China has announced that it will resume issuing tourist visas, for the first time since the start of the pandemic three years ago. This took effect from 15 March 2023. This move comes as China continues to gradually ease border restrictions, which started with the removal of quarantine for foreign arrivals a couple of months back.
While that’s good news for anyone with a strong urge to visit China, it should be noted that the visa requirement still strictly applies. For some nationalities, such as Singaporeans, this still isn’t quite the pre-Covid experience. Chinese residents have been able to leave and return as they please since the removal of quarantine, and there’s been a lot of outbound demand from China. Now, inbound tourism will be allowed as well.
Let’s take a look at the new rules.
Tourist visas required in most cases
While foreign tourists will be allowed in, visas will be required except in certain circumstances. These exceptions include areas that were previously visa-free, such as Hainan province, and cruise ship passengers passing through Shanghai will revert to visa-free entry. In addition, foreigners may also enter Guangdong province from Hong Kong and Macau. Tour groups from ASEAN countries visiting scenic Guilin may also enter without a visa.
Foreigners holding visas issued prior to 28 March 2020, and that are still valid, will also be able to enter China using these visas.
For most nationalities, this isn’t different from pre-pandemic things. Most foreigners required visas to enter China pre-pandemic regardless. However nationalities such as Singaporeans (like me), who enjoyed a 15-day visa-free facility before Covid-19, this may feel rather restrictive.
Will tourists return?
This is a politically charged question perhaps. I guess many potential travellers may have some reservations about going to China right now. Probably not so much the medical situation, since pretty much everyone is living in a endemic setting. It’s more a matter of politics, which is a topic I don’t really want to get into.
I’d certainly expect tour groups from countries with significant Chinese diaspora, such as Singapore, to resume in earnest. I suspect individual tourists (including small groups) to take longer to return. I remember many years ago for my family’s first holiday in China in 2005, having to visit the Chinese embassy to get a visa. This was before the visa-free facility (technically visa on arrival) existed. It’s an inconvenience for sure, and I’m not sure I want to jump through that hoop to visit China. If unlike me, you’re looking to visit China now that tourists are allowed, Singapore Airlines’ April Spontaneous Escapes might be a good way to get there. If you can get a visa in time.
Conclusion
China has resumed issuing tourist visas, allowing foreign tourist in for the first time in three years. However, with the exception of specific visa-free areas and certain nationalities, visas will be required for all foreigners. This represents a potential hurdle for passport holders of countries like Singapore like me, having enjoyed a 15-day visa-free facility pre-pandemic.