Disclaimer: The information in this article has been compiled by admins and contains personal experiences of some members of the COVID-19 visa group. The information provided is not from official sources unless otherwise stated. The content may change at any time and is only for reference. This is a VERY LONG article (approx. 14 minutes).

COVID-19 Visa, Useful Information, Links, and Notice:

ALL VISAS ISSUED BEFORE 28 MAR 2020 ARE SUSPENDED (INCLUDING PERMITS). WE ARE WAITING FOR CHINESE BORDER BAN TO BE LIFTED SO SUSPENDED VISAS (PERMITS) WILL BE VALID AGAIN FOR USE OF ENTRY IN CHINA. SO FAR, NO NEW UPDATES. **FOREIGN NATIONALS WORK IN CHINA WITH GREEN PERMIT CAN ENTER CHINA NOW.

*source via official website of Chinese govt.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbxw/t1761867.shtml

Humanitarian Visa (visa issued on humanitarian ground) –

*source via call to Consulate in Canada

– Chance: this is a long shot …

– Where & How to apply:

1. Check website https://bio.visaforchina.org/globle/

(select location/language to your preference) to access to online visa application form & mandated docs for your visa type

2. Proof of flight/hotel booking (if not ready or n/a, submit explanation letter)

3. Proof of death/sick notice with hospital stamp (if not ready or n/a, submit explanation letter)

4. Self-explanation letter addressed reason with emotions in details

5. Self-health declaration forms (filled + signed off by applicant)

– Send all above docs to your local Chinese consulate via email

**Some of you already tried very hard to get humanitarian visa work for your very own reasons (conditions), we must bargain & push harder to get help from the consulate. 

**Due to COVID-19, if an online visa application isn’t ready for your area (country), we suggest you try & find out the email address for your local Chinese consulate to write an emergency explanation letter to & get urgent assistance.

Successful Cases –

*source via personal experience of people in COVID-19 group

The applicant submitted supporting docs to apply for a visa on humanitarian ground for the purpose of visiting his sick grandma in China and got approved. Date: 2020-7-15

Frequently Asked Questions – 

*source via call to Shanghai entry-exit office

a. Humanitarian Visa – possible to transfer/convert to other type of visa after arrival in China?

Yes & No.

Whether your humanitarian visa can be transferred/converted to another type of visa is subject to the result of review by the staff. Please make a trip to the entry-exit office once after you arrive in China using a humanitarian visa & bring all IDs & relevant support docs to consult to staff there. There is CHANCE for you to transfer your humanitarian visa to another type of visa. It is the case by case scenario. 

The entry-exit office has the final say about whether granting this transfer or not in the end.

b. How is the chance for us to obtain a humanitarian visa?

This is a long shot. The humanitarian visa is not impossible, however, it is very difficult to obtain. 

For those who are attempting one, please treat it as a long shot and plan B for what to do for your family. You should be prepared if you are fortunate enough to obtain a visa, however, don’t stop planning for the rest of the year on what scenarios would be acceptable for your family in the case where you don’t obtain a visa. (In regards to “rest of the year”, I’m not implying I know any specific timeline about borders opening. I use that phrase loosely meaning the near future.) ” 

Regardless of the success rate, we appreciate everyone in this group to share visa request status to help those in need to hopefully build more confidence & prepare better.

c. How is the difference between a humanitarian visa issued in China & a humanitarian visa issued in overseas Chinese consulate?

Humanitarian visa issued in China: That is a 30 Days’ Stay permit, granted for Humanitarian reason. 

Given to people whose 60-day automatic extension has expired and are unable to leave China due to no flights available to their home country, or people seeking to change jobs and there RP has expired.

Humanitarian visa issued in overseas consulate: That is visa on the humanitarian ground gives people permits to visit in China for emergency reasons. 

Moment Visa

PandaBoo

PU Letter, Visa, and useful links:

*source via personal experience of people in COVID-19 visa group & official online links

– Chance: Getting more and more possibility

– Where & How to apply:

Check out the website for more details

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/5p9aRAGHT2WlnUB11toj7A 

Hainan PU Process –

Sample of PU Letter –

Mandated Docs for Company HR to prepare for PU –

Other useful info about PU –

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/5p9aRAGHT2WlnUB11toj7A

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/-AhanEpjtypOQXXbGtys0A

https://www.amcham-shanghai.org/en/article/guide-returning-expatriates-and-theirfamilies?source=WeChat0702&from=groupmessage&isappinstalled=0

Successful Cases –

F.A.Qs –

*source via personal experience of people in COVID-19 visa group & official online links

a. What is PU?

So far, according to our knowledge, there is no full official name of PU. This is a letter issued by China FAO with help of your company HR to obtain before visa.

b. How is the chance for us to obtain PU?

So far, more & more foreign nationals work in China obtained PU with help of their company HR. Also, their dependent family may get same help to obtain PU. Although this is case by case scenario, govt has realized this urge & will do something about this. The policy is going to be eased step by step.

c. What sized company may contact FAO to obtain PU for foreign employees & their family?

This depends how much efforts the company HR made to negotiate with FAO. So far, even 

small sized company successfully help staff to obtain PU.

d. What is FAO?

FAO stands for Foreign Affairs Office

e. What shall I do after PU is obtained?

Please either email to the consulate of China to find out next step or use reference below.

– Original passport & photocopy two sets of data page

– Original visa application form with photo and photocopy one set

– Original supplementary information for Chinese visa application & health declaration form 

for visa application (ask admins to send)

– Photocopy of previous Chinese visa (if applicable)

– Photocopy of invitation letter (PU) issued (2 sets)

– Make a trip or email to the Chinese consulate in your local area with all documents.

f. Can I convert my Visa (with PU invitation) to other type of visas after my entry in China?

It varies by jurisdiction, you can change. Type of document Visa, stay permit residents permit inside China in some circumstances in some locations. So what that means is you need to ask specifically about your case at the institutions that would be issuing the documents that are important for your case.

g. How long does it take after PU to obtain the visa?

Normally it depends. For instance, in Haungpu of Shanghai, it takes 2 to 2.5 weeks. In Xuhui of Shanghai, it takes 4 weeks. It always varies case by case. We suggest you maintain dialogue with consulate to give a push when necessary

h. Does it mean a visa is guaranteed after PU is obtained?

No. Someone from this group doesn’t seem likely to get visa done after his PU is obtained. So he must give another for his visa application. The key is to keep trying.

Indian IPTV

Miscellaneous Information and useful links:

*source via personal experience of people in COVID-19 visa group & call to FAO

“Just some room for thought. China has never been open. Everyone always have needed a visa to enter. What is happening now; in stat of the embassies, consulates and visa offices able to grant visas, the FAO has taken it back in their own hands. There is obviously a quota of visas they can give out matching the strategy of slowly ‘opening’ and in the same time monitoring the covid-19. Since there is a limited quota of visas the requirements for the PU letters are high. When there is more quota available the requirements will ease . We all in the same boat but all cases will be individual looked at. They key is to make sure you get one of the available spots in the quota.”

About Schools –

“So far, schools are in a different path than through FAO. So we cannot promise anything yet about possibility for educators’ direct family to obtain visas. But, we suggest every educator should negotiate hard with school (employer) to get immediate & useful help with invitation letter cos that is POSSIBLE. (There is no official doc says Schools cannot provide help with invitation letter for educators’ direct family yet!) So, hang in there & keep fighting!

*Chance for educators to back China is increasing but very slow progress. More and more schools are back on their feet to bring teachers back China. We are waiting for more updates. Although the idea of bringing educators back is vague now, we suggest you share this with your school Head & School HR for their better study & use as reference.”

About Chinese citizens with foreign spouse & this spouse fighting a way back to China –

“On a different path too than through FAO. So, we suggest every foreign spouse speaks to Chinese consulate in his/her local area & get help. Sorry for this but again, hang in there & keep fighting!”

About foreign nationals work in China & already in China –

“Please ask your company HR to contact FAO in your local district. Check availability of your company & check possibility of PU letter to bring back your direct family. There is good news for you that even if small sized company or company in non-critical industries can obtain PU letter now.”

Tips –

*source via personal experience of people in COVID-19 visa group

1. “Dont call the FAO. Make trips there to show how sincere you are. Speaking on the phone and going in person makes a lot of difference. Ive been seeing many success PU cases rather than humanitarian. Their HR helps a LOT.”

2. “The smallest headcount I just heard from a Malaysian is 15 in the company. He is in the art and technology field in shanghai.”

3. “Even if small sized company or company in non-critical industries can obtain PU. one of her friends HR has received PU.”

4. “We just heard that we can bring 15 teachers back for an international school in Beijing.”

Armenians may enter China visa-free – 

*source visa official govt website & suggestions of Lawyers in COVID visa group

http://am.chineseembassy.org/rus/lsqw/t1784107.htm

F.A.Qs –

*source via Lawyers in COVID-19 visa group

a. Info on China visa-free entry for Armenians?

Gadgets390

EliteLifestyle

Information via AmCham Shanghai:

Americans Outside China 

Returning to China Wiki/FAQ

Rev 8, June 25th 2020

General Disclaimer – 

This document is intended to be a living document to provide assistance to Americans attempting to return to China.

Background Notes –

The issue at hand is that entry to China is temporarily suspended based on the announcement from March 26th: 

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbxw/t1761867.shtml

This document details the process that several people have followed to re-enter based on the following statements in the announcement:

Foreign nationals coming to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates. Entry by foreign nationals with visas issued after this announcement will not be affected.

Due to lack of defined terminology, this process is being called applying for the exemption visa or special process. 

As it’s the exemption to the rule. Not to be confused with the R visa which is for highly qualified individuals and not part of this scope.

Recommended information that provides significantly more information 

https://www.china-briefing.com/news/chinas-travel-restrictions-due-to-covid-19-an-explainer/

One of the better sources so far that would explain the process in more detail is from AmCham Shanghai

https://www.amcham-shanghai.org/en/article/guide-returning-expatriates-and-theirfamilies?from=groupmessage&isappinstalled=0

Step 1: Application at District FAO (Foreign Affairs Office)

– Overview: Have to apply at the district FAO office where the company is registered, not necessarily the same district as where it is physically located. An example application form is attached in the appendix.

• Note: If you are applying in Changning, Shanghai, you should check with street FAO before the district. Bypassing this step could result in the application being denied.

– Requirements: Application form along with justifying letter on why your presence is required within China. Feedback has been that this should detail projects showing your participation, rather than generic statements. Example of the application form is attached in the appendix

• Note: On the application and communication with FAO be sure to indicate where you are located. The invite letter (PU) states which Embassy/General Consulate to send your passport to. Ensure this is set to the correct location. 

– Approval Time Frame:

• Estimated 2 – 3 business days (Based on feedback in May)

• Estimated as 5 business days (Based on feedback in June)

Step 2: Application at Province FAO 

– Overview: Once approved by the district FAO, the next step is getting approval at the province FAO. For 

tier 1 cities, ie Shanghai, this would be the Shanghai FAO. This is the approving office that issues the 

invite letter required for the visa

– Invite Letter: Example invite letter shown in appendix

– Requirements: No additional submission 

– Approval Time Frame:

• Estimated 5 business days (Based on feedback in May)

• Estimated 5 business days (Based on feedback in June)

Step 3: Application for Visa

– Overview: Once the invitation letter is issued, you can apply for the visa to get back into China. They are issuing M (Business) or F (non-trade) visas most commonly. It’s a single entry, 60/90 day visa to get you back in the country

– Requirements: Submission requirements seems to depend on where you are applying (which is called out in your application form and also the PU). Details are provided in a later section.

– Approval Time Frame: If expediting, it appears to be around 5 business days. Non expedite can take up to 10 days. Highly variable based on location. 

Step 4: Flight to China

– Overview: With a visa issued, you can schedule a flight to China. 

– Requirements: Flight information must be provided to the province FAO before departure. It has been noted failure to provide this would result in being denied at the border. 

– Arrival: Information on arrival and process is detailed in the appendix. 

– Approval Time Frame: Takes ~3 business days, so plan flights accordingly. 

Visa application – 

Visa application requirements tend to differ based on location. This section is intended to capture the requirements to save people time in preparing the documentation and prevent multiple back and forth. Its better to be over-prepared as office hours appear limited in many locations, so delays can add up quickly.

Visa applications need to be directed to the location called out on the PU (which you need to ensure is submitted correctly when applying for the visa). This needs to be set based on your current location/residence if within the US. If outside the US, the closest embassy.

USA locations

Information on how the US is split between the 5 consulate generals (San Francisco, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York) or the embassy in Washington D.C, see the link or map below.

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zmzlglj/t84229.htm

Los Angeles

For contact information, see the following link:

http://losangeles.china-consulate.org/eng/visa/Notice/t1760121.htm

San Francisco

– Contact: [email protected]

– Information: http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/

– Requirements for submission

• Visa application form (available on the website)

• One picture per exact requirements on the visa form

• Passport

• Invitation letter (PU) from MFA

• Invitation letter from employer/company

• Documentation showing the applicant resides within the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Consulate. 

• Copy of latest Chinese visa

• Documentation on a flight to Shanghai 

• COVID test (Varying reports, test within 3 / 5 days?)

• An applicate statement indicating the reason for this special visa application

Houston

– Information: http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/

– Requirements for submission

• Visa application form (available on the website)

• One picture per exact requirements on the visa form

• Passport

• Invitation letter (PU) from MFA

• Copy of drivers license

• Invitation letter from employer/company

• Letter of company profile and job description

• Form of the job description

• Itinerary in China

• Copy of latest Chinese visa/residence permit/work permit

• No COVID test was listed as required based on initial submissions

• An applicate statement indicating the reason for this special visa application

Washington, D.C

– Address: 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20007 

– Telephone:

• (202) 855-1555 (9:30-12:00 Monday to Friday)

• (202) 790-8746 (14:00-16:30 Monday to Friday)

• Fax: (202) 588-9760

– Email: [email protected]

– Requirements for submission

• Visa application form (available on the website)

• One picture per exact requirements on the visa form

• Passport

• Invitation letter (PU) from MFA

• Copy of drivers license

• Invitation letter from employer/company

• Copy of latest Chinese visa/residence permit 

• Scan of work permit card (both sides) 

• Copy of first passport page

• No COVID-19 test was listed as required based on initial submissions

• Health declaration form (attached in appendix)

New York

Contact information: [email protected]

Wechat ID: chinaconsulate_ny

Chicago

Contact information: [email protected]

International Locations

Hong Kong

– Apply at:

http://bio.visaforchina.org/HKG2_EN/index.shtml

– Requirements for submission:

• Visa application form (available on the website)

• One picture per exact requirements on the visa form

• Photocopy of entry stamp into Hong Kong

• Passport

• Invitation letter (PU) from MFA

• Completion of two health forms about COVID-19 (not available online). Have been attached in the appendix. Make sure to ask as this is not well documented. May vary depending on where a visa is applied at

• Business invite letter (seems to be more the general checklist process for M visas, but was requested. Note: should just be addressed to Dear Sir/Madam. Don’t call out anything else –HKG specific)

• Copy of business license

• Results of COVID-19 nucleic test based on testing within the past 3 days 

Travel –

Once the visa is obtained and travel can be booked, getting to China is another challenge. Rules regarding transfer vary from country to country. It Will not be documented here as its constantly evolving. Suggested website:

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm

Unconfirmed/Unknown – There’s mention of COVID-19 testing again within 3 days of flying. 

FAQs –

– Q: Are my existing visas/permits now invalid?

– A: They are still valid (assuming its not past the expiration date). If the visa was issued before March 

26th, they cannot be used for entry under the temporary border restrictions. Once border restrictions are eased, they could be used.

– Q: The announcement states I can apply for a new visa. Can I get a new tourist/business visa?

– A: Essentially new visas are only being issued for what was described in the announcement on March 26th: China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian. 

– A: As of June 9th, 2020, no one has reported being able to get a normal visa issued outside of this special process detailed. Its been noted, visa agencies will accept your passport and apply for you, but the visa application is rejected. 

– Q: What is the humanitarian exemption?

– A: Limited info is known. One report from an individual who was trying to return to China as their father was in the hospital. The feedback they received was that it had to life-threatening emergency and a letter from the hospital had to be provided. 

– Q: Can I get a new visa issued without an invitation letter from FAO?

– A: It appears highly unlikely. No one has reported success with this path

– Q: Can my spouse/family travel with me back to China if I’m approved?

– A: Yes, they need to be added to the application for the invitation letter. The invite letter will call out the names of the family who are able to travel with you. Note: varying reports on success. 

– A: Note, there appears to be varying success based on the district you apply. While it could be based on 

the justification letter provided will note the feedback below. Based on info from June 16th :

• Pudong: Multiple people have been successful with obtaining approval for spouse/kids

• Changning: Have denied approval for spouse on one application

• Suzhou: Success with bringing back family

– Q: What if I am in China and my family is in the USA. Can I apply for an invitation letter for my family?

– A: This appears to be noted as a “family reunion” and follows a different set of rules. No information is known yet, but it’s assumed the process is the same. (To be updated). Unknown rates of success.

– Q: Is my existing residence permit now canceled or invalid when a new (M or F) visa is issued

– A: Based on reports so far, the new visa (single entry) purpose is to allow you to get back into China. 

Existing residence permits were not canceled.

– Q: Once issued an invite from Shanghai and completed the process, can I travel around China?

–  A: Preliminary info. Initial feedback was that it is not possible to travel outside the province issuing the invite. More info needed to understand the rules. 

– Q: Upon arrival in Shanghai which district do I have to check in with

– A: If you are arriving on a visa arranged by MFA, then you need to check-in with the district where you 

registered. 

SKYIPTV

More Useful Links:

*source via official govt links in COVID visa group

Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners

http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/lhqzjjs/t1120987.shtml

End of the 60 Day Extension: What to do? Permits vs. Visas

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/MflDiDNQiGnDdYXJM-Mq7g

Boss Won’t Pay? Go here!

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ci8d6znbZWpJ1gIDo_c19Q

The latest policy for a foreigner invitation letter

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ZR9AelWyQDWirrbJdQ3PMA

Service System for Foreigners Working in China

http://fwp.safea.gov.cn/

FREE English Hotline Service for emotional Crisis during COVID:

*source via official govt post in COVID-19 visa group

Health Code after your arrival in China:

 *source via group of SH arrivals group ADMIN

There’s been a lot of questions around whether a foreigner boarding a flight bound for China is required to fill in their health details 14 days in advance and show the green QR code when checking in for your flight. Officially the CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) only mandates Chinese citizens to do so. However, recently there seem to be more airlines requesting this from all passengers regardless of nationality.

Also, airlines as well as your departing and transiting country might have separated rules on health codes and/or forms. Please check with the airline and port authorities directly on the separate requirement if there’s any.

Visa Agents (charge-free):

 *source via self-recommendation in COVID-19 visa group

Note: Regina & Roger are normally very busy because they do volunteer work (free of charge) so there might be a delay in their response to your questions. Please be patient.

Agent (charge for service):

*source via self-recommendation in COVID-19 visa group

How to work with Reliant – 

WeChat: Reliant-CN

Email: [email protected]

“Reliant offers custom services tailored to your case. We can call the relevant government bureaus in China and get you answers to your visa and return related questions, and help you submit applications and documents. First, book a consultation with us, then during your consultation, we will (1) understand your case, and (2) develop a plan of action for you. For consultation and calls, we charge our hourly rate of RMB 400, paid in advance by Wechat, Alipay, or USD 65 paid by Pay Pal. We can give a few free answers to simple questions but we are a bespoke paid service.”

Travel Agent:

*source via recommendation in COVID-19 visa group

Lawyers:

*source via self-recommendation in COVID-19 visa group

Sophie Mao –

Directing Partner of Chibridge Law Firm based in Guangzhou, blogger of Chinalawhelp.com. 

Bio: Sophie Mao has been practicing law since 1997. 

Her main business is to advise overseas SMEs on doing business in China. Fields: corporate law, 

contract law, IPR.

Robert –

Bio: Robert is a Law graduate of Tsinghua University, having been awarded a Master of Laws (LL.M.) Degree in Chinese Law. Robert is a general non-litigating Legal Consultant focusing on Labor Law, Contract Law, Civil law, Criminal Law, and Telecommunication Regulations. Robert is based in Beijing.

Provided By: Ann Xu

Want to share an opinion?

Leave a comment below!

Visit us: