China lifted the latest anti-covid restrictions and allowed tourist travel. From now on, everyone is allowed to enter the territory of mainland China. Learn more about what will change in the country's migration policy

Quarantine restrictions in connection with the Covid-19 epidemic on tourist trips were introduced by the Chinese authorities in early 2020. The country's borders were closed for almost three years, and the bans became the strictest in the world. However, the Chinese authorities recently introduced the first relaxations.

         The National Immigration Administration of China made a statement on December 27 about changes in the country's migration policy starting January 8, 2023.

What will change in China's migration policy?

         Since January 8, China has lifted the main restrictions on leaving and entering the country, which were introduced as part of the fight against the coronavirus:

• Resumed the acceptance and consideration of applications from citizens of the PRC to obtain passports for tourist trips abroad.

• Resumed consideration of foreigners' applications for extension, renewal and reissuance of visas and residence permits.

• Issue of port and transit visas resumed.

• According to the South China Morning Post, the number of checkpoints was increased to seven: three of them continued to operate during the pandemic, and four more checkpoints were opened in addition.

• Eased restrictions on movement between mainland China and Hong Kong. Mandatory quarantine was cancelled. From now on, in order to enter mainland China from Hong Kong, it is necessary to register online on the website and provide the result of a test for COVID-19, which was taken 48 hours before entry.

In addition, China has increased the number of working checkpoints on the border with Hong Kong: three of them continued to operate during the pandemic, and in addition to them, four more checkpoints were opened.

• The requirement to comply with quarantine upon arrival in China was cancelled. From now on, it is enough to provide a PCR test that was done within 48 hours before the trip.

• On the border of Russia and China, a passenger service was opened on the Kraskino-Hunchun highway. Entry restrictions have been lifted for all citizens with valid visas. The consulate general noted that in order to enter the territory of the PRC, drivers and passengers must have a certificate confirming the negative result of a PCR test, made no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the border.

However, it is worth noting that China has not yet resumed issuing tourist visas. For the time being, foreigners can enter the country with diplomatic, service visas, and a category C visa. The immigration administration noted that the resumption of issuing tourist visas is planned, but clear periods have not been specified. Health experts and economists expect restrictions on tourist travel to China to remain in place until at least mid-2023.

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How has the lifting of restrictions affected China's tourism market?

Travel companies of the People's Republic of China said that the number of international ticket bookings and requests for visa information on their websites from Chinese citizens increased at least five to eight times after the country's government announced the easing of quarantine restrictions. The most popular destinations were: Japan, Thailand, South Korea, the United States, Great Britain and Australia.

Experts say the Chinese government has lifted or eased most of China's quarantine restrictions, joining the US, Japan and other governments around the world that have decided to learn to live with the virus instead of trying to stop its spread.