Latest Update on China Visa Restrictions
- Kathy Block, China Primer
Back in April of this year, China enforced several new restrictions on China entry Visas for foreigners visiting and living in China. These policies will be effective until October/November 2008. However, many believe that the restrictions will be lifted following the Olympics.
On April 29, Becky Xia from Fragomen Global Consulting gave a presentation to members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai specifically on this topic. Below are some of the highlighted points from her presentation. In particular, she addresses the Visas that are most affected: the Business (F) Visa and the Tourist (L) Visa.
- F Visas are still being issued but with shorter lengths of stay (either 30 or 60 days) and only single- and double-entries.
- Long gone are the days when foreigners can just make “Visa runs” down to Hong Kong to get their Visa extension. Although it may still possible to get a Visa through a third country or region (such as Hong Kong or Macau), most foreigners are now required to apply for the Visa in their home country.
- For both F and L visa applications, proof of a roundtrip air ticket and hotel reservation are required at the time of application. For F visas, an additional Visa Notification Form (Invitation Letter) is required. The invitation letter is a PRC government issued document from either the local Foreign Affairs Office or Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Commission. It is important to note that only WFOE or registered JVs can apply for the invitation letter, that “local” refers to the municipality or district the WFOE or JV is registered in (issuance locations differ for Pudong and Puxi registered companies) and the original invitation letter is required at the time of visa application in the applicants home country.
Another online source of information relating to the China Visa situation can be found on the China Law Blog.
