Streamlined Entry System Goes into Effect on May 1
A “fast-track procedure (a streamlined arrival system)” designed to alleviate hurdles faced by Koreans visiting China for a business purpose has been put into effect, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on May 1.
The procedure is intended to respect the disease control principles aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 while guaranteeing essential economic activities.
In accordance with the procedure, an interested enterprise in China (Korean firm operating in China or Chinese firm) should apply for “fast-track procedure” at the level of Chinese local (provincial or municipal) government designating an applicable Korean business partner and obtain an official invitation from the local government for the partner. Then the applicable Korean business partner will obtain a visa from the Chinese Embassy (or the Chinese Consulate) in South Korea. The invited person with visa should observe a “special disease control procedure” as agreed by the Korean and Chinese governments whereby his or her entry into China will be simplified.
The Chinese government will implement the “fast track procedure” starting May 1 in relation to 10 regions in China where a large number of exchanges takes place between Korean and Chinese enterprises.
The 10 regions are Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Liaoning, Shandong, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Shanxi, Sichuan and Anhui.
Shanghai, Liaoning, Shandong, Jiangsu and Anhui will be able to bring the system into force immediately since regular flights operate in those regions.
The establishment of the “fast track procedure” marks the first case whereby a streamlined entry procedure is being officially made available for foreign business people visiting China. It is also the first case of institutionalizing the simplified entry procedure for Korean businessmen who are visiting a foreign country. It is expected that the procedure will contribute to minimizing economic and social impact of COVID-19 in South Korean and China.