International Students Entering China: What's The Policy?

As of 2023, China has allowed some international students to enter the country. However, eligibility for visas for travel to China remains restricted. Students from South Korea, New York University Shanghai, Tianjin Juilliard, some Schwarzman Scholarship students, and 30 Nicaraguan scholarship holders are among those who have been permitted to enter. In addition, degree students with a schooling system of more than 2 years can enter, but they must undergo a 5-day centralized quarantine + 3-day home quarantine, as well as on-campus quarantine. Students must also be vaccinated with a vaccine recognized by China or the World Health Organization and submit a negative PCR test within 48 hours before departure.

Quarantine requirements for international students entering China

As of the 8th of January 2023, China removed the requirement for quarantine for inbound passengers, including international students. However, there are still several requirements that international students must follow when entering China.

Firstly, international students entering China must be vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by China or the World Health Organization. A vaccine passport is a required document for obtaining a visa and boarding flights to China. If possible, it is recommended that students receive a booster shot close to their departure date.

Secondly, international students must provide a negative nucleic acid test taken within 48 hours before departure and wear protective masks onboard flights. They must submit their negative PCR test result by filling in the Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website, the China Customs App, or a WeChat account. Anyone reporting a positive test result will not be permitted to board a flight to China.

Thirdly, international students entering China with an X1 visa must undergo a health check or physical examination. This can be done either in China or in the student's home country before departure. If the medical examination is conducted prior to arrival in China, students must submit the original Physical Examination Record of Foreigners in Chinese or English during student registration and then proceed to the local Health Centre of the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau for review. If the submitted document does not meet the specifications or requirements, or if no medical examination was conducted before entering China, students must retake the health check at the Health Centre. After this, the centre will issue the Certificate on Verification of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, which is necessary for obtaining a residence permit.

Finally, international students with an X1 visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering China. This can be done by submitting the required documents, including the Certificate on Verification of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau of the student's place of residence. Additionally, students should be prepared to present their original passport when handling their application for the residence permit, as well as for other procedures such as applying for bank cards and mobile phone/internet access.

Vaccination requirements for international students

As of January 8, 2023, China's border is partially open to international students. However, there are specific vaccination requirements that must be met for entry.

International students must be vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by either China or the World Health Organization (WHO) to enter China. It is strongly recommended that students receive a booster shot close to their departure date. A vaccine passport is a required document for visas and flights. In addition to proof of vaccination, a negative nucleic acid test within 48 hours before departure must be presented, and protective masks must be worn onboard flights. Anyone reporting a positive test result will not be permitted to board a flight to China.

China's COVID-19 entry requirements have evolved over time, and eligibility for visas remains restricted. International students are encouraged to stay updated on the latest requirements and stay in contact with their embassy and university for more information.

Vaccine passports, or official proof of vaccination, are not new and have been commonly required for travel and school attendance to prevent the spread of easily transmissible illnesses. Schools around the world require proof of vaccination for diseases like polio, measles, and mumps, and some countries, including the United States, have started to include COVID-19 in this list.

International students often face challenges accessing resources and information about vaccine options and eligibility. It is essential for universities to provide clear and updated information on their websites and social media channels to support these students through the vaccination process and make them feel welcome and optimistic about their arrival.

International students from South Korea and Russia allowed to enter China

As of 8 January 2023, China has changed its COVID-19 entry requirements for all travellers, including international students. While the Chinese border is only partially open, students from South Korea and Russia are allowed to enter China if they meet the requirements.

For South Korean students, a visa is required for stays longer than 90 days, for any purpose other than tourism or business. For Russian students, a tourist visa is required for entry into China for tourism purposes. This visa does not permit employment or other business activities.

To enter China, all travellers must provide a negative PCR test result by filling in the Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website, or through the China Customs App or WeChat account. Additionally, a negative nucleic acid test taken within 48 hours before departure must be presented, and protective masks must be worn onboard flights. A vaccine passport is also a required document for visas and flights, and the vaccines must be recognised by either China or the World Health Organization.

It is important to note that eligibility for visas for travel to China remains restricted. Students are advised to register for updates or contact their embassy and university for more information.

International students must apply for a visa to enter China

International students are indeed allowed to enter China, but they must apply for a visa to do so. The type of visa you need will depend on the length of your studies. If you plan to study in China for less than 6 months, you will need an F visa. For longer stays, you will need an X visa. The X visa can be further divided into two types: X1 for long-term study (over 180 days) and X2 for short-term study (180 days or less). Both the X1 and X2 visas are valid for 90 days from the date of issue, while the stay duration for the X1 visa is usually 000, to be determined after the applicant enters China, and the X2 visa is valid for no more than 180 days.

To apply for a student visa for China, you will need to submit a completed China visa application form, your original passport with at least six months of validity and one blank page, and proof of legal status in the country from which you are applying for the visa (such as a resident permit). If you are over 18 and plan to study in China for more than 180 days, you will also need to provide a valid physical examination record. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of English language proficiency, as most universities in China offer courses taught in English.

It is recommended that you apply for your Chinese student visa around one month before your intended date of arrival, and no earlier than 3 months before. The processing time for a visa can be as little as one week, but it is best to start the application process as soon as possible to avoid any delays or problems. You may submit your application in person at a Chinese embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Centre (CVASC). Mailed applications are usually refused.

Please note that as of January 8th, 2023, all travellers entering China, including international students, must provide a negative nucleic acid test within 48 hours before departure and wear protective masks onboard flights. A negative PCR test result must be submitted by filling in the Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website, app, or WeChat account. Additionally, a vaccine passport is a required document for visas and flights, and the vaccines must be recognized by either China or the World Health Organization.

International students enrolled at Duke Kunshan University allowed to return to China

China's border has been closed to most foreigners since March 2020, with special exemptions granted for work or family reasons, as part of its zero-tolerance strategy for COVID-19. This has left many of the country's international students stranded overseas and unable to attend classes in person.

However, in 2022, over 100 international students enrolled at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) were allowed to return to China and resume their studies. These students had remained in their home countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an email, the associate vice chancellor for undergraduate studies at DKU, Marcia France, informed students that they had been formally authorized to return to China. Authorized students had until June 10 to decide whether they wanted to accept the offer to return to China. If they decided to return, they would have to cancel existing plans to study abroad in Durham or Barcelona for the fall. However, the university stated that it would not ask any student to withdraw from any study programs in Durham or Barcelona.

Duke Kunshan University is a renowned university located in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China. The university was established by Duke University in the United States and Wuhan University in China and received official approval from the Chinese Ministry of Education in 2013.

To enter China, students must travel on a direct flight from their home country and self-isolate upon arrival, including two weeks of centralized quarantine and 11 days in Kunshan or Suzhou. Additionally, they must have a negative nucleic acid test within 48 hours before departure and wear protective masks onboard flights. A negative PCR test result must be submitted through the China Customs website, the China Customs App, or a WeChat account. Anyone reporting a positive test result will not be permitted to board a flight to China.

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