Shanghai local officials continue to implement ease of entry for foreign workers who are deemed essential for business, trade, scientific, and economic activities. Following China’s fast track channels for re-entry of key workers, Shanghai has updated its procedures regarding overseas travelers arriving in the city.
Read more from our previous article: Fast Track Entry to China for Key Foreign Workers
Foreigners who wish to enter Shanghai must obtain a PU letter from foreign affairs authorities and strictly adhere to quarantine protocols. Read for more details.
Obtaining a PU letter for Shanghai re-entry
The PU letter or “Invitation Letter” issued by Shanghai’s foreign affairs offices is mandatory for those applying to re-enter China under a special visa. According to recent policies, Shanghai-based companies may apply on behalf of their foreign employees to allow them to enter China again. To note, China has imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals since March 28, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more about Chinese Visa and Immigration Policies during COVID-19
The required documents in the application for a PU letter include the following:
- Scanned copy of the employee’s passport (passport information and visa page);
- An application letter explaining why the worker is essential to the company’s business operation;
- A commitment or Letter of Guarantee letter stating that the worker is in good health and will commit to the control and prevention measures set by the local government;
- Company and employee background information included in a template provided by the FAO;
- Travel itinerary;
- Other documents.
A sample PU letter from FAO for Shanghai Re-entry
Steps and procedures
- The company submits (via email) the documents for PU letter application to the local or district Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) where the company is registered.
- The district FAO will call the company and the foreign worker to verify the submitted application.
- The Municipal FAO will receive the application from the district FAO and make the final decision
- After approval, the company will receive an electronic copy of the PU letter with a bar code containing all employee’s information.
- The company shall send the PU letter to the employee.
- The employee will apply at the Chinese consulate in his or her country and present the PU letter along with other documents required by the local embassy.
- The employee shall be issued with a special visa for re-entry and take a flight to China.
Note that some countries may arrange chartered flights through various business chambers or government-related assistance. For instance, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Shanghai is considering the provision of chartered flights to returning expatriates from the U.S.
On the other hand, the whole process will take about five weeks until the company receives the PU letter. Moreover, Shanghai has opened more channels to apply for the PU letter. Since July 1, 2020, companies can also apply to the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce (SCOFCOM) for the PU letter.
Foreign families allowed for re-entry to Shanghai
The Shanghai government has recently confirmed the inclusion of family members for special re-entry. The company is also responsible for the application of a PU letter for the employee’s family members. Accordingly, the employee must be able to present a family relationship certificate such as a marriage or birth certificate. However, a Chinese translation of the certificate must be provided.
Foreign executives who wish to reunite with their families can take advantage of this new measure. They may request their companies to apply for them so long as the required proof of relationship can be provided.
Meanwhile, immediate family members may refer to parents, parents-in-law, spouses, and children under 18 years old.
New 7+7 quarantine protocol
Travelers arriving in Shanghai will now be able to serve quarantine at their homes. This is based on the new 7+7 measure implemented since July 27, 2020. Initially, overseas travelers approved by the Shanghai FAO must undergo a 14-day quarantine period in a designated center. With the new rule, they are now allowed to stay at their homes for the rest of the 7 days isolation period. The local government of Shanghai implemented a conditional “7 days centralized isolation quarantine + 7 days home quarantine” to ease travel restrictions. The home quarantine will be subject to approval depending on the living environment of the returnee. He or she may not be permitted to do self-quarantine if conditions (i.e. living alone) are not met.
The traveler shall take the COVID-19 test on the fifth day of the centralized isolation period. Afterward, he or she will continue the rest of the quarantine period at home if tested negative. District authorities will arrange a vehicle to help the traveler commute from the designated place to his or her residence. However, if the traveler’s final destination is in another province, the 14-day isolation period shall be completed at the designated venue. The provinces, however, do not include Jiangsu, Zhejiang, or Anhui province. Thus, the authorities will also transport the traveler to these provinces after 7 days if the results came out negative.
Travelers with the following conditions may also do home quarantine if their test results are negative:
- Elderly
- Pregnant women
- Physically challenged individuals or those with mobility restrictions
- Caregivers of the elderly, children or people suffering from an underlying illness
Key takeaways
Shanghai is so far the only city in China to allow the reunion of foreign families. However, it must be noted that the authorities may only give high importance to foreign executives and their families. Furthermore, the chances of being granted a PU letter depend on whether the foreign worker is in-charge of major and vital projects or engaged in ‘necessary activities’.
Contact us
If you want to know more about doing business in China, you may contact us via email or call our offices in different China locations. Our local experts will attend to your needs. Also, visit our corporate finance page to see more details of our business-related specialist services.
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