FAQ
What do PU and TE stand for?
PU = 普通邀请函 (standard invitation letter) PU is the pinyin from the first character PU in putong (standard)
TE = 特殊邀请函 (special invitation letter) TE is the pinyin from the first character TE in teshu (special) [Allegedly, but seems most likely!]
Can I get a new visa issued without an PU or TE invitation letter?
Yes, as of 28th September 2020. Note: A PU letter will still be required for those changing jobs, those newly employed, or those who's residence permit expired prior to March 28th 2020.
Who can Enter China currently?
1) Chinese Passport Holders 2) China PR Card Holders 3) Taiwan/HK/Macau Citizens who also have a Mainland travel card: 回乡证 or 台胞证 (Only citizens of these 3 places can obtain this card) 4) Diplomat Passport holders 5) Foreigners who have obtained a visa.
Can my spouse/family travel with me back to China if I’m approved?
Yes.
Are my existing visas / permits now invalid?
They are still valid (assuming they are not expired). Border restrictions will be relaxed as of 28th September 2020, and existing visa's can be used for entry.
The announcement states I can apply for a new visa. Can I get a new tourist/business visa?
If you have an existing work permit or residence permit, you can apply. Other applications will still require a PU invite (TBC 28th Sep). New tourist applications are not being processed.
What is the humanitarian visa exemption?
This is mainly for sick close relatives - eg parents or other close family. One report from an individual who was trying to return to China as their father was in the hospital. Feedback they received was that it had to life threatening emergency and a letter from the hospital had to be provided. This is usually a Q visa (停留 – short stop). Humanitarian Visas may not be used for long term stay and are unlikely to be switched to another visa. Q visas usually only have a stay term of 30 days.
Is my existing residence permit now cancelled or invalid when a new (M or F) visa is issued?
The new visa (single entry) purpose is to allow you to get back into China. Existing residence permits are not cancelled. You will need to visit the local PSB once back in China to arrange a conversion back to a work permit if necessary.
Who qualifies for a PU Invitation letter?
China is currently focusing on work resumption, so the following two points are most valued by the government in regards to issuing the invitation letter:
Records on taxes paying in the previous years
Whether the person can be justified by their employer ‘essential’ Some schools have been successful in attaining PU invite letters for staff. Currently this seem so to be for Beijing and Shanghai. I haven't seen many reports for other provinces yet.
Can teachers get back into China?
Yes.
Can international students get back into China?
Not yet.
I’m able to book a flight back to China, can I return?
Only if you have a valid visa issued, or are a HK/Taiwan/Macau citizen with a 回乡证 or 台胞证, or are mainland Chinese with a Chinese passport.
Can I transit in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Korea?
If your flight is bound for China, you may not transit in HK and Taiwan. If your flight is not a repatriation flight arranged by your government to return home, you may not transit in Singapore. You cannot transit via Tokyo Haneda. You may transit ONLY in Tokyo Narita, Osaka Kansai, or Seoul Incheon if they are same day transit flights. Link to different country’s entry restrictions: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm
Can I enter Hong Kong and wait there?
Only 2 types of people can enter Hong Kong 1) Residents of Hong Kong (and their immediate family members – spouse, parents, dependents) 2) If you have been in China/Macau/Taiwan for the past 14 days AND your passport allows visa-free stay in Hong Kong for at least 14 days to complete quarantine.
You must quarantine 14 days in Hong Kong if you can enter.
What Airlines are flying to China right now? How do I get a ticket?
Current known approved flights:
Given the latest rules regarding transit (Oct 31) , the ONLY valid flights will be direct flights, so this pretty much means Air China out of JHB is the only choice.
Do I need to prepare any forms, Health codes, or Covid test reports before boarding my flight to China?
Yes. See the Health Declaration Form page, and Health Code Pre-Registration Pages for details.
The airline and port authority (city of origin where you are boarding the flight as well as transiting) may have specific requirements which apply.
Do I need to book a hotel before returning to Shanghai?
No, a hotel will be assigned to you from your district desk. See the How do I get back to China Quarantine section for further details.
What do I need to do after landing at the airport in Shanghai?
There are a lot of QR codes to scan and forms to fill out. Make sure you have a working China number and working mobile data to do so. See the How do I get back to China Quarantine section for further details.
Does everyone get a COVID test at the airport? How? How much is it?
There are 3 types of test at Shanghai Pudong airport, mandatory and FREE to everyone: 1) Nose swab 2) Throat swab 3) Blood test (via vein or finger prick)
Do children and infants also need to be tested for COVID at the airport?
Yes, there are no exceptions. Everyone must get tested at the airport on arrival in China.
What happens if I or my child gets tested positive for COVID?
You will be sent to a fever clinic immediately to do further testing, which may include blood tests or x-ray scans. You will stay there for several days (most commonly 3 days), if you are continuously tested negative for those 3 days then you go to hotel quarantine. If you are tested positive still, then you get admitted to a COVID specific treatment hospital.
What happens if my child has to be admitted to hospital for treatment after being tested positive?
In Shanghai, adult and children treatment hospitals are separate. Children, no matter the age, will be separated from their parent for independent treatment at Fudan hospital. They will receive excellent care and will be attended to 24hrs, however visitations are strictly not allowed under any circumstances. You will only be able to collect your child once they are fully recovered, tested negative, and discharged from the hospital.
I’m nervous about me or my child testing positive, what can I do to prevent that?
You can voluntarily self-quarantine 14 days prior to your departure flight to China. You can also do a COVID test a few days prior to your departure flight to China. Wear protective gear (masks, hazmat suits if you can get your hands on one, goggles), try as much to not use the toilets in flight or eat anything in flight.
Do I have to quarantine?
Everyone arriving from overseas must quarantine, regardless of flight origin or nationality.
Can I choose the hotel for quarantine?
No, the hotel is assigned to you by airport staff at your relevant district desk.
Can my driver or a Didi pick us up from the airport for home or hotel quarantine?
No.
Will my family all be in the same room for hotel quarantine?
Adults cannot share a room. Even if married. Parents with Children: If a child is under 16 years old, then they can stay in the same room as 1 parent
I don’t have a house in Shanghai, and I’m bringing 3 young kids. Can we have a family suite or connecting rooms for hotel quarantine?
You may request, but this is not guaranteed. Right now quarantine hotel rooms are very full and suites/connecting rooms are very rare to come across. You may ask your embassy for assistance.
Will I have to do another COVID test before finishing my quarantine?
Yes, near the end of your quarantine, it is mandatory for everyone to do a final test. The cost is 120rmb per person, and they issue a report for your test results.
Does the quarantine hotel allow food delivery, package delivery?
Some do. See the hotel list for further details.
Does the quarantine hotels have Air conditioning?
Some do. See the hotel list for further details.
What is a health code and how do I get it?
A health code is required on the last day of quarantine in China before discharge. Going to establishments such as hospitals, banks, hotels, gyms and some restaurants will require for it. It is on your phone within the WeChat or Alipay app called 健康码 or Health Code in English. If your wechat pay or Alipay is not verified with a bank card, you may use the Cloud Health App 健康云 instead to obtain the health code. You will need a working Chinese mobile number to register. See the Health Code Pre-Registration Page for further details.
*If your final destination is Beijing, you must obtain the Beijing specific health code.
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