Current China Entry policy
Aug 7, 2022 | 10:33 pm
#2086
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,334
I didn't know this. My (seemingly unfounded) assumption was that the boys up north were really trying to help the trapped tourists. I suppose the situation isn't so bad for people staying in villas with private pools.
Aug 8, 2022 | 1:29 am
#2087
Join Date: Aug 2021
Programs: UA 1MM
Posts: 407
Now that Hong Kong quarantine is only 3 days, does anyone think it's easier to go to Hong Kong, go through the 3 day quarantine, get a visa for the mainland in Hong Kong, and then fly from Hong Kong to the mainland?
As far as I know, any one can apply for a mainland visa in Hong Kong at the Chinese Foreign Ministry Commissioner's Office -- you don't need Hong Kong residence -- and they recently updated their guidelines to allow Q and S visas to be processed.
Notice on the Adjustment of Requirements for Chinese Visa Application During COVID-19 Pandemic
As far as I know, any one can apply for a mainland visa in Hong Kong at the Chinese Foreign Ministry Commissioner's Office -- you don't need Hong Kong residence -- and they recently updated their guidelines to allow Q and S visas to be processed.
3. The scope of applicants eligible for applying for a visa out of humanitarian needs will be expanded as appropriate. In addition to visiting an immediate family member in China who is in critical medical condition and in need of care, or arrange funeral matters of an immediate family member in China, foreign family members (including spouses, parents, spouse's parents, children and their spouses, brothers and sisters, grandparents, and grandchildren) of Chinese citizens or foreign nationals with permanent residence status in the Mainland of China can apply for visas for reunion or family visit. The above applicants should submit routine documents, and the full-process vaccination certificates of the vaccine licensed or approved for emergency use by China or WHO shall be provided.
Aug 8, 2022 | 1:41 am
#2088
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In the case of my compound, we always know who the positives are.
1. Their specific buildings get sealed
2. They are mentioned in our WeChat groups. I wouldn't call these "official", but the community leader (who works for the government) is a member
Social pressure in the Confucian sense (e.g. focus on the community) is a major part of the equation. This is why public shaming comes into play.
We haven't had any positives since the end of the big lockdown in my compound. Other places have, but the new lockdowns have been quite short in cases that I'm aware of.
That having been said, the current Sanya situation doesn't seem pleasant, based on what I've read thus far. Most of the 80,000 people locked down there don't live in Sanya, so they are stuck in hotel rooms. Apparently, their room rates were slashed by 50% per government order.
1. Their specific buildings get sealed
2. They are mentioned in our WeChat groups. I wouldn't call these "official", but the community leader (who works for the government) is a member
Social pressure in the Confucian sense (e.g. focus on the community) is a major part of the equation. This is why public shaming comes into play.
We haven't had any positives since the end of the big lockdown in my compound. Other places have, but the new lockdowns have been quite short in cases that I'm aware of.
That having been said, the current Sanya situation doesn't seem pleasant, based on what I've read thus far. Most of the 80,000 people locked down there don't live in Sanya, so they are stuck in hotel rooms. Apparently, their room rates were slashed by 50% per government order.
Aug 8, 2022 | 2:04 am
#2089
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 22,115
Aug 8, 2022 | 4:23 am
#2090
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,334
Now that Hong Kong quarantine is only 3 days, does anyone think it's easier to go to Hong Kong, go through the 3 day quarantine, get a visa for the mainland in Hong Kong, and then fly from Hong Kong to the mainland?
As far as I know, any one can apply for a mainland visa in Hong Kong at the Chinese Foreign Ministry Commissioner's Office -- you don't need Hong Kong residence -- and they recently updated their guidelines to allow Q and S visas to be processed.
Notice on the Adjustment of Requirements for Chinese Visa Application During COVID-19 Pandemic
As far as I know, any one can apply for a mainland visa in Hong Kong at the Chinese Foreign Ministry Commissioner's Office -- you don't need Hong Kong residence -- and they recently updated their guidelines to allow Q and S visas to be processed.
Notice on the Adjustment of Requirements for Chinese Visa Application During COVID-19 Pandemic
Aug 8, 2022 | 4:39 am
#2091
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,250
Now that Hong Kong quarantine is only 3 days, does anyone think it's easier to go to Hong Kong, go through the 3 day quarantine, get a visa for the mainland in Hong Kong, and then fly from Hong Kong to the mainland?
As far as I know, any one can apply for a mainland visa in Hong Kong at the Chinese Foreign Ministry Commissioner's Office -- you don't need Hong Kong residence -- and they recently updated their guidelines to allow Q and S visas to be processed.
Notice on the Adjustment of Requirements for Chinese Visa Application During COVID-19 Pandemic
As far as I know, any one can apply for a mainland visa in Hong Kong at the Chinese Foreign Ministry Commissioner's Office -- you don't need Hong Kong residence -- and they recently updated their guidelines to allow Q and S visas to be processed.
Notice on the Adjustment of Requirements for Chinese Visa Application During COVID-19 Pandemic
Getting from HK to the mainland is pretty much impossible now, its really like winning the lotto to get a border crossing slot or getting a flight into the mainland.
Basically China doesnt want anyone to come but if you insist they will make it as painful on you and your wallet as possible. Once youre inside you also are under constant surveillance and under threat of lockdown of undetermined time.
Id advise anyone to avoid this place now unless its for family or a life changing amount of money.
Aug 8, 2022 | 5:03 am
#2092
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Join Date: Mar 2010
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No to what?
Have you been to HK at all since the start of the pandemic?
Its still 7 days you need to stay in HK and all at a hotel if youre a visitor without a place in HK. So there really isnt much change other than being able to get fresh air for the final 4 days.
Getting from HK to the mainland is pretty much impossible now, its really like winning the lotto to get a border crossing slot or getting a flight into the mainland.
Basically China doesnt want anyone to come but if you insist they will make it as painful on you and your wallet as possible. Once youre inside you also are under constant surveillance and under threat of lockdown of undetermined time.
Id advise anyone to avoid this place now unless its for family or a life changing amount of money.
Getting from HK to the mainland is pretty much impossible now, its really like winning the lotto to get a border crossing slot or getting a flight into the mainland.
Basically China doesnt want anyone to come but if you insist they will make it as painful on you and your wallet as possible. Once youre inside you also are under constant surveillance and under threat of lockdown of undetermined time.
Id advise anyone to avoid this place now unless its for family or a life changing amount of money.
Aug 8, 2022 | 7:06 am
#2094
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,334
You didn't ask me, but I went there in March 2020. There was no Q in HK yet and Shanghai (upon return) was using an honors system home quarantine. Now, things are different of course. Many of us have business in HK, and used to go there for 2-3 days at a time. At present, the 2-3 day trips would require a minimum of 16 days and cost at least $4000 (probably $5k+ tbh). And, the return flight would probably go to somewhere like Xiamen because Shanghai flights are impossible to book even if they exist. The short of it is that we communicate with HK clients and potential clients electronically.
Aug 8, 2022 | 5:59 pm
#2095
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Lisbon
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Platinum, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,520
I was in HK from March - August 2020, then Shenzhen from August - March 2021, and HK again from March - December 2021 at which point I left, never to return. What do you want to know?
Last edited by ftrichard; Aug 8, 2022 at 10:08 pm
Aug 8, 2022 | 9:09 pm
#2096
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: HKG
Posts: 1,397
The extra 4 (or to be precise, 7) days are labelled as self-monitoring so technically it's not quarantine.
Under the previous regime of 7+7 (also seven days self-monitoring), you certainly were allowed to leave HK during the self-monitoring period. So unless there is explicit wording banning this under the new scheme, then I would assume that you are free to leave HK during the +4/+7 period.
Aug 8, 2022 | 9:37 pm
#2097
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
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Posts: 7,864
Aug 9, 2022 | 1:17 am
#2098
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Are you sure about this? You are allowed to go anywhere in HK other than high-risk venues. Unless they explicitly state that you are not allowed to leave HK then you are.
The extra 4 (or to be precise, 7) days are labelled as self-monitoring so technically it's not quarantine.
The extra 4 (or to be precise, 7) days are labelled as self-monitoring so technically it's not quarantine.
I think travelinmanS is right. If one is a tourist or does not have a residence or a friend/relative to stay with in HK, the last four-day is still a hotel stay. The only difference is the ability leave the hotel room visiting venues and places that are allowed.
Aug 9, 2022 | 1:22 am
#2099
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Aug 9, 2022 | 2:17 am
#2100
Join Date: Aug 2021
Programs: UA 1MM
Posts: 407
I beleive travelinmanS only made comparsion between 7 verus 3+4 from the perspective of a visitor. He did not say anyting about leaving HK.
I think travelinmanS is right. If one is a tourist or does not have a residence or a friend/relative to stay with in HK, the last four-day is still a hotel stay. The only difference is the ability leave the hotel room visiting venues and places that are allowed.
I think travelinmanS is right. If one is a tourist or does not have a residence or a friend/relative to stay with in HK, the last four-day is still a hotel stay. The only difference is the ability leave the hotel room visiting venues and places that are allowed.