Key Visa Guidelines for Expats in China 2023 Summer Travel
As we navigate the ebbs and flows of travel requirements amid ongoing global developments, it’s crucial to stay updated with the “Key Visa Guidelines for Expats in China 2023 Summer Travel”. This article will highlight recent changes in Chinese visa policy to help you plan your summer trips in and out of China.
Key Visa Guidelines for Summer Travels:
1. Is My Multi-entry Visa Still Valid?
For those who obtained their visas before March 28, 2020, and they are still valid, rejoice! They have been reinstated. Particularly for American citizens holding multi-entry visas issued on the basis of reciprocity agreements prior to this date, whose visa entry functions were temporarily lost due to the pandemic between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, compensation can be applied.
However, if a new multi-year, multiple-entry visa or domestic residence permit was obtained after March 28, 2020, compensation will not be provided for the original multi-entry visa.
Applicants can choose to apply for compensation after their visa expires. If compensation is selected, the Consulate will process a 3-year multi-entry visa free of charge. If compensation is forfeited, a new 10-year multi-entry visa will be issued, subject to regular fees.
2. Can I Travel Visa-Free?
Five categories of individuals are exempted from applying for a Chinese visa, which include those applicable for all kinds of visa exemption agreements; holders of valid China Permanent Resident Cards; holders of various valid residence permits; 24-hour visa-free transit personnel; holders of valid APEC Business Travel Cards (excluding virtual cards).
3. Lost My Passport Abroad – What Should I Do?
If you lose your passport abroad, follow these steps:
1) Immediately report to the local police and obtain a written report of passport loss or theft.
2) Apply for a replacement passport or travel document at the local Consulate. You will need to provide a copy of your passport and proof of loss from the local police.
3) A passport replacement can take up to 15 working days, while a travel certificate usually takes four working days (two for urgent cases).
4. In a Hurry, How Can I Get a Visa Faster?
The Chinese Consular Service Center provides a rush service for visitor visas, including Chinese tourist visas, family visas, and business visas. Express service (3rd working day pickup) incurs an extra charge of $25 per application, while urgent service (2nd working day pickup) requires an additional fee of $37 per application.
Please note that Immigration and Border Protection does not guarantee visa application completion within 48-72 hours. Rapid review fees are non-refundable in the case of any delays or visa application rejection.
Consult Lisa for more info.
These are the key visa guidelines for expats in China 2023 summer travel. To navigate these changes and avail the best of our services, remember our visa consultant Anna is here to help. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s keep exploring this beautiful world together!
