Per a message posted on the website for China’s Embassy in the United States this week, the country is once again issuing all categories of visas to foreigners from March 15. This follows nearly three years of the country being closed to many foreign visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement notes that any traveler with a multi-year visa that was issued prior to the border closure is still allowed to enter China using that visa so long as it has not yet expired. 

Visa-free entry for cruise ships visiting Shanghai and entry to Hainan will resume, as well as visa-free entry for foreigners going from Hong Kong and Macao to Guangdong province. 

It should be noted that any foreign traveler planning to visit China will still be required to submit to a COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to their departure, and they will need to fill out all necessary health declaration forms with their test results.

This comes as welcome news to those with business dealings in China, tourists, and families who have been separated since 2020. It will also likely provide a large boost to the Chinese economy. In the year prior to the pandemic, nearly 100 million foreign visitors made the trip to China. In 2021, that number dropped to less than five million. By once again issuing visas, it is expected that the number of visitors traveling to China will slowly begin to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Travel Insurance for China

Though it isn’t typically required that you have travel medical insurance as a mandate to enter China, it is something that you should strongly consider. Just as when you are at home, you cannot predict when you might become sick or get injured. The difference is, when you are taking a trip abroad, you will not be able to depend on your domestic health insurance to help pay the bill if you need treatment. Instead of risking your health and your bank account, be a prepared traveler and get travel medical insurance prior to your trip.

Those primarily concerned with coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, and lost baggage should look into China travel insurance. If your trip suffers an unplanned setback, your travel insurance plan can reduce the financial impact of a canceled, interrupted or delayed trip; or if your bags go missing. In addition, most travel insurance plans can offer coverage for emergency medical care. 

While many people are undoubtedly excited to travel to China once again after many years, it is important to plan for the unexpected. Get the right insurance prior to your trip, so you can enjoy your time abroad with less worry.