Since 25.08.2020, Austria has been on the list of countries that require a negative COVID test and a health declaration for entry into China. The negative COVID test must not be older than 3 calendar days. In addition, the COVID test must be checked and confirmed by the Chinese embassy in Vienna. The start of this regulation for departures from Austria is 03.09.2020. Please note that this regulation for departures ex Germany already applies from 30.8.2020. A detailed list of all countries can be found below in the country list. The Chinese embassy published a concrete announcement of the measures on its website on 25.08.2020.
Here is the procedure in brief, step by step:IMPORTANT: the negative COVID-19 test and the issued „Health Declaration Form“ are not an alternative to a visa. The visa must be applied for before departure. Likewise, the negative COVID-19 test and the Health Declaration Form do not replace the entry modalities in China, i.e. a 14-day quarantine in central facilities in China is still required upon entry.
Please find more information on the website of the Chinese Embassy: http://www.chinaembassy.at/det/xwdt/t1809604.htm
The Consulate of South Korea informs that a new visa application form has been published with immediate effect. We kindly ask you to use this visa application in the future.
India visa news:
The Indian Consulate in Vienna has announced that applications for business visas and work visas can now be submitted to the Consulate in Vienna.
Instead of the previous online visa application, an offline application is now accepted, see LINK (unfortunately we could not get a better quality). All other necessary documents for submitting the visa remain unchanged.
Electronic visas and tourist visas will not be issued until further notice.If you have any questions, please contact us.
Your ÖVKG Team
Since July 15, 2020, the US Consulate in Vienna has been able to grant so-called National Interest Exceptions (NIE) for entry into the USA if entry is in the national economic interest of the USA. With these exceptions, business travelers among others can enter the USA despite the still valid Präsidial Decrees of 11 March 2020 (entry ban from the Schengen area) and 22. June 22, 2020 (entry ban to protect the US labor market) with a valid visa to enter the USA. Holders of a valid business visa (B visa) must personally send an email to consulatevienna@state.gov to schedule an interview appointment to discuss the urgency of entry and decide whether to obtain the NIE waiver. In any case, please attach your passport copy, a scan of the valid visa and, if available, the DS160 confirmation of the original visa application in the email to the US consulate.
There are always different rumors circulating on the market as to whether China visas will be issued again or not. In addition to the Chinese embassy in Vienna, we have also contacted the WKO in Beijing for you and would like to inform you
Pass on the following information
Source: WKO Beijing
TRAVEL TO CHINA
With a few exceptions, entry into mainland China is still only permitted for Chinese citizens.
Exceptions:
In urgent and justified cases, however, visas can be applied for for key personnel. There is no guarantee that an exemption will be granted. In addition to the documents usually required, an informal letter from the sending company stating the necessity and urgency of the trip is required.
In addition, an invitation from the Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) of the province must be submitted, which is usually issued as a form. Contact with the local FAO is made by the Chinese business partner or the local branch office.
Persons entering China from abroad are subject to a two-week quarantine requirement without exception. Coronavirus tests are carried out on arrival. The costs of the quarantine must be borne by the company/traveler. After quarantine, onward travel within the country is possible under certain conditions, which vary greatly from region to region. Conditions and travel restrictions may change at short notice at any time.
Only Hong Kong residents are permitted to enter Hong Kong until further notice. Transit at Hong Kong airport is possible under certain conditions, but transit to and from mainland China is still not permitted.
The WKO will be happy to assist you in communicating with the local authorities.
Important: If you have a corresponding invitation, the ÖVKG will be happy to assist you in the usual way with obtaining the visa.
