The American Chamber of Commerce in China said that a US-China travel fast-track program, which allows for US businesspeople and their families to travel more easily to China amid the COVID-19 pandemic, officially became effective on Thursday, following a consensus reached by leaders of the two countries during a summit last year.
The program aims to provide a more efficient, predictable, and reliable channel for essential US company executives, technical personnel and their dependents to enter China.
According to the chamber, the program will enable qualified member companies to apply for a PU, or permission, letter from their local municipality and receive a reduced processing time and an increased likelihood of approval. Employees can then apply for a visa from the appropriate overseas Chinese embassy or consulate.
The announcement represents rapid progress from December 8, when the chamber said the program had been approved by relevant Chinese authorities, and it was working with various local Foreign Affairs Offices (FAOs) in locations where its members are based to confirm and finalize invitation letter and visa details.
A separate FAQ document also listed specific eligibility requirements for applying for the fast-track program and costs for participating in the program. The administrative fee for each PU letter application is 7,000 yuan ($1,099).
In terms of quarantine rules, travelers are required to adhere to China's entry and health requirements. The requirements could change as conditions warrant.
Quarantine hotels are designated by local authorities and travelers under the program will not receive any special treatment with regard to quarantine, read the document.