Everything You Need to Know About Travel Into and Out of China
Amid growing uncertainty as to what faces both foreigners returning to China and those trying to leave, China's National Immigration Administration recently released details on what Chinese and foreigners can expect when dealing with immigration.
The document begins with a steadfast reprisal of the government's ongoing response to the coronavirus, noting that they are, "fully confident and capable of winning this epidemic prevention and control to stop the war." In all, however, the announcement appears mainly concerned with allaying fears or uncertainties about traveling in China, and reiterates that foreigners are permitted to enter and exit the country and that "with the exception of Wuhan [where you can only enter, not exit], visa authorities in China are still operating normally."
What the document lacks are details about the type of health checks or protocols foreigners can expect when entering or leaving. This is likely due to the fact that there is no standardized procedure, with many local authorities, much like individual compounds in Beijing, taking their precautions. For example, we've heard some reports of people being shooed away from their local police station after trying to register their residence permit, being told that they should instead be self-quarantining. Interestingly, as stated below, the government "may lighten, mitigate, or exempt the overdue residence penalty in accordance with the law and regulations" during this time.Are foreigners allowed to enter or exit China during this period?
Under these guidelines, foreigners are recommended to reduce cross-border travel in an effort to "effectively prevent and control the epidemic" but can continue to travel and stay in China. It adds that if you are showing symptoms (fever, coughing, shortness of breath, etc.), you should not travel internationally and instead immediately seek diagnosis and treatment, including giving a summary of recent activities, places visited, and those people you've had close contact with. Read about Beijing's designated fever clinics here.
As a reminder, those who are returning to Beijing will be expected to complete a 14-day self-quarantine as advised by their compound or hotel (more on that here). These orders are being fulfilled with various levels of enforcement and run the gamut from complete confinement to house or room, required registration and temperature checks to leave and re-enter your compound, or no restrictions at all. Meanwhile, if you're planning to leave, make sure to check whether or not your destination has imposed restrictions on people traveling from China.
The entries below are a translation of the document, with clarification where needed.How do foreigners apply for a visa extension and residence permit?
During the epidemic prevention and control, the Exit/Entry Administration (EEA) and Public Security Bureau (PSB) will continue to provide foreigners with visa extensions and access to residence permit application services across China to ensure their legal stay and residence. Services for urgent or emergency situations will also be provided [the document does not detail what these are]. To avoid crowding, the EEA will arrange appointments as best determined based on the situation at the time of application. Foreigners can make appointments in advance for applications [again, no details on how]. For those institutions which host a high number of foreigners, such as universities, scientific research institutes, and business enterprises, the EEA will allow additional agent services or provide other necessary conveniences depending upon the situation.
How should foreigners in China best cooperate with epidemic prevention and control?
Click "Read more" below to read the original Chinese document in full.
READ: These Airlines Have Called it Quits Over the Coronavirus
Image: Travel Wire News
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