Notice from National Immigration Administration

The National Immigration Administration just released a notice regarding the Wuhan virus outbreak.

01

Can foreigners enter/exit China normally during the epidemic prevention and control period?

The Chinese government has adopted a series of measures since the outbreak. At present, only ports departing from Wuhan are closed. Ports in other cities are still operating normally, and visa exemption policies for foreigners have not been changed. Foreigners can enter/exit China with valid travel documents.

Currently, reducing cross-border travel can effectively prevent and control the epidemic. Foreigners can travel to China according to actual conditions, and foreigners can continue to stay in China. For those who need to leave the country, it is recommended to know in advance if the destination country or region has implemented any measures against the epidemic situation. If you have fever or have symptoms of acute respiratory infection such as cough or shortness of breath, you should not travel internationally. Seek medical treatment immediately.

Make sure also to arrive with enough time before your departure time for inspection.

02

How do foreigners apply for visa extension and residence permit during the epidemic prevention and control period?

During the epidemic prevention and control period, all immigration bureaus in China will continue to provide foreigners with visa extension and residence permit application services to ensure the legal stay and residence of foreigners. In order to effectively avoid gathering, the bureau will arrange appointments based on actual situations. You can contact the bureau in advance to arrange your visit time.

03

What should I do if my visa or residence permit expires?

According to the law, foreigners should leave the country before their visas and residence permits expire. Those who need to stay in China should apply for visa and residence permit extension. According to the relevant laws and regulations and current actual situation, if it’s difficult to leave the country due to the outbreak and the visa and residence permit extension procedures cannot be processed in a timely manner, the punishment can be lightened, mitigated or exempted in accordance with the law and regulations.

04

Can mainland residents currently enter and exit the country normally?

All land, sea and air ports across the country are currently operating normally, except the Wuhan port. Mainland residents can normally enter/exit the country with valid travel documents.

Border inspection agencies at the ports will continue to provide assistance and services to returnees and cooperate with relevant health and medical institutions to conduct necessary checks.

Mainland residents who will be travelling recently should determine the travel time properly to prevent unnecessary losses.

Currently the following countries/regions have restricted the entry of passengers from the Chinese mainland:

North Korea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, South Korea, Qatar, Japan, Vietnam, India, United Kingdom, Indonesia, France, Myanmar, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia and other countries and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

If you really need to go abroad, you are advised to check with the relevant country or region's representative office in China, airlines or overseas reception units in advance to know the restrictions.

05

Am I allowed to enter/exit China through the Wuhan port?

At present, you can enter the country from Wuhan ports (i.e. Wuhan Tianhe Airport, Hankou Port). All transit going out of Wuhan has been shut down.

06

What should I do if the virus' pneumonia-like symptoms occur during travel?

If symptoms (including fever and difficulty breathing) develop during travel, stop the journey and stay away from the crowd. Seek medical treatment at the nearest medical and health institution. The port or immigration agencies will provide necessary assistance.

Questions?

National Immigration Administration (NIA)

24-Hour Hotline:

010-66265110

Email:

[e-mail]

AnyHelper's real-time Q&A system

Read the original notice from NIA HERE.

You might also like: ▼

AnyShanghai Advisors

AnyShanghai Advisors provide professional suggestions and solutions to the expat communities in Shanghai. If you have questions related to their expertise, feel free to contact them.

Can't extract the code? Click to enlarge the name card and long press on the code.

And more (Swipe LEFT)

If you are professional and knowledgeable in certain fields, join our Advisor team. Help the community and let everyone know you or your business!

Join now!

Follow us for the latest about Shanghai!

Click "Wow" if you like this article