Overview

Starting January 8 2023, mainland China will once again admit foreign travelers, ending the entry ban that began in early 2020. The change directly influences Amazon merchants who depend on in‑person sourcing trips, especially those planning to attend the upcoming Canton Fair. Understanding the new entry protocol enables sellers to schedule visits, secure stock, and avoid costly logistical setbacks.

Key Points

• Re‑opening date — From January 8 2023, non‑Chinese nationals may legally enter the country, lifting the pandemic‑driven travel freeze that halted on‑site sourcing for more than two years.
• Entry prerequisites — Visitors must carry a current passport, a freshly issued Chinese visa, a PCR test taken within the previous 48 hours, and proof of health monitoring completed at the airport.
• Canton Fair window — The exhibition runs April 15 through May 5 2023, giving sellers a concentrated period to meet factories, inspect prototypes, and close deals face‑to‑face.
• Supply‑chain advantage — Direct factory tours let merchants confirm production capacity, shorten lead‑time uncertainty, and negotiate lower minimum order quantities versus remote email negotiations.
• Risk mitigation — Physical inspections on the ground help spot counterfeit components and quality defects before bulk orders, safeguarding a seller’s Amazon reputation.
• Cost‑benefit balance — Although airfare and accommodation have risen, the savings from preventing returns, excess inventory, and re‑work often exceed the upfront travel expense.

How the New Travel Policy Works

1. Visa acquisition — Apply for a business (M) or tourist (L) visa through the nearest Chinese consulate, attaching an invitation letter from a supplier or a certified travel agency. Example: A seller sourcing smart‑home gadgets requests an invitation from a Shenzhen OEM, receives a 30‑day multiple‑entry visa, and plans a five‑day factory tour.
2. Pre‑arrival health clearance — Secure a PCR test no older than 48 hours before departure and upload the result to China’s health reporting platform. : An entrepreneur flying out of Dallas schedules a morning test at a local clinic, receives a negative result, and submits the digital certificate before checking in for the flight.