EU Travelers Have Advantage of Loosened Travel Restrictions in China

BEIJING, KOMPAS.com – Travel restrictions in China have loosened for EU travellers from 36 European countries.

The decision comes months after thousands were left stranded as the country closed its borders and reduced flights to stem the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

In March, the Chinese government imposed strict lockdown measures which essentially barred all foreign nationals from entering the country.

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Those with work or residence permits or family living in China were also forbidden from entering Chinese territory.

Part of the loosening of travel restrictions in China encompasses the relaxation of bureaucratic requirements for EU travellers seeking re-entry into the country.

The new rules will allow European passport holders from 36 countries — including France, Germany and the UK — with a valid residence permit to apply for a Chinese visa without an invitation letter, according to a notice by the Chinese embassy in Berlin published Wednesday.

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Everyone returning to China has to reapply for their visa, since travel documents issued before the pandemic have been nullified.

Previously, China had allowed only a small number of skilled foreign workers to return with special official invitation letters — a process which proved slow.