China has announced it will temporarily prohibit foreign nationals
from entering the country starting 28 March, even if they hold valid visas or
residence permits, to try to stop the deadly coronavirus from being imported
back into the country.
The suspension also applies to visa-free transit in the country
and Hainan’s 30-day visa-free policy.
Those on diplomatic, service, courtesy or “C” visas will not be
affected. Foreign nationals going to China for “necessary economic, trade,
scientific, or technological activities” or for emergency humanitarian needs
have been advised to apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates before
travelling, as they will not be affected by the change.
In a statement, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “The
suspension is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of
the outbreak situation and practices of other countries.”
The news comes after the Chinese government announced it was
drastically reducing the amount of flights into and out of the country.
The situation in China seems to be improving lately, with
authorities preparing to lift a lockdown on Wuhan, the city believed to be at
the epicentre of the outbreak, on 8 April. Similar measures are being relaxed
in other cities in Hubei province.