/ By ASI Movers / China Immigration Update/ • • • • / 0 Comments

China Resumes Issuing All Visas: Everything You Need to Know

Announcements made on March 13th, 2023 by several Chinese Embassies point toward a pre-pandemic back to normal for international travels with China! They indeed announced that the country will resume issuing all types of visas starting March 15th, 2023. Let's break down all the announcements and what it means for future international travels.

What Changes?

We encourage you to consult your home country and country of origin's embassy before your departure.

To access the Customs Pocket Declaration miniprogram, scan the above QR codes or click here.

Easier Travels

In addition to these announcements, travels from and to China are to become increasingly easy:

  • Chinese as well as foreign airlines have been reopening and adding international routes, including daily international flights for certain destinations.
  • Many countries have dropped the special Covid-19 requirements they had put in place at the beginning of the year. Among them, we can note that the US, South Korea, and EU member countries do not require a 48h PCR test for passengers coming from China anymore.

Relocating Soon?

Since 2008, ASI Movers has been accompanying global individuals in their moving projects from, to, and within Asia.

ASI Movers is a China-born international moving company providing moving solutions for individuals, families, and businesses alike.

Since 2008, ASI Movers has been accompanying global individuals in their moving projects from, to, and within Asia.

ASI Movers is a China-born international moving company providing moving solutions for individuals, families, and businesses alike.

Sources:

/ By ASI Movers / China Immigration Update • Covid-19/ • • / 0 Comments

China reopens: all you need to know if you plan on traveling!

January 8th will mark the end of most travel restrictions for people arriving in China from abroad. These changes stem from authorities downgrading Covid-19 from a Class A (which, for instance, includes the bubonic plague and cholera) to a Class B infectious disease and imply that local governments are no longer empowered to impose lockdowns, isolation and quarantine or enlist law enforcement to aid with disease control.

Great news! But, in practice, what will it change for you if you plan on coming to or traveling from China?

ASI Movers prepared a summary of everything you need to know before your departure!

Going to China

To access the Customs Pocket Declaration miniprogram, scan the above QR codes or click here.

To read the minute of the Dec. 27th Foreign Ministry's press conference and the full set of announcements, read this article.

Traveling from China

Since Chinese authorities have announced that requests for ordinary passports issuance will again be accepted and examined, and in light of the end of the mandatory quarantine upon arrival, Chinese citizens and expatriates have been quick to look online for outbound flights, whether for a weekend escapade or the upcoming CNY holidays.

Destinations such as Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are among the most popular. The return of Chinese visitors will significantly impact many countries’ tourist sectors after three years of hiatus!

However, be sure to check the latest policy updates before booking your flight.
Indeed, some countries and regions have rapidly issued travel restrictions specifically targeting travelers coming from China. The below list summarizes those that have been announced prior to the publication of the present article. Note that the latter is likely to change rather quickly; we thus recommend you further check the relevant regulation before your departure.

ASI Movers team wishes you a happy new year 2023 and stress-free global mobility, ay you travel and relocate peacefully from, to and within Asia!

If you plan on relocating this year, check our latest relocation guide!

ASI Movers is a China-born international relocation company providing moving solutions to individuals, families and businesses alike.

Who are we? A multicultural team of relocation specialists strong of a decade-long expertise.

What do we do? We provide high-quality, tailor-made moving solutions and the know-how of a dedicated team to guarantee your peace of mind!

Our vision of relocation? Built-to-suit services and a customer-first mindset. Whether you plan to move a big volume or a lighter one, whether you prefer cost-effective solutions or the velocity of airfreight, we design the relocation project that best fits your needs!

How? Thanks to our tailor-made solutions, wide-array of value-added services, and worldwide network.

/ By ASI Movers / China Immigration Update • Covid-19 • Expat Lifestyle/ 0 Comments

Immigration Update: Coming back to China Without PU Letter

For several months, and due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 worldwide, the Chinese government suspended the entry into China of foreign nationals holding visas and resident permits. This measure included those holding a valid one at the time of the announcement in late March.

The First Easing of the Regulations: Obtaining a PU Letter

A relative easing in this measure was later announced. It stated that foreigners who are coming for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological reasons, or are needed for urgent humanitarian assistance could then come in the country.

This opening was still very narrow: those aiming at coming and meeting the requirements, had to apply for an Invitation Letter (also called PU letter) issued the China Foreign Affair Office. The latter would then judge whether or not the applicant were indeed needed in China. Those meeting the criteria usually were senior managers of medium and large companies or were involved in research of key projects.

New Announcement on August 10th 2020: Great News for those Holding a Valid Residence Permit and Who Are Nationals of the Listed Countries

On August 10th 2020 however, a very exciting news has been announced by the Chinese government for those outside the framework of the PU Letter issuance. The Chinese authorities have confirmed that holders of valid resident permits (work, private affairs or family reunion) and who are nationals of certain countries, are now able to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in these countries without a letter of invitation. This process is free of charges.

Those countries include Albania, Ireland, Estonia, Austria, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Belgium, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Montenegro, Czech Republic, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, United Kingdom.

It has not been stated yet if this measure will be followed by new ones, broadening the scope of those able to enter the country. In addition, no measures were announced regarding new work visas, and those interested in it still have to go through the PU Letter application process. Yet, it is again a very good news for all those who were awaiting for several months to come back and for the families separated by the closed borders.

It is also important to note that the process might still not be as smooth as it was before the pandemic. Many European citizens eager to come back have indeed noted that the airplane tickets are far more expensive than normally. The fares are nevertheless expected to gradually lower as they did the other way around (China to Europe).

ASI Movers wishes all those returning to China a smooth journey back. Our team is at your disposal to plan and assist you in your upcoming move.

For those who have left China without having the opportunity to repatriate their belongings yet, we also provide dedicated services to assist you in this process.