 

IMPACT – HIGH

China recently made it possible for foreign nationals from a number of countries who have certain permits to apply for visas.

Key points:

  • Foreign nationals who have valid residence permits, work permits or family reunion/personal matters permits and are from the following countries are now allowed to apply for visas at any Chinese Embassy or consulate in their respective countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
  • The Chinese Embassy and consulates in South Korea began issuing visas to South Korean citizens to allow them to work or study in China the first week of August.

Analysis & Comments: The opening of visa applications to foreign nationals from over thirty countries with certain permits is good news for employers wishing to send their employees to China. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic 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 other countries.

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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The Chinese Embassy and consulates in South Korea have begun issuing visas to South Korean citizens to allow them to work or study in China.

Key Points:

  • Visa applicants are required to complete the visa application form online here. They will need to print and sign both the confirmation page and application form.
  • Applicants holding a valid residence permit issued by the Ministry of Public Security may obtain a visa that corresponds to their purpose of visit free-of-charge. For example, an applicant with a valid reunion residence permit may apply for a Q family visit visa. An applicant with a valid work residence permit may apply for a Z work visa.
  • Students studying in China without a valid residence permit will need to submit the “Visa Application Form for Foreign Students to China” (JW201 or JW202 Form) issued by the Ministry of Education, together with their school admission notice.
  • Employees who do not possess a valid residence permit will need to provide their work permit notification letter instead.
  • All applicants also need to submit a signed health statement when submitting their visa applications, and complete a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within five days prior to their flight to China.

Background: China suspended entry for most foreign nationals in recent months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move to issue visas to South Korean citizens represents a slight easing of China’s restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic 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 other countries.

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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

As of July 27, travelers arriving in Shanghai from overseas may spend half of their 14-day quarantine period at home, if they are able to meet a certain conditions.

Key Points:

  • Travelers whose final destination is Shanghai may apply to complete their quarantine period at home from the eighth day thereof if:
    • They hold residency in the city.
    • They live apart from family members who are not under quarantine or live with others who agree to be quarantined with them.
    • They are able to produce a negative COVID-19 nucleic test on the fifth day of their quarantine period.
  • On the eighth day of quarantine, the authorities will transport those who qualify from the collective quarantine location to their homes.
  • The government will continue to allow conditional home quarantine for senior citizens, under-aged individuals, pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with mobility restrictions, family caregivers, and individuals with certain diseases.

Additional information: The authorities will transport travelers whose final destination is Jiangsu, Zhejiang, or Anhui province to their destination to continue their quarantine after seven days of collective quarantine in Shanghai, provided that their COVID-19 nucleic test on the fifth day is negative. Those whose final destination is in another region of China will still be placed under the compulsory 14-day quarantine arrangement in Shanghai. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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.

 

China has ordered the closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu. The move was made in retaliation for the U.S.’s order earlier this week for China to close the Chinese Consulate General in Houston.

Key Points:

  • Chinese authorities gave the U.S. 72 hours to shut down operations at the Chengdu consulate.
  • The Chengdu consular district includes the Provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou, as well as Tibet and the Chongqing municipality. The U.S. also operates consulates in mainland China in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan as well as the embassy in Beijing. The U.S. also has a consulate in Hong Kong.
  • Travel between China and the U.S. has slowed dramatically because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related entry restrictions in both countries. Those who did have applications pending at the Chengdu consulate should anticipate the possibility of delays.

Background: The U.S. ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston earlier this week, saying it was doing so “to protect American intellectual property and American’s (sic) private information.” China’s Foreign Ministry called the U.S.’s move “outrageous” and “unjustified” and said China would take “legitimate and necessary” counter measures if the decision is not reversed. Chine authorities ordered the closure of the Chengdu consulate on Friday.

Analysis & Comments: Applicants should prepare for delays in processing and await additional details on which consulates will assume jurisdiction over applications that had been previously submitted in Chengdu.

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

Copyright © 2020 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

The government is requiring all inbound travelers, including Chinese citizens, to complete a COVID-19 nucleic acid test before traveling.

Key Points:

  • This test must be completed at a medical institution designated by the Chinese Embassy within five days of departure for China.
  • Chinese citizens are required to take a photo of their test results and upload it to the epidemic prevention program on the instant messaging platform WeChat.
  • Foreign nationals must make a Health Declaration at the relevant Chinese Embassy and provide a written copy of their test results.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic 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 other countries.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

As of July 17, new requirements are in force for those traveling from Hong Kong to mainland China via Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

Key Points:

  • Affected travelers must hold a certificate confirming they have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • They must also undergo 14 days of medical observation in isolation.

Additional information: Certain specific groups such as those traveling for business, cross-border truck drivers, and students may be exempt from the quarantine requirement, but will continue to be subject to existing COVID-19 prevention and control rules.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

International travelers arriving in Shenzhen will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine for medical observation upon arrival.

Shenzhen is the latest Chinese city to require incoming travelers to undergo observation for the COVID-19 virus. Policies in other Chinese cities are as follows:

  • All travelers arriving in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangdong are subject to a 14-day concentrated medical observation as well as a nucleic acid test.
  • Travelers under 14 and over 70, pregnant or these with medical conditions can request home quarantine after strict assessment.
  • Diplomats and those working in fields of important economic and trade, scientific and technological cooperation will be subject to a different set of regulations.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic 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 other countries.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Chinese Embassy and all consulates in the United States are closed until further notice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

  • Chinese consulates in the U.S. are only processing visas on an emergency basis.
  • Those requiring emergency visa services must secure an appointment.
  • Those requiring emergency visa services must contact the Chinese Consulate in their jurisdiction for an appointment.

Analysis & Comments: Employers and visa applicants should plan for significant delays as travel becomes increasingly restricted and Chinese consulates suspend visa services. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.