To prevent and control the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, some countries and regions have rolled out temporary entry control measures. What are the important changes in the entry and exit policies in China during the epidemic prevention period?
Q1: Do foreigners who enter China need to take medical observation?
For foreign nationals who come to China from key epidemic countries and areas, we will take preventive measures such as taking body temperature, observation at home or in other designated places. These measures, in accord with Chinese regulations and law, can prevent the transmission of virus both at home and abroad, which will strengthen the efforts of epidemic prevention and control put by China and other countries.
Q2: I’m going to enter/exit China, how can I submit my health information?
All passengers must submit their health information for check. Customs staff will examine if you have suspected symptoms, if you have traveled to epidemic countries or areas in the past 14 days, or if you have contact with confirmed/suspected cases. The Exit/Entry Health Declaration Form of the People’s Republic of China is available in over 10 languages and specialized mini app has been developed. Outbound passengers can submit related information through cell phones. A personal QR code will be generated after submission. Customs staff will check your health information by scanning your personal QR code.
Q3: What preventive measures will be take in international flights?
We will take measures to strengthen the disinfection of aircrafts and airports, body temperature test of entering/exiting passengers, self-protection and health management of frontline workers such as aircrew and security staff, and will timely release guides on epidemic prevention and control for airlines and airports. We’ve noticed that the virus is transmitting in some countries and areas. For the purpose of formulating targeted policies on epidemic prevention and control, Civil Aviation Administration of China has taken different measures after comprehensively evaluating the epidemic situation and flight characteristics of different countries and areas to differentiate and rate the risks offlights.
Q4: Could foreigners with type L, M, Q2, S2 visas issued by non-Chinese mainland (including Hong Kong and Macao) foreign affairs authorities apply for an extension before their current stay expires?
Take Shenzhen for example, during the epidemic prevention and control period, the Exit and Entry Administration of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau will continue to provide foreigners with visa extension and residence permit application services to ensure the legal stay and residence of foreigners. Express services are provided for those with urgent needs. In order to effectively avoid gathering of crowds, the Exit and Entry Administration of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau provides an appointment-only service of document applications. Foreigners shall make an appointment on the “Shenzhen Public Security” WeChat official account, and arrange the time for application reasonably. When conditions permit, universities, scientific research institutes, enterprises and other institutions that deal with foreigners frequently could be allowed to apply for the documents on the foreigners’ behalf or be provided with certain facilitation according to their needs.
Q5: What are the changes in the entry and exit policy between Hong Kong and the mainland?
On February 5, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) announced the immediate suspension of the entry and exit services at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the Ocean Terminal. From 00:00 February 8, all persons arriving from the mainland (including Hong Kong residents, residents of the mainland and other visitors) will be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine.
The Government of Hong Kong SAR announced on February 7 that persons holding tourist visas with a validity period or a permitted stay of less than 14 days will be declined entry.
Travelers to and from Hong Kong should follow closely the changes in entry and exit restrictions of the Hong Kong SAR and make proper plans for exit. When the travel is unavoidable, please be well-informed of the current entry regulations of Hong Kong SAR and get well-prepared in advance to avoid unnecessary losses.
Q6: My Chinese Visa expired during the epidemic, what can I do?
For foreigners (already in China) whose visa expired during the epidemic, the validity period of their Chinese visa will be automatically extended for extra 2 months. Within the extended period, there is no need to go through the visa extension procedures and you will be able to stay in China or leave the country in accordance with the law.
Q7: I come to China for epidemic prevention and control, how can I apply for my Chinese visa?
For those who come to join the epidemic prevention and control in China, to do Chinese traditional medicine business or to carry out scientific research, they can apply for port visa if they are in urgent need to enter China and thus don’t have enough time to apply in advance.
Source: iSuzhou, Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau, Press Conference of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council.