China is temporarily closing its borders to all foreigners in an attempt to prevent the resurgence of coronavirus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on March 26th.
Beginning at midnight on March 28th, the ban affects even foreign nationals with visas or residence permits. Diplomatic visas will not be affected.
Entry by foreign nationals with APEC business travel cards will be suspended as well.
The suspension will include:
- Port visas.
- 4/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy.
- Hainan 30 day visa-free policy.
- 15 day visa-free policy specified for foreign cruise-group-tour through Shanghai Port.
- Guangdong 144 hour visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong or Macao SAR.
- Guangxi 15 day visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries will also be temporarily suspended.
Entry with diplomatic service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected and foreign nationals visiting to China for economic, trade, scientific or technological activities, or out of emergency humanitarian needs, may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates.
Chinese officials say they will stay in close touch with all borders and “properly handle personnel exchanges with the rest of the world under the special circumstances”.
Please contact AGM Abogados in case you need more information.
Esther Shi
Paralegal Assistant
China Desk Department
AGM Abogados
