To prevent and control the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) epidemic, some countries and regions have rolled out temporary entry control measures. What are the important changes in the entry and exit policies during the epidemic prevention period? How to apply for visa extension and residence permit for foreigners during this period?

* On February 5, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) announced the immediate suspension of the entry and exit services at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the Ocean Terminal. From 00:00 February 8, all persons arriving from the mainland (including Hong Kong residents, residents of the mainland and other visitors) will be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine. 

* The Government of Hong Kong SAR announced on February 7 that persons holding tourist visas with a validity period or a permitted stay of less than 14 days will be declined entry. 

* Travelers to and from Hong Kong should follow closely the changes in entry and exit restrictions of the Hong Kong SAR and make proper plans for exit. When the travel is unavoidable, please be well-informed of the current entry regulations of Hong Kong SAR and get well-prepared in advance to avoid unnecessary losses.

* When entering Shenzhen, travelers should take a temperature check (automatic or manual) and fill in a health card properly before submitting. Entries will be allowed if there is no abnormality in body temperature. 

*Visa extension could be applied.

* During the epidemic prevention and control period, the Exit and Entry Administration of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau will continue to provide foreigners with visa extension and residence permit application services to ensure the legal stay and residence of foreigners. Express services are provided for those with urgent needs. In order to effectively avoid gathering of crowds, the Exit and Entry Administration of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau provides an appointment-only service of document applications. Foreigners shall make an appointment on the "Shenzhen Public Security" WeChat official account, and arrange the time for application reasonably. When conditions permit, universities, scientific research institutes, enterprises and other institutions that deal with foreigners frequently could be allowed to apply for the documents on the foreigners\' behalf or be provided with certain facilitation according to their needs.

5. How could foreigners who are currently outside the Chinese mainland and have residence permits issued by the Exit and Entry Administration of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau re-enter the country when their permits are expired due to failure to travel back to Shenzhen for extension because of the epidemic? How could they extend the residence permits once they re-enter? Are there any requirements on the type of visa they hold when re-entering?

* Foreigners who could not enter the Chinese mainland within the validity period of their residence permits due to the epidemic could enter with visas of type Z, L, M, F, Q, S when the epidemic is over. They shall submit applications for work permit extension to the foreign experts affairs authorities before applying to the Exit and Entry Administration of Shenzhen Public Security Bureau for the extension of residence permits.

Foreign Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipal People\'s Government

Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau

February 11, 2020