If you frequently travel to and from China for business, you’re going to want to know all about the Fast-Track Travel Channel Program (the “Program”). The “Program” was introduced to make it easier for business people and their families to enter and leave China. If you’re interested in applying for the “Program,” there are some requirements that you will have to meet and information that you’ll want to know ahead of time:
What is the Fast-Track Travel Channel Program (the “Program”)?
The goal of the Fast-Track Travel Channel Program is to make it easier for business people and their families to travel to and from China. The “Program” makes obtaining a PU letter easier and faster. Applicants will be able to submit their application material information to the Shanghai FAO, which will lessen the time of the PU letter issuance by about 5-10 business days. Submitting the application materials directly to the Shanghai FAO allows applicants to bypass the district FAOs, expediting the overall process.
What Are the Requirements For a Company to Be Part of the “Program”?
Any company looking to join must:
- Be a U.S. company.
- Have a valid business license.
- Be registered in China.
- Be a member company of AmCham Shanghai, AmCham China, or the US-China Business Council.
- Submit the application on behalf of the invited traveler.
What is Considered an American Company?
To qualify as an American company, one of the following three requirements needs to be met:
- The company’s headquarters must be located in the United States.
- The company’s primary revenue source must come from the United States.
- The controller is an American.
What Are the Requirements For a Traveler to Be Part of the “Program”?
Any traveler looking to join must:
- Provide a reason that shows why they need to urgently travel to China.
- Show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
- Be an employee (or a family member of an employee) that’s part of a US company, no matter if that company is based in the US or somewhere else.
What is Considered an Urgent Travel Matter?
When applying for your PU letter, you’ll need to write down what exactly your urgent travel matter is and why you need to travel to China as soon as possible. You should write down and explain your urgent business or personal matter on your application. The Shanghai FAO will review your request and let you know if they consider your reasoning acceptable.
What Family Members Can Travel With the Applicant?
The applicant’s spouse and any children under 18 years old can travel to and from China with the applicant if the PU invite is for a work visa. If these family members want to travel separately from the applicant, they must apply for a PU letter. Once the PU letter arrives, they will need to apply for a China visa. If you need to apply for a visa for China, you can get started on the Swift Passport Services website.
How Much Does it Cost to Apply For the “Program”?
The fee to apply for the Fast-Track Travel Channel Program is approximately $1,104.33. If you are applying for the program with family members (the applicant, their spouse, and/or their children under 18 years old), you will only have to pay this fee once.
Does Getting Accepted Into the “Program” Guarantee That I’ll Get a Visa to China?
The ” Program ” aims to help fast-track obtaining an invitation to China. Getting accepted into the Fast-Track Travel Channel Program does not guarantee that you will be issued a visa. The issuance of a China visa, visa processing times, and visa requirements are at the discretion of the Chinese Embassy and/or Consulate in the country the applicant is applying from.
What Are the Current Travel Rules and Restrictions For China?
As of February 16, 2022, the U.S. Department of State has the travel advisory level for China set at a “level 3,” which means that travelers should reconsider travel to China. If you plan on visiting China, there are some rules and restrictions in place that you’ll need to follow. Anyone traveling to China must present a negative PCR and antibody test taken within 48 hours of your flight. You must also show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you cannot provide the negative test results and proof of vaccination, you will have to quarantine on arrival. Be sure to frequently check the travel restrictions for China as they could change going forward.
What Precautions Should I Take When Visiting China?
If you plan on traveling to China, there are some things that you should do in order to protect yourself and those around you. Be sure to consistently wash your hands, sanitize your frequently used items, keep your distance from others, wear your mask in public areas, and be respectful of those around you.
Where Can I Get a Passport or Visa For China?
If you have any questions about obtaining a passport or business visa for your upcoming trip to China, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help! If you’re ready to apply for a passport or visa, you can get started on the Swift website. No matter where you plan on traveling in the world, we’ll get you there!
