Despite China’s relatively slower vaccination campaign for its local population, some cities in the country have now launched their vaccination program for foreigners. Moreover, it has also recently allowed entry for foreign nationals from all countries who have taken the vaccine before coming to China.
Have a look at our previous article on Shanghai Re-entry Policies for Foreign Nationals
Whether you are a foreigner working or running a business in China, it is important to stay abreast of the developments related to COVID-19 recovery in China. Read our brief update regarding COVID-19 vaccination and entry rules for foreigners.
What are the vaccination procedures?
Different cities may vary in terms of the vaccination protocols for foreign individuals. In Shanghai, the city government announced the vaccination period to start from March 29, 2021. The following are the details of the vaccination process:
- Age requirement: 18-59 years old, over 60 years old in need of vaccine for a special reason and with a good physical condition
- Vaccination fees: RMB100 for foreigners with no social insurance (including medical insurance) bought; free for those with social insurance
- Type of vaccine: Inactivated vaccines domestically produced and two doses will be given.
How to make an appointment
To register for the vaccination, foreigners need to scan the QR code to access the “健康云” APP (“Health Cloud”). Once accessed, it will ask for personal information and you can choose the nearest health center. After successful registration, you will receive a notification via text message regarding the date and time of vaccination.
Do you need mandatory quarantine after vaccination?
After vaccination, there is no need for a mandatory quarantine. However, authorities advise that those who have been vaccinated should observe their physical condition within 14 days and seek immediate treatment if severe symptoms occur.
Other cities which started the vaccination campaign for foreigners
The province of Guangdong has also begun vaccinating foreigners through the respective procedures of its various cities including:
Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, Foshan, Shaoguan, Heyuan, Mezhou, Huizhou, Shanwei, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Yangjiang, Zhanjiang, Maoming, Zhaoqing, Qingyuan, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Yunfu
Foreigners in the said Guandong cities can scan the QR code below to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Other provinces that started vaccination for foreigners also include Jiangsu, Zhejiang (Hangzhou, Wenzhou), Hainan (Haikou), Tianjin, and Beijing.
What is the current rule for the entry of foreigners to China?
According to the latest announcements, China has already opened entry for foreigners from all countries who have taken Chinese vaccines but only for certain groups. These include workers and their families and those coming to China for business such as APEC business travel cardholders. Moreover, foreigners can also apply for a humanitarian visa to enter China for the following specific reasons:
- Reunion with family
- Care for the elderly;
- Visiting relatives;
- Attending funerals; or
- Visiting critically ill relatives.
Previously, China required foreign nationals in the work resumption category to obtain a PU letter to enter China. This, however, is no longer required and visa application is now facilitated normally for them. On the other hand, APEC business travel card holders can present their original APEC travel card and an invitation letter issued by the inviter in China.
The latest entry update has been effective since March 15, 2021, and qualified foreigners should also provide a vaccination certificate as proof that they have been inoculated with the vaccine. Furthermore, previous requirements such as the COVID-19 nucleic acid test and health record for travel have now been eliminated. Thus, foreign nationals only need to be vaccinated with the Chinese vaccines to facilitate ease of entry. At the same time, foreigners who are already in China are required to take the vaccine shots before going out of the country.
Required vaccine dose
Applicants eligible for entry are required to have the following vaccination specifics:
- Received two shots of vaccines with the stipulated gap in between; or
- Obtained a single dose at least 14 days prior to the visa application.
Qualified visa applicants with the vaccination proof will still follow established quarantine protocols when entering China. It is also best to consult with respective Chinese consulates or embassies for further clarification of policies and required documents.
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