Back to Business – China Reopening to International Business Travelers

Posted on January 11, 2023 | Last Updated on October 19, 2023

In this article we discuss…

• Chinese travel restrictions have eased – it is now easier to travel for work, education, or family purposes
• What visas are currently available for those intending to travel to China since the announcement?
• Chinese entry requirements
• How to secure Chinese Business Visas for your team

In a welcome development, as of January 8, business travellers who are planning a trip to China will no longer have to quarantine when they arrive in the country.

However, a negative PCR test is still required (taken in the last 48 hours) in order to enter the country.

If your organisation is planning to send staff to China for business purposes, there are some essential details you need to know before booking a trip.

Here’s what you need to know about the easing of travel restrictions in China.

Since the announcement, what visas are currently available for those planning to travel to China?

At present, it is possible to travel to China for business, work, or education purposes. You can also travel for family-related reasons.

As of 8 January, in order to travel to China, you will need to pursue one of the below avenues:

1. Valid Chinese work, family reunion, or study permit
2. APEC business travel card – you have to be a part of the APEC member nations
3. Diplomatic, courtesy, service or C visa
4. Any of the following Chinese visas:

• M – for trade or commercial activities
• Q – for visiting family that are Chinese citizens
• R – for people who have skills that are needed in China
• S – for people with a family that are not Chinese citizens living in China, e.g. having a child or a spouse studying in China. The S visa can also be obtained for other personal reasons
• X1 – for studying in China for over 180 days
• Z – for working in China

Other visa categories, such as tourism, are due to become available over the coming months.

When will China reopen its borders to foreigners for tourist purposes?

No specific date has yet been announced for China to open its borders to tourism. Therefore tourists must wait until the China travel advisory is updated.

For more information on China business and tourist visas, check out our article: Chinese Visas Explained

What is a Chinese Business Visa?

The Chinese Business Visa also known as an M Visa is ideal for short business trips.

This visa is available for either three, six or 12 months with either one, two or multiple entries available.

Depending on the visa specifications, your employee may be able to stay for 30, 60 or 90 days on every entry.

What documents does my team need in order to visit China on business?

To obtain a Chinese Business Visa, your employee needs to provide the following documents:

• Passport – must be valid six months after the planned stay in China
• Photograph taken in the last six months – ensure photo guidelines for Chinese Visa are followed
• Letter of invitation to visit China – can be obtained from the host company (the company that your staff member will be working with on the business trip)
• Proof of residency – water, electric or gas bill that displays the name and address of the staff member
• Visa application form

Note: this is not a complete list of the documents required for a Chinese Visa for business travel. More documents may be required based on specific circumstances.

Once the visa has been granted, what’s next?

Staff members can now travel to a port of entry in China, typically an airport.

However, make sure that they take a negative PCR test within 48 hours of travelling to China as of 8 January 2023.

What happens if the PCR test is positive?

If this is the case, staff will have to postpone their travel to China.

The China travel quarantine restrictions stipulate that if you test positive for COVID-19 while you’re in China and your symptoms are mild, you can quarantine at home or at a centralized hotel quarantine facility.

How to travel to China?

Currently, visitors can only travel to China by air, using direct routes approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

CAAC approved international flights are available from multiple countries around the world.

Some countries currently offering CAAC-approved flights include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, France, Switzerland, Canada and more. Ensure you check the list of CAAC-approved flights at the time you’re planning your trip to China.

When you’re travelling to China, it’s important that employees bring all the documents they need with them to the port of entry so that they can present these at China’s border control.

List of things needed to enter China

When travelling to China, ensure employees have the following:

• Passport – ensure it’s valid for the duration of their stay
• Passport copies – we recommend that they have three copies
• Another form of ID, e.g. driver’s licence
• Valid visa
• Negative PCR test that’s been taken within the last 48 hours before flight departure

Some other things that can be useful to bring include:

• Face mask – in case it’s necessary
• Although not mandatory, having travel insurance with is a great idea
• Cash in either Yuan or US Dollars – in case of emergencies

Frequently Asked Questions About The China Business Visa

Up to how many days is the business visa to China valid?

For a China business visa, it depends on what validity was requested or approved by the Embassy. This could be three, six, or 12 months.

How long in advance can the Chinese Business Visa be applied for?

It’s not specified by the Embassy, however, it depends on:

• Visa validity – three, six, or 12 month visa
• Number of times your employee is allowed to enter – once, twice or multiple times

For example, if a visa that is valid for three months with a 30 day stay is granted, that means that your employee has three months to make their way to China and then once they enter they can stay for up to 30 days.

As a guidance, the Business Chinese Visa should be applied for no less than a month before the trip.

Do you need to have your flight booked before you apply?

For business visas, it’s not necessary to book flights before applying for a visa.
However, flight details are important when booking a tourist visa, once this opens up again.

How long is the typical processing time for a visa?

In our experience, the main waiting period arises in booking the initial appointment to submit visa applications, which can take up to two months.

Once that appointment has taken place, visas tend to be available within a week.

Who can help me with the Chinese Business Visa application for my employees?

You can apply for business visas for your employees directly from the Chinese embassy. However, the process can often be time-consuming and complicated. That’s where Visa First comes in!

We are a team with more than 20 years of experience in processing multiple visas, including Chinese Business Visas.

To apply for China Business Visas for your employees, contact us today!

Why choose Visa First when applying for a China visa from Ireland?

• Fast and easy service
• Proven track record in securing visas efficiently
• We ensure the application is prepared correctly
• We provide real-time status updates
• In a normal year, we prepare more than 10,000 global visas

Updated On: 02.02.2023