A Guide for Business Travelers: Corona Entry Restrictions in East Asia
The Covid-19 pandemic has posed challenges to global economic exchange for more than two years, while different countries have developed their own strategies to keep the pandemic under control. Finding a balance between protective entry restrictions, yet at the same time enabling the most necessary contacts for international economic exchange, is not that easy. Many internationally active companies are facing problems in this situation. In the following we take a look at the current entry regulations for business travelers in some of Europe’s most important trading partners in East Asia. Here you can find out which rules and restrictions currently apply for China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. We also give a brief overview on the current situation in the countries. For insider tips on how businesses can deal with tax and administrative issues during the Shanghai lockdown, check out this article.
South Korea Opens the Door
While South Korea managed to keep the number of infections low in 2020 and 2021, the country experienced a brief peak in March 2022 with records of over 400,000 cases per day. Now, the situation is more or less back under control. Business travelers have reasons to be cheerful: the entry restrictions and rules inside the RoK have been relaxed significantly. Since September 1st, 2021, EU citizens have been allowed to enter the country without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. All you have to do is apply for an electronic travel authorization via the K-ETA website at least 24 hours before the entry. Since April 2022, vaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine if they received their vaccination within the last 6 months. All others must quarantine for 7 days. In addition, all travelers still have to bring a negative PCR test.
Japan Eases Travel Restrictions for Business Purposes
Compared to South Korea, entering Japan is still a bit more complicated. However, there were some relaxations as well: since March 2022, it is possible to apply for visas again and EU citizens have been officially allowed to enter the country since April 8, 2022. In order to get a business visa, applicants need a so-called „Certificate for Completion of Registration to the ERFS System“ (uketsuke zumisho) that the guarantor in Japan (e.g., the business partner or customer) must issue and apply for. Since April 2022 there has been a simplified form for the business visa application, for which only a copy of the passport and the aforementioned certificate is needed.
For fully vaccinated travelers, it is not necessary to stay in quarantine after arrival. Everyone else has to quarantine for 7 days. The negative PCR test that all travelers must present has to follow certain regulations. To ensure compliance, you can download a special form from the Japanese embassy to fill out by the laboratory.
Taiwan Temporarily Closed Due to Rising Cases
While Taiwan had strict entry restrictions like Japan, business travelers and students were able to enter and obtain a visa again. However, this option was temporarily withdrawn due to the sudden increase of cases since April. At the moment, only people with a valid residence permit, or for important business travels are allowed to enter the country. Quarantine regulations have been relaxed since March: the length of quarantine is only 7 days, and it is now possible to spend it in a private accommodation instead of in state assigned quarantine hotels. A negative PCR test must be presented upon entry, arrival, and on the last day of quarantine.
Hong Kong Eases Entry Restrictions
Similar to China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region pursued a „zero Covid“ policy and introduced strict restrictions on both domestic level and for foreign entries. However, there are also small steps towards opening the country. For almost two years, only people with a valid residence permit have been allowed to enter Hong Kong. In addition, there were flight bans from countries such as the USA or Great Britain. This made it difficult to return even for Hongkong citizens. Since May 1st, 2022, it is possible to enter the country without a permanent residence permit and the flight bans have been lifted.
The required quarantine length for Hong Kong is 14 days. With negative tests on the 5th, 6th and 7th day, travelers have the option to spend the rest of the time in a private accommodation. Only fully vaccinated people are allowed to enter the country. The EU vaccination card in digital or paper form can be used to proof the vaccination status. In addition, a negative PCR test must be presented upon entry. Here it is important to carry an additional document which shows Hongkong’s approval of the laboratory. For PCR results from German laboratories, this document can be used. In addition, travelers must show the booking confirmation of their quarantine hotel at the airport. Business travelers should have all these documents ready for their journey.
China Fights Omicron
In China, there are strict measures against the spread of the pandemic. Currently, only people with a valid residence permit can travel to the country, with only few exceptions. For urgent business trips, a “Purpose of Use” (PU) invitation letter is required. It is issued by the local branch of the Foreign Affairs Office in China. Yet it is only issued if there are important economic reasons for entering the country.
There are also several domestic restrictions: Upon outbreaks in Shanghai, entire districts have implemented lockdown measures. Residents had to follow mass PCR-testing procedures and, if necessary, were sent to state quarantine centers. As one might expect, companies in China were facing difficulties with these restrictions. It was especially challenging to send employees and move freely within the country. However, there is also a glimmer of hope. A relaxation of the lockdown measures has been announced to gradually take part until June.
The government is trying to maintain advantages for foreigners in this difficult situation. There was for instance an extension of tax benefits for foreigners. Nevertheless, many are leaving the country due to the strict measures. If your company is affected by the consequences of the pandemic and is planning to restructure or close a branch in China, it is important be informed on the process and seek professional advice.
Sources:
https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_de/konsular_InformationenCoronavirus.html#Einreisemassnahmen
https://taipei.diplo.de/tw-de/-/2302636?openAccordionId=item-2302646-2-panel
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/hongkongsicherheit/200854