If you plan to travel to China this year, here is what to expect and what you need to know.
The basics of travel to China
China was the first time the COVID-19 pandemic was identified, specifically in the Hubei province, in January 2020. The Chinese Government did their best to contain the virus by implementing strict lockdowns early.
However, the recent Omicron variant has proven challenging for the Chinese population, with 1,110 new cases being reported on March 10th 2022, alone – the single highest amount in a day since the pandemic started.
The Chinese authorities have suspended all direct flights from the UK currently.
What is the current COVID situation in China?
On April 26th 2022, China reported 2,041,627 cases of COVID and 14 042 deaths.
There are six areas in China classed as high risk:
- Beijing City
- two regions in the Fujian Province
- Jilin Province
- two regions in the Heilongjiang Province
There are currently 100 medium risk areas in China, including 13 parts of Shanghai City and 26 regions of Jilin Province.
The Chinese government’s official stance is that anything outside mainland China is considered high risk, except for the Macao SAR.
What are the entry requirements for China?
For fully vaccinated travellers:
- You need proof of a negative PCR test and IgM Antibody test
- You will need to apply for a Health Declaration Certificate online and receive a green health QR code with the HS mark
- You must present a completed Entry/Exit Health Declaration Form upon arrival
- You must be prepared to be subjected to health checks on arrival – usually swab tests
- All arriving passengers must quarantine upon arrival for 14 days – whether you are vaccinated or non vaccinated. You must stay in a government-approved facility at your own expense, and your room will be assigned to you on arrival in China
- Your passport must be valid for six months
- If you are not a Chinese national, then you will need a visa to enter the country
For non-vaccinated travellers
- You must present a completed Exit/Entry Health Declaration Form on arrival
- You need proof of a negative PCR test and IgM Antibody test taken within 48 hours of departure
- You will also need to apply for a Health Declaration Certificate online
- You must be prepared to be subjected to health checks on arrival – usually swab tests
- All arriving passengers must quarantine upon arrival for 14 days – whether you are vaccinated or non vaccinated. You must stay in a government-approved facility at your own expense, and your room will be assigned to you on arrival in China
- Your passport must be valid for six months
- If you are not a Chinese national, then you will need a visa to enter the country
Face Masks
Face masks are still required for travellers aged 12 and above on specific routes to and from the UK, including Delhi, Hong Kong, Islamabad, Johannesburg, Lagos, Lahore, Mumbai, Shanghai and Tel Aviv.
PCR Fit to Fly Test (digital certificate included)
A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) is a viral diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. NAATs detect genetic material (nucleic acids). NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 specifically identify the RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequences that comprise the genetic material of the virus.
The pre-flight gold standard RT-PCR Fit to Fly test available from Fit2FlyTest is a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) NAAT test. This is the most common test for detecting nucleic acid in a sample. When analysed by Public Health England and Hampshire hospitals NHS Trust our test correctly identified all positive and negative samples without exception. With 100% specificity toward the Sars-Cov-2 Virus, this kit will only detect the presence of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Our RT-PCR Fit to Fly test can be self-administered at home via a swab sample, which is then returned to our labs using the prepaid return label. We will have your results within 24 hours of your sample arriving at our laboratories, giving you peace of mind that you can travel safely
Further Reading
- UK Government – Coronavirus – China travel advice
- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – China
- CDC – COVID-19 in China – Travel Health Notices
