China eases visa rules for foreigners who get Sinopharm jabs

Non-resident workers (TNRs) can apply for a visa to enter mainland China on the condition that they are vaccinated with the Sinopharm inactivated virus vaccine, according to Rádio Macau,
The implication is that those who have been inoculated with the mRNA vaccine will not be able to apply.
Reports claim that the easing of visa entry requirements would be announced this week.
The TNRs’ inoculation status will be revealed on their Macau Health Code following the platform’s latest update.
As cited in a Bloomberg report, visa application requirements for foreigners seeking to enter the mainland from Hong Kong will be eased if they have been inoculated with Sinopharm vaccines.
The new rule will take effect today to resume “people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries in an orderly manner,” according to a government announcement Friday.
Foreigners visiting the mainland for work will face less paperwork in visa applications if they are able to show they have received vaccines produced in China. With the vaccine certificates, these travelers will also be able to skip the requirement for a Covid-19 test or fill out a travel declaration form.
The change comes as China has been promoting its home-grown shots globally amid competition from western vaccines. It recently entered a deal with the International Olympic Committee to provide shots made in China for athletes attending the Tokyo Olympics in July and Winter Olympics in Beijing next year.
Visa applicants will experience a similar application process and requirements which were in place prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
For example, an applicant may apply for work, business or visitation visas, in order to enter mainland China to commence or resume work and production; or apply for a visa for reunion, foster care, or visiting relatives. In some cases, applicants’ family members may also apply at the same time.
Meanwhile, APEC Travel Card bearers can apply for the M visa free of charge provided that they possess an invitation from a mainland entity.
Information on application procedures and documents required can be obtained from the office’s website. AL/ LV

Resumption of Chinese visa for foreign local residents

Following suspension of visas for about a year, Macau residents without Chinese nationality will be able to apply for Chinese visas from today, the Portuguese public broadcaster, Rádio Macau, reported.
The public broadcaster cited a press release by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the SAR.
As quoted, the office stated that visa applications from all Macau residents of non-Chinese nationality, including permanent and non-permanent residents, may be submitted. Unlike the F visa issuance of a couple of weeks ago, applications can now be made for all types of Chinese visa.
Vaccination will not be required for foreign residents who wish to apply for Chinese visas if they have stayed in the SAR for two consecutive months prior to the application date.
Local foreign residents’ applications will be reviewed if they present their Macau ID – either permanent or non-permanent.
The People’s Republic of China has about a dozen types of visa applications. For example, the L visa is issued to tourists. The M visa is issued to applicants for commercial and trade purposes. While applying for the visa, applicants should disclose their travel purpose and opt for the most suitable type of visa. AL