Update on InterPore2020

Coronavirus update

China is happy to report that on 18 March, for the first time since December 2019, no new domestic cases of COVID-19 infections were found. Meanwhile, many countries worldwide are taking a massive blow by the virus. Despite the uncertainty, the LOC is busy with the preparation of Inter Pore 2020.

Qingdao’s visa-free policy

Qingdao has a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for visitors coming from 53 designated countries. Under this policy, visitors holding valid travel documents are allowed to enter Qingdao and stay in the Shandong province without a Chinese visa for up to 144 hours (6 days). The visa-free policy provides greater convenience and more flexibility for short-term travelling, business trips and family visits in Qingdao. If you want to apply for the 144-hour transit visa exemption, there are certain requirements you have to meet.

1. The policy applies only to citizens from the 53 specified nations in Asia, Europe, America and Oceania.
2. Foreigners must hold valid international travel documents (e.g. a passport). Other recognized travel documents to verify nationality and identity may also be used. Passports or other documents must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the end date of the stay in China.
3. Foreigners must hold a connecting ticket bound for a third country (in the region) within 144 hours.

Visa-free transit visitors must leave China via Qingdao airport to another country. This must not be the same one from which you enter China. For example, on the way back home (your own country), a stopover could be made in Seoul (South Korea) or Tokyo (Japan). This stopover usually does not have a big effect on travel costs and is often more or less the same price as a direct flight. Of course, you can also spend a few days to explore these places.