For the primary time because it closed in 2020.
It’s been three years since China stopped giving out vacationer visas to foreigners — a call made within the wake of the pandemic. (That additionally means it’s been over three years since our final journey to China when we visited Yunnan! 🤯)
Beginning Wednesday, March 15, 2023, China has resumed issuing all classes of visas to worldwide vacationers. Sure, this implies China is a vacation spot up for travelling as soon as once more!
If China has been in your bucket checklist, we guess you’ll be asking these questions so right here’s a round-up of all of the incessantly requested questions and what we all know thus far! Bookmark this text for the most recent updates on travelling to China post-Covid.
Do I’ve to re-apply for a visa if I nonetheless have a sound one?
Quick reply is not any. For those who’re one of many fortunate ones with a sound visa issued earlier than March 28, 2020, then you definitely don’t should re-apply for something. Travelling to China together with your present visa remains to be attainable!
Which components of China are visa-free?
Photograph credit score: En.sanyatour.com
Not many travellers know however even earlier than the pandemic, there are a number of visa-free states in China. Examples embody Hainan — affectionally referred to as the Hawaii of China — and cruise ships traversing Shanghai port. The Chinese language Overseas Ministry introduced that they may as soon as once more enable visa-free entry in locations which had no visa entry necessities previous to the pandemic.
Vacationers coming from Hong Kong and Macau can even go to the coastal province of Guangdong with out presenting a visa.
Do I must get examined for COVID-19?
Not a lot has been stated about Covid-19 assessments within the latest announcement about China reopening its borders. Nonetheless, throughout the pandemic, China journey restrictions required inbound travellers to get examined earlier than coming into the nation, so it’s greatest to remain on the secure aspect.
Typically, China requires a damaging outcome from a PCR check at the least 48 hours previous to your flight arrival. Nonetheless, in case you are flying from the next nations, they settle for the outcomes from self-administered speedy antigen assessments (RAT): Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, and Italy.
This checklist of nations might change anytime so you’ll want to examine updates out of your native embassy!
Photograph credit score: China Embassy
When you get examined, you’ll need to declare your damaging check outcome by means of the China Customs’ well being declaration type. This may be executed through WeChat (scan the QR code above), the web site, or their app.
If there are inconsistencies together with your well being declaration type, otherwise you’re exhibiting signs of COVID-19, chances are you’ll be required to take a check by China Customs upon arrival.
Travellers coming from Hong Kong or Macau is not going to should current any check outcome — supplied that they didn’t go exterior of these locations seven days previous to entry.
There was no affirmation whether or not or not vaccine certificates are required, however once more, it’s all the time greatest to err on the aspect of warning.
Is there nonetheless a quarantine interval after I enter China?
No. Since early January this 12 months, travellers coming from different nations haven’t been required to bear any isolation or quarantine protocols.
What are the entry necessities for Hong Kong?
If you’re going to Hong Kong, you’ll have to both: current a damaging PCR check outcome inside 48 hours of departure, or current a damaging RAT check outcome inside 24 hours of departure.
However in case you are coming from mainland China or Macau, you gained’t should current any COVID-19 check outcome.
What are the entry necessities for Macau?
If you’re going to Macau, you’ll have to current a damaging PCR or RAT check outcome inside 48 hours of departure.
Nonetheless, you don’t should current any COVID-19 check outcomes in case you’re coming from mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.
Do I nonetheless should put on a face masks when travelling in China?
Photograph credit score: US Information
Even earlier than China reopened its borders, sporting a face masks has not been required for locals and vacationers. However it’s strongly inspired to take action in sure public settings like trains or buses.
Beginning in March 2023, Hong Kong and Macau have lifted their masks mandates as properly!
Making ready on your journey to China
We’re as excited as you to lastly be capable to discover China now that it has reopened and resumed visa issuance for worldwide vacationers. If you’ve snagged that visa and booked your flight, don’t neglect to organize your journey necessities:
– Passport and legitimate visa
– Pre-departure PCR or RAT check outcomes
– Vaccination certificates (simply in case!)
– Journey insurance coverage
And naturally, travelling to China could be overwhelming with so many issues to do (don’t even get us began on Hong Kong and Macau). That will help you out in planning that journey, be at liberty to flick thru our itineraries and guides for inspiration:
– 2-Week China Itinerary — Rail Journey Throughout Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou
– 19 Causes to Go to China’s Most Underrated Cities — Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie
– Final First-Timer’s Information to China: 14 Thrilling Issues To Do In Beijing
– 25 Thrilling Issues to Do in Shanghai — First Timer’s Information From Should-Dos to Hidden Gems
Which metropolis or province are you excited to go to with China reopening its borders? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
