BEIJING – The central government last night announced the temporary suspension of foreign nationals’ entry holding valid Chinese visas or residence permits.
In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the world, the central government has decided to temporarily suspend the entry into the Chinese mainland by foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits still valid at the time of this announcement, effective from 0:00 a.m. today (March 27), said a statement jointly released by the Foreign Ministry and the National Immigration Administration.
According to the statement, entry by foreign nationals with APEC Business Travel Cards will be suspended as well.
Policies including port visas, 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, Hainan’s 30-day visa-free policy, 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign cruise-group-tours through Shanghai Port, Guangdong’s 144-hour visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups from the special administrative regions of Hong Kong or Macau, and Guangxi’s 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups from ASEAN countries will also be temporarily suspended, according to the statement.
However, entry with diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected, said the statement.
Foreign nationals coming to mainland China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may still apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates, the statement said, adding that the entry by foreign nationals with visas issued after this announcement will not be affected.
“The suspension is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation and the practices of other countries,” said the statement.
“China will stay in close touch with all sides and properly handle personnel exchanges with the rest of the world under the special circumstances.”
The measures will be adjusted in light of the evolving situation and announced accordingly, the statement said.
– Xinhua, MPD
