“China is relaxing in an orderly and gradual manner visa restrictions for foreigners entering China to resume economic activities and for other essential purposes.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at the Regular Press Conference on August 10th.

As the COVID-19 situation has been brought under control in many countries recently, steps are being taken to facilitate foreign nationals' entry to China for essential economic, trade, scientific and technological activities.

Zhao added, “One more point to highlight is that for those who hold valid visa or residence permit but need visa renewal, Chinese embassies and consulates will provide them visa service for free.”

According to an announcement posted on the official Website of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Denmark, visa facilitation is available to foreign nationals in 36 countries:

Visa Facilitation for Some Foreign Nationals with Valid Chinese Residence Permits

In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the world, China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry into China by foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits still valid to the time of the announcement effective from 28 March 2020. Meanwhile, foreign nationals traveling to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergent humanitarian needs may still apply for visas.

As the prevention and control of COVID-19 becomes regular, in order to facilitate exchanges, China now decides that, foreign nationals from the countries listed below who hold valid residence permits, including work permit, permit for family reunion and personal matters, may apply for visas for free at any Chinese embassy or consulate in these countries. After entering China, they are kindly requested to comply with the epidemic prevention regulations of the local governments.

List of applicable countries:

Albania, Ireland, Estonia, Austria, Bulgaria,North Macedonia, Belgium, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Montenegro,Czech Republic, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, United Kingdom

Source | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China & Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Denmark