Updated on 05-Mar-2021
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry and transit
From 28 September 2020, holders of valid residence permits attached to work, personal matters and reunion can re-enter China. Holders of expired residence permits can apply for a new one.
A health declaration form will need to be filled before departure. The Chinese Embassy/Consulate will certify your form and return it to you via email.
From 7 September, alongside the form, you must provide evidence of a negative test for COVID-19 taken no more than 3 days before you travel. This has changed from 5 days. The Chinese authorities have specified a ‘nucleic acid’ test which they have explained is the standard test for COVID-19.A limited number of international flights from other countries are flying into Beijing. Other international passenger flights to Beijing continue to be diverted to 16 designated airports in Chengdu, Changsha, Hefei, Lanzhou, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Jinan, Qingdao, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Zhengzhou, Xi’an and Wuhan. A small number of international flights are also operating direct between European cities and Shanghai, Guangzhou and Qingdao.
Health checks on arrival
All overseas passenger arrivals are subject to health checks on arrival (likely involving nucleic acid or swab tests). Those failing health checks may be sent to a designated hospital for treatment.
Quarantine requirements
Following health checks on arrival, you will then need to enter quarantine for at least 14 days. Quarantine is usually spent at either a centralised government hotel (with costs covered by the traveller) or your home. Quarantine requirements can change at short notice and may differ from province to province.
Follow-up swab tests are likely to take place during your quarantine period. Family members of someone who tests positive, or those who have been in close contact, will be required to go into a government quarantine hospital.
For all quarantine arrangements in China:
· Unless directed by the authorities you are not allowed to leave your designated quarantine location for 14 days. This means you are also unable to leave China for the duration of the quarantine
· Depending on the quarantine location, facilities may be basic: there may be no fridge, no air-conditioning, and limited or no internet/wifi.
· During your stay you will be responsible for cleaning the room
· If meals are not available at the quarantine location, you will need to arrange food orders for delivery from outside.
· Larger sized families with two parents may be separated into 2 rooms.
· If you’re on prescription medication make sure you bring enough with you to last for at least 3-4 weeks together with medical documents certifying that you need to take this medication. See Health for further information.
Failure to comply with the quarantine conditions or testing put in place, or any attempts to deliberately conceal health conditions can result in being sentenced to up to three years in prison. This applies to both Chinese and foreign nationals.
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