China Is Fully Reopening For Tourism. Here Are The Latest Details

Almost three years after China closed its borders to foreign visitors to deal with Covid-19, China is fully reopening. On March 15, 2023, China started issuing visas of all categories to foreign nationals. This move comes after China declared victory over the virus in February 2023 and lifted some restrictions in January 2023.

March 17, 2023 shows a winding road in Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. From top to bottom, the mountain is winding, there are 24 curves, the road is built according to the mountain, the project is difficult, the mountain is steep, the curve is frequent, the design is exquisite, the originality is unique, after more than half a century of wind and rain erosion, now intact, recognized by the State Council in 2006 as a national cultural relics protection unit. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Future release via Getty Images

What you should know about entering China

China is fully opening up to tourism to boost its economy. Areas in China that did not require a visa prior to the pandemic will continue to be able to enter without a visa. If someone had an unexpired multi-year visa issued before March 28, 2020, they can continue to use it.

Also, visitors from Hong Kong and Macau can visit Guangdong visa-free. Hainan and cruise ships passing through the port in Shanghai will also be included in the visa-free entry that applied before the pandemic.

However, note that travelers to China must still follow Covid-19 protocols. These protocols include a mandatory coronavirus test 48 hours before departure. In addition, visitors must enter their test results on their health declaration forms for customs.

Another issue to be aware of comes from the US State Department advising American citizens to reconsider travel to China, Hong Kong and Macau. Wrongful arrests and “arbitrary enforcement of local laws” are the two reasons for the Opinion dated March 10, 2023.

There is also an easing of restrictions on Chinese citizens. China has added 40 countries to its list of countries tour groups can visit. However, the United States (along with Australia, South Korea, and Japan) is still excluded from the list. The total number of countries is now 60.

Summary

After three years of closed borders, China is now fully open to visitors again. However, the recommendations remain in place as political tensions rise. Additionally, some coronavirus protocols remain in place, although not as strict.

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