China Resumes Visa Services, Allowing Entry for Holders of Pre-March 2020 Visas

In a highly anticipated development, China has announced the resumption of visa services, bringing relief to travelers holding valid visas issued before March 2020. Effective immediately, individuals with such visas can enter China without the need for reapplication. This decision aims to facilitate travel for both Chinese and foreign nationals, promoting ease of movement and fostering international exchanges.

The decision to restore the entry function for visas issued prior to March 28, 2020, marks a significant step towards normalizing travel and furthering global connections. This policy change eliminates the requirement for travelers to obtain new visas, allowing them to utilize their existing visas to enter China.

To ensure a smooth transition, individuals with valid visas in their old expired passports can still travel to China. They are advised to carry both their old passport, containing the valid visa, and a new valid passport. This flexibility allows travelers to utilize their existing visas while adhering to updated travel documentation procedures.

Foreign travelers planning to visit China will be pleased to know that overseas visa authorities have also resumed visa issuance for various categories. Detailed guidelines can be found in the application requirements provided by the respective authorities. This resumption in visa services streamlines the application process and enables individuals to obtain visas for their planned travel to China.

Additionally, port visa authorities have resumed the issuance of various types of port visas that comply with legal requirements. This adjustment aims to facilitate smoother entry procedures for individuals arriving at Chinese ports of entry, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Moreover, China has reinstated several visa-free entry policies for specific regions. These policies include:

1. Hainan: Visa-free entry has been reinstated, allowing travelers to explore the captivating beauty of Hainan province without the need for a visa.

2. Shanghai Cruise: Foreign nationals arriving in Shanghai via cruises can now enjoy visa-free entry, opening up opportunities for unforgettable cruise experiences starting from Shanghai.

3. Guangdong for Hong Kong and Macau: Organized groups of foreign nationals from Hong Kong and Macau can once again benefit from visa-free entry to Guangdong, facilitating smoother travel between these regions.

4. Guilin, Guangxi for ASEAN Tourist Groups: The visa-free entry policy for ASEAN tourist groups traveling to Guilin in Guangxi province has been restored, promoting tourism and cultural exchanges between China and Southeast Asian countries.

Travelers are advised to stay updated with the latest guidelines and requirements from Chinese authorities and respective visa offices to ensure a seamless travel experience.