China Will Temporarily Suspend Entry For Foreigners On March 28

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published a statement announcing that foreign nationals holding visas and temporary residence permits, including holders of port visas and visas granted under the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, will no longer be allowed entry into the country. The suspension comes into force at midnight (00.00 on the 24 hour clock) on March 28. The announcement says it is a "temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation and the practices of other countries," though no end date is mentioned.

This is the full statement:

In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the world, China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry into China by foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits still valid to the time of this announcement, effective from 0 a.m., 28 march 2020. Entry by foreign nationals with APEC Business Travel Cards will be suspended as well. Policies including port visas, 24/72/144-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, and 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. Foreign nationals coming to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates. Entry by foreign nationals with visas issued after this announcement will not be affected.

The suspension is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation and the practices of other countries. China will stay in close touch with all sides and properly handle personnel exchanges with the rest of the world under the special circumstances. The above-mentioned measures will be calibrated in light of the evolving situation and announced accordingly.  

Click Read More to read the statement on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.