Current China Entry policy
#151
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
"Green Channel" chartered flights for "experts".
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/ea...el-for-flights
Fast Track procedures
https://www.mofa.go.kr
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/ea...el-for-flights
Fast Track procedures
https://www.mofa.go.kr
Last edited by anacapamalibu; May 27, 2020 at 7:09 am
#152
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 85
Do you (or anyone else) have a reliable link that describes these rules (for both Chinese and foreign carriers)? I ask because I searched for close-in Shanghai-US flights several times recently, and noticed there is usually a SHA-HND-DFW routing advertised on most days, at reasonable prices to boot. But, since I've never tried to book this, it might just be phantom availability.
As for SEL, there is definitely more than one weekly flight from China because I'm pretty each of the ~12 gateways has at least one flight.
Finally, both HKG and MFM seem to have multiple flights per day to PEK, SHA, NKG, etc. I thought maybe other regional destinations were subject to the same rules.
As for SEL, there is definitely more than one weekly flight from China because I'm pretty each of the ~12 gateways has at least one flight.
Finally, both HKG and MFM seem to have multiple flights per day to PEK, SHA, NKG, etc. I thought maybe other regional destinations were subject to the same rules.
There are most certainly not daily flights happening to any foreign country, besides cargo and some chartered flights with business professionals. HKG does not even allow transit through the country, so it's impossible there are daily flights happening. Maybe planned for July or after, but certainly not happening currently. Korean Air runs one shuttle flight from Shenyang to Incheon, China Southern has one flight to Incheon and LAX each week, but has cancelled them recently since it's near impossible for Chinese to fly or transit to Korea currently., China East has PVG > JFK once a week, Xiamen once a week to LAX from Xiamen. That's about it. Even worse, if you get one of those flights, finding a connecting flight, or trying to get a codeshare ticket is about impossible.
As for foreign carriers, almost all cancelled in April and May, Singapore Air returns next month once a week. Delta is begging for a daily flight, but still hasn't gotten approval despite flights beginning next Tuesday.
#153
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 85
Good news is the CAAC chief has been reported today as saying they may quadruple the number of international flights in June, but details still haven't been released on who has been awarded these flights. I would assume Delta would get their 60 flights they planned, and United would get some of theirs.
#154
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
Flying to China still a challenge as restrictions extended 5/26
Reduced flights have made it difficult for travelers to find tickets to China. A staffer at Juneyao Airlines said the carrier's international flights in April and May were all fully booked. Juneyao Airlines currently operates weekly flights from Shanghai to Finland, Japan and Singapore. All economy tickets for the June flights have already been booked, the person said.
Juneyao Airlines' website showed that the available tickets for flights from Helsinki to Shanghai are priced at more than 60,000 yuan ($8,440) for a single trip, compared with as little as 6,000 yuan a year ago. Tickets for flights to Changi and Osaka amount more than 20,000 yuan.
The CAAC Wednesday also required that airlines submit flight schedules for regulatory review two months in advance. For instance, airlines should seek approval for June and July plans in May and submit August plans by the end of June. The CAAC said any change in the flight policy will be announced in advance and the approval procedure will be modified accordingly.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Ca...tions-extended
Juneyao Airlines' website showed that the available tickets for flights from Helsinki to Shanghai are priced at more than 60,000 yuan ($8,440) for a single trip, compared with as little as 6,000 yuan a year ago. Tickets for flights to Changi and Osaka amount more than 20,000 yuan.
The CAAC Wednesday also required that airlines submit flight schedules for regulatory review two months in advance. For instance, airlines should seek approval for June and July plans in May and submit August plans by the end of June. The CAAC said any change in the flight policy will be announced in advance and the approval procedure will be modified accordingly.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Ca...tions-extended
#155
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,224
Do you (or anyone else) have a reliable link that describes these rules (for both Chinese and foreign carriers)? I ask because I searched for close-in Shanghai-US flights several times recently, and noticed there is usually a SHA-HND-DFW routing advertised on most days, at reasonable prices to boot. But, since I've never tried to book this, it might just be phantom availability.
As for SEL, there is definitely more than one weekly flight from China because I'm pretty each of the ~12 gateways has at least one flight.
Finally, both HKG and MFM seem to have multiple flights per day to PEK, SHA, NKG, etc. I thought maybe other regional destinations were subject to the same rules.
As for SEL, there is definitely more than one weekly flight from China because I'm pretty each of the ~12 gateways has at least one flight.
Finally, both HKG and MFM seem to have multiple flights per day to PEK, SHA, NKG, etc. I thought maybe other regional destinations were subject to the same rules.
There are no international flights from SHA now so the SHA TYO USA routing you’re seeing is phantom. The only PVG TYO USA flights with timings that allow connections would involve Spring so good luck getting any baggage to connect. I believe the connection timings are intentional.
MFM and HKG aren’t considered international for this policy which is why there are daily flights.
This policy is stranding hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens abroad but there seems to be little push to modify it.
CAAC is forcing their airlines to only offer flights they’re approved to offer but they can’t enforce this on foreign airlines hence the people giving UA and AC money for flights they are selling to and from China in June that have absolutely no chance of operating.
#156
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,331
Any one have updated information on visa requirement?
Back in March, it was reported that all existing visa and resident permits were voided. If the flights are coming back, how will visa be handled? New application or continue with existing visa?
I am based in Washington DC and the embassy is still closed and unable to get an answer.
Back in March, it was reported that all existing visa and resident permits were voided. If the flights are coming back, how will visa be handled? New application or continue with existing visa?
I am based in Washington DC and the embassy is still closed and unable to get an answer.
#157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,224
Any one have updated information on visa requirement?
Back in March, it was reported that all existing visa and resident permits were voided. If the flights are coming back, how will visa be handled? New application or continue with existing visa?
I am based in Washington DC and the embassy is still closed and unable to get an answer.
Back in March, it was reported that all existing visa and resident permits were voided. If the flights are coming back, how will visa be handled? New application or continue with existing visa?
I am based in Washington DC and the embassy is still closed and unable to get an answer.
If you want to enter China now you’d need a visa issued by an embassy or consulate abroad after March 29th. If you want to use your old visa you need to wait until they lift the restrictions and if it’s not expired, you can use it. FWIW I can’t see them lifting these restrictions for US and EU passports until next year.
Last edited by travelinmanS; May 27, 2020 at 10:54 pm
#158
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
There are no international flights from SHA now so the SHA TYO USA routing you’re seeing is phantom. The only PVG TYO USA flights with timings that allow connections would involve Spring so good luck getting any baggage to connect. I believe the connection timings are intentional.
#159
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
Dress the part
Smart traveler..gloves..goggles
..mask..shield ...gown.
If you want to travel to China dress appropriately.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/china-lo...es-11590688856
..mask..shield ...gown.
If you want to travel to China dress appropriately.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/china-lo...es-11590688856
#160
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
The current rule is one flight, per airline, per country, per week. With the stipulation that the route had to have been flown by the airline on March 12th. The last stipulation basically makes it only CAAC airlines and a few of the Asian airlines that were still flying to China then.
There are no international flights from SHA now so the SHA TYO USA routing you’re seeing is phantom. The only PVG TYO USA flights with timings that allow connections would involve Spring so good luck getting any baggage to connect. I believe the connection timings are intentional.
MFM and HKG aren’t considered international for this policy which is why there are daily flights.
This policy is stranding hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens abroad but there seems to be little push to modify it.
CAAC is forcing their airlines to only offer flights they’re approved to offer but they can’t enforce this on foreign airlines hence the people giving UA and AC money for flights they are selling to and from China in June that have absolutely no chance of operating.
There are no international flights from SHA now so the SHA TYO USA routing you’re seeing is phantom. The only PVG TYO USA flights with timings that allow connections would involve Spring so good luck getting any baggage to connect. I believe the connection timings are intentional.
MFM and HKG aren’t considered international for this policy which is why there are daily flights.
This policy is stranding hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens abroad but there seems to be little push to modify it.
CAAC is forcing their airlines to only offer flights they’re approved to offer but they can’t enforce this on foreign airlines hence the people giving UA and AC money for flights they are selling to and from China in June that have absolutely no chance of operating.
#161
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,209
Has any foreigner on here successfully entered China from Hong Kong since the borders closed to foreign residents late March?
This would involve getting a new business visa from the Chinese visa office in HK with a letter of invitation from your host company (or employer), a second letter of invitation from the Guangdong/Shenzhen Foreign Affairs office, and a Covid test.
Anyone here successfully done it yet?
This would involve getting a new business visa from the Chinese visa office in HK with a letter of invitation from your host company (or employer), a second letter of invitation from the Guangdong/Shenzhen Foreign Affairs office, and a Covid test.
Anyone here successfully done it yet?
#162
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
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Posts: 13,811
#163
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 23
14 day quarantine is the least of my concerns after having been stuck in Hong Kong the last 3 months. If my university offered the opportunity I would jump at it. I've already quarantined a month in Shenzhen then 2 weeks in Hong Kong. 2 more weeks to get to go home and see my girlfriend again after 4 months? Sign me up. Much better than waiting here for another month, or 3, or 6.
#164
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,209
14 day quarantine is the least of my concerns after having been stuck in Hong Kong the last 3 months. If my university offered the opportunity I would jump at it. I've already quarantined a month in Shenzhen then 2 weeks in Hong Kong. 2 more weeks to get to go home and see my girlfriend again after 4 months? Sign me up. Much better than waiting here for another month, or 3, or 6.
I returned to HK on Cathay expecting to cross straight away into Shenzhen but arrived in HK on the Friday that they imposed the mandatory 14 days quarantine for all arrivals (and before they banned all non-resident arrivals so at least that was something). By the time I was out of HK's quarantine, China had closed its borders to foreign residents. So here I am.
Hence my question if any foreign resident has gone from HK to SZ during this period and how they got the invitation letter from the Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office to do so.
#165
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
There's a report somewhere in SCMP today that talks are progressing on a HK-Guangzhou "bubble" that may go into effect "in a few weeks." That'd permit travel between the two areas without quarantine.
But it's useless for many unless the Mainland also permits entry from HK to foreigners with "old" visas. Note that quite a few HK people who could qualify for HRPs also prefer to travel to the Mainland on their passports, if they have a foreign nationality.
EDIT: That report I saw was on RTHK, not SCMP.
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/compone...3-20200609.htm
But it's useless for many unless the Mainland also permits entry from HK to foreigners with "old" visas. Note that quite a few HK people who could qualify for HRPs also prefer to travel to the Mainland on their passports, if they have a foreign nationality.
EDIT: That report I saw was on RTHK, not SCMP.
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/compone...3-20200609.htm
Last edited by 889; Jun 9, 2020 at 6:19 am