China to Close Borders to Foreign Nationals Effective 28 March 2020

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry of foreign nationals into the country effective 28 March 2020.   This includes entry into China for foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits at the time of this notice.  Foreign nationals seeking to visit China for a necessary economic, trade, scientific, or technological activity or out of an emergency may do so at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.  The complete order may be found here.

China is also implementing a reduction in international passenger flights effective 29 March 2020.  Each Chinese airline is only allowed to maintain one route to any specific country with no more than one flight per week.  Each foreign airline is only allowed to maintain one route to China with no more than one weekly flight.  All airlines will be limited to a 75% passenger load maximum.  More details may be found on China’s Civil Aviation Administration’s webpage.

Fisher Phillip’s International Practice Group will continue to monitor COVID-19 travel restrictions in China and throughout the globe.