Special approval refers to the use of official passports. Has nothing to do with the current situation.
However, no matter where you go for a visa, you generally need a certificate of on-the-job income issued by the unit, and you need to indicate in the certificate that you are allowed to travel abroad during the holidays.
Visa-free countries can enter the country without a visa. Theoretically, they can go with private passports. However, in practice, it is still recommended to join a group, because visa-free countries, when entering the other side's border inspection, the other side may also refuse to enter the country because they have not booked a hotel or return ticket in advance. It's best to go with a group for the first time, which can be the kind of free travel.