Travel to China – Visa Free Travel

The exit and entry ban in China has affected foreign tourists in a negative way. The Chinese government ordered all citizens of China from the country’s cities and from other countries that have diplomatic immunity to enter and stay within the country. The move is meant to implement the government’s policy of unity amid diversity. The Chinese government calls for unity, not separation.

There are, however, certain positive measures on the horizon with regard to the situation of Chinese nationals who have acquired a visa and wish to travel abroad. For instance, foreigners who hold an original Chinese passport are now permitted to live and work in China for a five year period without any restrictions. Previously, in 2021, the same situation arose when foreigners with foreign nationalities settled in China and applied for Chinese residence permits. This was called the “outsider issue” and the lack of directives from the Chinese government on the issue resulted in many problems for non-Chinese nationals. Many of them ended up being detained or returned to their home country.

There have been no new entries or exits since July. Foreigners applying for Chinese resident permits have to submit proof of their residence in the twenty four hour time period starting from the day they arrive in China and one hour before they depart for another destination. These proof of residence requirements apply to both individuals and companies traveling to China. Failure to submit this document may result in a denial of entry into the country.

Travel to China will not be as smooth without understanding the current state of China’s foreign policy. At present, China does not view the reunification of Taiwan as being in its interests. On the contrary, it considers this independence as an historical tragedy that will forever stain its record. Taiwan is a way of life for the Taiwanese, and China regards it as a region. In this respect, the recent relaxation of travel restrictions by the mainland authorities is a positive sign. However, there are still too many questions to be answered about whether Taiwan can truly join the Chinese fold.

The recent outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a case in point. MERS is a strain of a virus that is highly contagious and can be transmitted between people who are close enough to touch each other. It was believed for some time that the disease was caused by an increase in cases of Meningitis within the poultry industry in China. But it was not until recently that the disease was found to be widespread in the poultry industry in all of China. Travel to China is difficult now with the recent outbreak of MERS. But the MERS crisis is just the symptom of a bigger issue: the failure of the Chinese government to implement effective health policies that would prevent the spread of MERS and other epidemics like the recent Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

As a non-bound economy, one of the key elements of doing business in China is to abide by the local laws. You need to know which officials are empowered to rein in corruption within the country. In addition, you need to know what your Chinese hosts will expect of you once you arrive and begin exploring their country. Because of its close relationship with the United States and other global powers, China needs to maintain good relations with its neighbors and provide a stable transition for its citizens to enjoy.

There are some Chinese travel restrictions that Foreign nationals may encounter once they have crossed the border. Some of these restriction include: no foreign nationals are allowed to work in China without the permission of the Chinese Ministry of State Security or the General Administration of Foreign Trade. Another guideline states that all travelers, including foreign nationals, are required to have their passports updated with current photos and expiration dates. At present, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not have a list of banned items. Finally, in May 2021, the Ministry of State Security announced a new law that bans businesses that require payment in Chinese currency from accepting payments from foreign nationals. The ban is effective immediately until further notice.

The new visa-free travel policy was implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 1st, 2021. This implementation is effective for all citizens of foreign origin coming to visit China. The measures were implemented to address the large number of Chinese citizens that entered the country illegally via China’s borders. As a result, travel to China for citizens of foreign origin has been made much easier.