Beginning January 8, 2023, visitors to China will no longer need to quarantine upon arrival, according to a notice (in Chinese only) issued by the National Health Commission, so long as they have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure. Outbound travel by Chinese citizens will resume “in an orderly manner,” according to the notice.
According to a separate notice (available in English) by the National Immigration Administration (NIA), January 8 also marks the resumption of acceptance and examination of foreigners’ applications for the extension, renewal and re-issuance of ordinary visas (which include student visas and business visas); the issuance, renewal, and re-issuance of stay permits; and the extension, renewal, and re-issuance of residency permits. A January 8 notice by the Chinese Embassy in the United States clarified that multi-year, multiple-entry visas issued before March 26, 2020 are still suspended. Prospective travelers to China holding such visas may instead apply for a new visa; however, visa applications for tourism and medical purposes will not be accepted.
The PRC will also resume the issuance of ordinary passports to Chinese citizens on January 8, according to the NIA notice.
Both notices are likely welcome news for U.S. colleges and universities that have faculty and students traveling to China.