China will resume issuing passports and visas from January 8th, 2023

On 27 December 2022, the National Immigration Administration of China announced that from 8 January 2023, it would start optimizing immigration administration policies and measures, following the relaxation of COVID-19 response measures in the country.

From that date on, China’s National Immigration Administration will start receiving and approving applications for ordinary passports from Chinese citizens who want to travel abroad to visit friends or for tourism purposes. 

Moreover, it will resume processing of endorsements for Chinese mainland residents who want to visit the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for tourism and business purposes. 

Exit-and-entry permits of the People’s Republic of China and exit-and-entry permits for border control areas will also be issued again, as well as temporary entry permits and port visas.

Furthermore, the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy will be implemented. This policy allows foreigners from 53 countries to enter Chinese territory from specific ports and stay in certain areas without a Chinese visa for up to 144 hours. 

But also, from 8 January 2023, foreign people will be able to use all services related to the application for ordinary visas, stay permits, and residence permits. They will even be able to apply for expedited procedures in case of urgent need of traveling to China. 

In the notice, the National Immigration Administration of China also announced a gradual restoration of services related to passenger clearance through land ports and channels, and the exit and entry of passengers and border residents through land ports and corridors for border residents.

The National Immigration Administration will also restore the services of passenger clearance at water ports and the exit and entry of international cruise passengers at selected ports in an organized manner. 

In the meantime, fast channels at ports near the special administrative regions of Macau and Hong Kong will become operative again. 

The National Immigration Administration has announced other measures that intend to facilitate movement of travelers and goods in Chinese territory.

• Green passages for cargo flights
• Fast channels at land ports
• Border inspection stations for supply vehicles
• Online platforms for immigration checks at water ports