China has just reopened its borders after a three-year closure as it grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Issuing of visas has resumed for foreigners in all categories as of Wednesday, and China’s Foreign Ministry says that visas issued before March 28, 2020 will still be accepted if they have not expired.

The Ministry also says visa-free entry to areas of China that did not require a visa prior to the pandemic has resumed, including the island of Hainan and cruise ships passing through Shanghai.

China is one of the last major countries to lift travel restrictions.

“It is a great encouragement for foreigners to return to China,” said Ren Yuanzhe, a professor in foreign affairs management at China Foreign Affairs University.

Chinese authorities announced last month that they had achieved a “major and decisive victory” against COVID-19.

Those travelling to Hong Kong and Macau will no longer need a visa, with visa-free entry being reinstated for those countries.

China lifted the quarantine on international arrivals in January, leaving travellers relieved.

People travelling to China are still required to take a COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to departure and have the results completed on the Customs Health Declaration Form.

Photo: Silhouette of People at the Airport by Ekaterina Belinskaya available HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not not been modified.