Travel Regulations Update

After China announced further relaxions of its COVID-19 policy and reopened its borders in 2023, China has once again become an important destination for work and business trips.

When preparing your stay in China, gathering information about entry requirements and how to navigate daily life is of importance.

To give you an overview of the topic, we have collected the latest information on visa new and regulations concerning foreigners’ daily lives in China among others.

Please also refer to the “Travel and Security Information for China” released by the German Federal Foreign Office and check with national and local authorities for updates on related regulations and guidelines prior to your travel.

At the moment, China offers no less than 16 different types of visas depending on the purpose and the length of your stay. See the webpage of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center for more information on how to apply for a visa.

• May 2024: Extension of Short-Term Visa-Free Entry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced to extend the short-term visa exemption until 31 December 2025 for Germany as well as for 11 other countries. German passport holders can enter China without a visa for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, and transit that does not exceed 15 days.

• May 2024: Easing the Process of Obtaining Work Permits

In order to attract more foreign talents, Beijing has relaxed the requirements for obtaining work permits. Notably, the two-year work experience requirement has been eliminated.  

• January 2024: More Travel Facilitations

To facilitate foreigners' visits to China, the National Immigration Administration has introduced five measures. These measures include a relaxation of port visa application requirements, 24-hour direct transit without undergoing border check procedures at nine major airports, easy application for visa extensions or reissues, multiple-entry visas for foreigners already in China when necessary, and fewer document requirements for visa applications.

• November 2023: Visa-Free Pilot Policy

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced to launch a pilot visa-free policy for Germany and six other countries (CN/ DE). From 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024, German passport holders can enter China without a visa for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, and transit that does not exceed 15 days.

The policy allows for multiple visits to China without any restrictions on frequency and permits foreigners to enter China from any country (region) outside of China.

For more information please see: Frequently Asked Questions regarding the visa free policy for German citizens by the Chinese Embassy in Germany (CN/ DE).

While China has much to offer to foreign visitors, many find navigating daily life difficult due to language barriers but also policy related issues. Recently, the government has issued a number of new initiatives to make it easier for foreigners to live and work in China.

Here is a brief overview of the latest guidelines:

• July 2024: Measure to Facilitate Accommodations for Foreigners

The Ministry of Commerce issued a notice on facilitating accommodation for foreigners. The document requires local governments and online platforms not to restrict accommodation providers from receiving foreign guests. It also encourages to improve service capabilities related to foreigners, guide online platforms to optimize foreign language versions of their applications, optimize management services for registering foreign guests' information and improve the environment for using foreign bank cards.

• April 2024: Guidelines for Foreign Business Personnel 2024

The Ministry of Commerce has released a comprehensive guidebook for business personnel working and living in China: A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2024 Edition).

The guide covers a wide range of topics, including daily life necessities such as obtaining SIM cards, bank cards, and mobile services, exchanging foreign currencies, transportation, and finding accommodation. Additionally, it also addresses important aspects related to staying in China, such as visa extensions and the process of obtaining a residence permit. Moreover, the guide offers valuable information about working in China, including obtaining a work permit, enrolling in social insurance programs, and paying individual income tax.

• March 2024: Guide to Payment Services for Foreigners in China

The People's Bank of China has recently released a guide to payment services specifically designed for foreigners residing in China. This comprehensive document offers detailed instructions and illustrations on how to access and utilize various payment methods, including bank cards, Alipay, Weixin Pay, Union Pay, bank account transfers, and cash transactions.

• February 2024: Making Payment Transactions More Convenient

In cooperation with the People's Bank of China, the State Council has announced a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the acceptance of foreign bank cards and improving the overall payment environment in the country. One of the initiatives put forward by the State Council in collaboration with the People's Bank of China is to encourage more businesses and retailers to accept cash payments. This effort aims to improve the overall accessibility and convenience of using cash as a payment option for both locals and foreigners in China.

From January 2020 to January 2023, China implemented the so-called “zero-COVID policy” with the goal of eradicating the local transmission of the virus. This had significant implications not only for the economy but also for people's ability to travel.

In January 2023, respective authorities downgraded COVID health management from Class A to Class B. This implied that individuals arriving in the country will no longer be required to undergo quarantine, and there will be less strict monitoring of COVID cases.

Here are some further milestones:

• October 2023:  Digital Health Declaration Form No Longer Required

The General Administration of Customs has released a notice announcing the cancellation of health declaration requirements for travelers entering and exiting China. Starting 1 November 2023, travelers will no longer be required to fill out a health declaration form. However, those with symptoms of infectious diseases will still be required to actively declare their health status to Customs officials.

• August 2023: Cancellation of Testing Measures

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that starting on 30 August 2023, travelers to China will no longer be required to undergo COVID-19 testing (nucleic acid or antigen) upon entry. This is part of China's ongoing efforts to ease travel restrictions. Inbound travelers are also no longer required to declare COVID-19 test results within 48 hours when making a health declaration to Customs officials, according to a notice issued by the General Administration of Customs of China.