Immigration update: China to reopen borders ─ lift COVID quarantine completely for international arrivals

The Chinese Government announced that as of 8th January 2023, COVID-19 prevention and control measures will be lowered to Class B instead of Class A, which means that COVID-19 quarantine measures will be completely lifted.

Who will be affected?

All travelers entering China.

Background

Since the issuance of the notice on the 7th December 2022 and our subsequent update on the optimization and adjustment of the epidemic prevention requirements, further changes have been announced by the Government of China.

Below are some of the updates and our client recommendations:

Immigration

In the new notice released on 26th December 2022, the following are the major changes which are related to China inbound travelers:

• Before departing for China, the health code application from the Chinese embassy/consulate of the departing country is no longer required;
• Upon arrival, there are no quarantine or mandatory PCR testing requirements;
• COVID-19 restrictions and control measures on international passenger flights have been cancelled.
• Further optimization of China applications for work, business, study, family visit and reunion visas.

Currently, tourist visas for China are still not being issued.

There might be some confusion regarding the boarding requirements for flights to China despite the health code application from related Chinese embassy/consulate no longer being required. For any clarification on this aspect, our Immigration team in China is able to advise you.

Destination Services

Due to the complete lifting of the control measures for COVID-19 prevention, all previous special entry requirements to residential compounds, banks, mobile phone service centres or public areas will no longer be applied. Our Destination services team is well-prepared to deliver services to all inbound travelers or relocation assignees and their families, ensuring they can settle-in smoothly.

Moving Services

Although, customs clearance slowed down earlier due to labor shortages, it is recovering quickly. We are confident in ensuring the operational efficiency of packing or unpacking, customs clearance, vessel booking, and delivery have minimal impact.

Implementation date

8th January 2023

Santa Fe recommendation

We expect more inbound travelers and relocation assignments to China in coming months. Please plan well in advance for any travel or relocations to China. While Government policies are not always implemented consistently at a local level, you can reach out to your local Santa Fe consultant for more information and guidance.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Connie Wang
Relocation and Immigration Services Manager
Santa Fe Relocation
Shanghai, China
D: (86-21) 6233 9700 ext. 247
E: connie.wang@staging.santaferelo.com

Jerry Lee
Moving Manager
Santa Fe Relocation
Shanghai, China
M: +86 18049775518
E: jerry.lee@staging.santaferelo.com