China’s reopening to foreign tourists – your essential guide.

On March 15, 2023, China will reopen its borders to tourists and resume issuing all types of visas, including visa-free entry to certain destinations such as Hainan island and Shanghai for cruise ships. The decision comes after China declared a “decisive victory” over COVID-19 in February, making it one of the last major countries to lift restrictions.

Are Chinese visas issued before the pandemic still valid?

As per the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s statement, if you were issued a Chinese visa before March 28, 2020, that is still valid, you will be allowed to enter China. The Chinese government will reactivate these visas from March 15, 2023.

Do you need a COVID-19 test to enter China?

Hong Kong has been gradually lifting its COVID-19 restrictions and is now fully open to tourists. The city abolished mandatory hotel quarantine in September 2022 and dropped movement restrictions and mandatory on-arrival PCR tests for international arrivals in December. Restrictions on live music and the number of diners per table in restaurants were also lifted. In January 2023, mandatory quarantine was dropped for those who test positive for COVID-19. From March 1, residents and visitors are no longer required to wear masks in public, including on public transport. Rapid antigen testing is only required for those visiting public hospitals and residential care homes.

What are COVID cases like in China now?

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang stated that testing has been well implemented and the epidemic risk is generally under control. However, after China lifted its zero-COVID policy in December 2022, the country experienced a surge in infections, and many were concerned about underreporting of cases. While official data showed only three new COVID-related deaths on December 27, inconsistent numbers were reported by funeral parlours and other sources. Between December 8, 2022, and January 12, 2023, China reported almost 60,000 COVID-related deaths, which is a significant increase from the 13 reported the previous month. This increase may be partly due to China’s inclusion of deaths from underlying conditions.

Source: https://bit.ly/3FLzBR6