China Opens Doors After 6 Months... Allows Entry for Foreigners with Residence Permits

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] China, which has banned the entry of foreigners due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), will allow the entry of foreigners with residence permits starting from the 28th. This comes after more than six months of lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On the 23rd (local time), the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that foreigners with residence permits can enter China from the 28th without going through a separate visa application process. If the residence permit expired after March 28, a visa for entry can be applied for at the Chinese embassy or consulate.

Since the end of March, China has banned the entry of foreigners with valid visas or residence permits. However, for Koreans, starting from the 5th of last month, entry restrictions were eased, allowing students, workers, and those holding valid residence permits to enter by issuing new visas if they test negative for COVID-19 before boarding.