Businesspeople will no longer be able to apply for multiple-entry F visas, according to announcements from the Bureau of Public Security. Previously F visas entitled the holder to enter China multiple times during 6 months or more.

Jiang Yu, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that in the run-up to the eagerly anticipated Beijing Olympics, foreigners would have to apply for new F (Universal) or F-U visas.

Joerg Wutdehell, president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China called the new restrictions 'very very annoying'. 'When one of our members tried to apply for an F visa, he was told "f--- you!"'

Freelance writers and journalist will also need to apply for a new specialized visa, the F (Official). Reporters who wish to be in China during the Games will be told to F-OFF.