IMPACT – HIGH

The Chinese Embassy and consulates in South Korea have begun issuing visas to South Korean citizens to allow them to work or study in China.

Key Points:

  • Visa applicants are required to complete the visa application form online here. They will need to print and sign both the confirmation page and application form.
  • Applicants holding a valid residence permit issued by the Ministry of Public Security may obtain a visa that corresponds to their purpose of visit free-of-charge. For example, an applicant with a valid reunion residence permit may apply for a Q family visit visa. An applicant with a valid work residence permit may apply for a Z work visa.
  • Students studying in China without a valid residence permit will need to submit the “Visa Application Form for Foreign Students to China” (JW201 or JW202 Form) issued by the Ministry of Education, together with their school admission notice.
  • Employees who do not possess a valid residence permit will need to provide their work permit notification letter instead.
  • All applicants also need to submit a signed health statement when submitting their visa applications, and complete a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within five days prior to their flight to China.

Background: China suspended entry for most foreign nationals in recent months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move to issue visas to South Korean citizens represents a slight easing of China’s restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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