China resumes issuance of all types of visas to foreigners

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In addition, visa-free entry for several places and foreign tour groups has also resumed.

To further facilitate exchange and cooperation between China and other countries, the Chinese government has decided to resume issuance of all types of visas to foreigners starting from 15 March 2023, as announced by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin at the regular press conference on 14 March 2023.

Upon the adjustments taking effect, the Chinese visas that were issued before 28 March 2020 and are still valid are now reactivated. The Chinese Embassies stationed abroad will resume examining and issuing all types of visas for foreigners to China, including visas for tourism and medical purposes. The issuance of all kinds of port visas has also been resumed for legal reasons.

In addition, visa-free entry for several places and foreign tour groups is resumed, including Hainan province, foreign cruise-group-tour through Shanghai Port, foreign tour groups visiting Guangdong from Hong Kong or Macao SAR, and ASEAN tour groups to Guilin, Guangxi.

Meanwhile, China has decided to revive outbound group tours to more countries from 15 March 2023 and create more favourable conditions for outbound travel, said the spokesperson. On top of the first batch of 20 countries announced earlier this year, the pilot programme adds 40 more countries in the second phase. 

The list of allowed countries for outbound group travel:

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