China announced on Thursday that foreign nationals will be suspended from entering China beginning March 28 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The temporary suspension includes those holding visas or residency permits still valid at the time of suspension. In the announcement, China stated:

The suspension is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation and the practices of other countries. China will stay in close touch with all sides and properly handle personnel exchanges with the rest of the world under the special circumstances.

In addition, China will only grant new visas to those entering for “necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs.”

China did not indicate a duration for the suspension but explained it will depend on the evolution of COVID-19.

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