This page was last updated on 16 December, 2021.
At a Glance
Travel Restrictions
Vaccination Requirements: Vaccinations are not a must, but those that have been fully vaccinated with a Chinese vaccine may be able to enter China for a wider range for personal matters such as to visit close family members or to take care of elderly relatives.
Those who have received other vaccines will not be able to enter China for these expanded reasons. However, they may have to take a different antibody test to obtain the health code to enter China.
Allowed Vaccines in Cina: Anhui Zhifei Longcom, CanSino, Minhai Biotechnology Co, Sinopharm (Beijing), Sinopharm (Wuhan), Sinovac
Tourist Entry: Partially Allowed
Testing: Negative PCR test is required for all countries. Blood tests, as well as oral, nasal, and anal swab tests.
Quarantine Required: Yes
Quarantine Details: Quarantine for 14 days required for all countries.
Local Restrictions
Lockdown in Effect: Partial
Events: Partially Allowed
Transport: Operational
Shopping: Open
Restaurants and Bars: Fully Open
Detailed Travel Advisory
Published 15.12.2021
1. Entry by foreign nationals holding a visa is suspended.
– This does not apply to:
– foreign nationals with a visa issued after 28 March 2020 with the place of issue outside the Mainland of China. They must not arrive from Bangladesh, Belgium, France, India, Italy, Philippines, Russian Fed. and United Kingdom;
– foreign nationals with a diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visa;
– foreign nationals with a visa issued after 3 November 2020;
– passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
2. Entry by foreign nationals with a residence permit is suspended.
– This does not apply to:
– foreign nationals with a permanent residence permit;
– foreign nationals with a residence permit with the purpose ’work’, ’personal matters’ or ’reunion’. They must not arrive from Bangladesh, Belgium, France, India, Italy, Philippines, Russian Fed. and United Kingdom.
3. Passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are allowed to enter with a visa.
4. Passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are allowed to enter without a visa.
5. Passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games must have a green QR code with an ’HS’ mark (for Chinese nationals) or ’HDC’ mark (for foreign nationals). The QR codes are valid for 72 hours after issuance, and they must be marked with ’Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games’. The QR code is considered valid at both origin airport and transit airport as long as it is within the validity at the time of boarding the plane to Beijing.
6. Passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games must have a green QR code with an ’HS’ mark (for Chinese nationals) or ’HDC’ mark (for foreign nationals). The QR codes are valid for 72 hours after issuance, and they must be marked with ’Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games’. The QR code is considered valid at both origin airport and transit airport as long as it is within the validity at the time of boarding the plane to Beijing.
7. Entry by foreign nationals with an APEC Business Travel Card is suspended.
8. Port visas, 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, Hainan 30-day visa-free policy, 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign cruise-group-tour through Shanghai Port, Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong or Macao SAR, and Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries are suspended.
9. Foreign nationals coming to the mainland of China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates.
10. Passengers are subject to medical screening and quarantine for 14 days at the first point of entry.
11. Airline crew of foreign airlines:
– are not required to undergo nucleic acid test if they have a short stay after landing then depart immediately, and do not leave apron during the transition; OR
– shall receive nucleic acid test in the first port of entry if they need to enter the country to rest or continue to operate domestic routes. The test results will be confirmed by the local government in accordance with the requirements of epidemic prevention management. Only if the test results are negative, crews can continue the operations; OR
– are allowed to return to their home country for isolation treatment when agreed by the local joint control mechanism, if they are symptomatic, in close contact with infected persons or tested positive. Airlines and crews shall make all commitments to bear their responsibilities and also carry out strict protections.
12. Passengers must complete an “Exit/Entry Health Declaration Form” and present a QR code before departure. The form can be obtained at http://health.customsapp.com/ .
13. Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) must have a green QR code with an ’HS’ mark. The code can be obtained from the WeChat App ’Fang Yi Jian Kang Ma Guo Ji Ban’ by uploading a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued at most 2 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued at most 2 days before departure. A positive IgM antibody test result could be accepted with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. More details can be found at the website of the respective Chinese embassy. Passengers not arriving directly in China (People’s Rep.) must repeat both tests in the transit countries and obtain a new green QR code with an ’HS’ mark in each transit country.
– This does not apply to:
– nationals of China (People’s Rep.) arriving from Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, China, Macao SAR, China, United Arab Emirates or USA;
– passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games;
– passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
14. Passengers must have a green QR code with an ’HDC’ mark. The code can be obtained at https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued at most 2 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued at most 2 days before departure. A positive IgM antibody test result could be accepted with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. More details can be found at the website of the respective Chinese embassy. Passengers not arriving directly in China (People’s Rep.) must repeat both tests in the transit countries and obtain a new green QR code with an ’HDC’ mark in each transit country.
– This does not apply to:
– nationals of China (People’s Rep.);
– passengers arriving from Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, China, Macao SAR, China, United Arab Emirates or USA;
– passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games;
– passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
15. Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) arriving directly from the USA must have a green QR code with an ’HS’ mark. The code can be obtained from the WeChat App ’Fang Yi Jian Kang Ma Guo Ji Ban’ by uploading a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued at most 2 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued at most 2 days before departure. A positive IgM antibody test result could be accepted with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. More details can be found at the website of the respective Chinese embassy. Passengers not arriving directly in China (People’s Rep.) must repeat both tests in the transit countries and obtain a new green QR code with an ’HS’ mark in each transit country. Details can be found at http://us.china-embassy.org/eng/notices/t1841416.htm .
– This does not apply to:
– passengers younger than 3 years;
– passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games;
– passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
16. Passengers arriving directly from the USA must have a green QR code with an ’HDC’ mark. The code can be obtained at https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued at most 2 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued at most 2 days before departure. A positive IgM antibody test result could be accepted with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. More details can be found at the website of the respective Chinese embassy. Passengers not arriving directly in China (People’s Rep.) must repeat both tests in the transit countries and obtain a new green QR code with an ’HDC’ mark in each transit country. Details can be found at http://us.china-embassy.org/eng/notices/t1841416.htm .
– This does not apply to:
– nationals of China (People’s Rep.);
– passengers younger than 3 years;
– passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games;
– passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
17. Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) arriving directly from Canada must have a green QR code with an ’HS’ mark. The code can be obtained from the WeChat App ’Fang Yi Jian Kang Ma Guo Ji Ban’ by uploading a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued at most 2 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued at most 2 days before departure. A positive IgM antibody test result could be accepted with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. More details can be found at the website of the respective Chinese embassy. Passengers not arriving directly in China (People’s Rep.) must repeat both tests in the transit countries and obtain a new green QR code with an ’HS’ mark in each transit country.
– This does not apply to:
– passengers younger than 3 years;
– passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games;
– passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
18. Passengers arriving directly from Canada must have a green QR code with an ’HDC’ mark. The code can be obtained at https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued at most 2 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued at most 2 days before departure. A positive IgM antibody test result could be accepted with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. More details can be found at the website of the respective Chinese embassy. Passengers not arriving directly in China (People’s Rep.) must repeat both tests in the transit countries and obtain a new green QR code with an ’HDC’ mark in each transit country.
– This does not apply to:
– nationals of China (People’s Rep.);
– passengers younger than 3 years;
– passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games;
– passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
19. Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) arriving directly from United Arab Emirates must have a green QR code with an ’HS’ mark. The code can be obtained from the WeChat App ’Fang Yi Jian Kang Ma Guo Ji Ban’ by uploading:
– a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued 14 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued 14 days before departure; and
– a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued at most 2 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued at most 2 days before departure. Details can be found at http://ae.chineseembassy.org/eng/lsyw/t1872245.htm .
– This does not apply to:
– passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games;
– passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
20. Passengers arriving directly from United Arab Emirates must have a green QR code with an ’HDC’ mark. The code can be obtained at https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ with:
– a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued 14 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued 14 days before departure; and
– a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) nucleic acid test result issued at most 2 days before departure and a negative IgM antibody test result issued at most 2 days before departure. Details can be found at http://ae.chineseembassy.org/eng/lsyw/t1872245.htm .
– This does not apply to:
– nationals of China (People’s Rep.);
– passengers with an invitation letter issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games;
– passengers with a Pre-Valid card (PVC) issued by the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
21. Passengers arriving from Chinese Taipei must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result issued at most 3 days before departure.
22. Passengers entering Beijing (PEK) from Hong Kong SAR, China must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result issued at most 7 days before departure.
23. Passengers arriving from Macao SAR, China must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result issued at most 7 days before departure.
24. The Olympic Identity and Accreditation Card (OIAC) and the Paralympic Identity and Accreditation Card (PIAC):
– are valid from 4 January 2022 until 13 April 2022; and
– are valid for multiple entries; and
– must be accompanied with a passport valid until at least 13 May 2022.
Detailed Tourist Information
China currently allows foreign nationals with valid residence permits and visas to enter the country under certain very limited conditions.
Fully vaccinated travelers are required to provide vaccination certificate.
Vaccinations are not a must, but those that have been fully vaccinated with a Chinese vaccine may be able to enter China for a wider range for personal matters such as to visit close family members or to take care of elderly relatives.
Those who have received other vaccines will not be able to enter China for these expanded reasons.
Flights from several high-risk countries are banned.
On April 16, 2021, the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., announced new procedures for vaccinated travelers to China. Please see the Chinese Embassy in Washington website (https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/ceus/chn/lszj/zytz/t1869583.htm) for more information.
As of December 23, 2020, travelers must complete PCR NAT and IgM antibody tests in the departure city. Please follow guidance on the PRC Embassy website (http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zyxx/) to identify approved labs.
All inbound passengers are required to quarantine for at least 14 days upon arrival. Testing upon arrival and for release from quarantine may include blood tests, as well as oral, nasal, and anal swab tests.
Some private hospitals may refuse admittance to travellers who have been in high-risk countries 14 days prior to entering China.
Travellers may be required to install and use location tracking software on their phones in order to access public spaces and some businesses.
Lockdown Details
COVID-19 precautions and preventative measures vary from location to location. Grocery stores, restaurants, and hospitals are operating. Large gatherings are common.
Many provinces, venues and places of businesses are now requiring proof of vaccination for entry.
Depending on the province, some schools are opening back up with varying degrees of restriction from specialized hats to temperature checks and more.
Many normal retail businesses and factories have started working again.
Face masks are mandatory in many public places such as offices and public transport.
Sources
https://www.china-briefing.com/news/chinas-travel-restrictions-due-to-covid-19-an-explainer/
Data Source: covidcontrols.co
