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! ????)
Starting Wednesday, March 15, 2023, China has resumed issuing all classes of visas to worldwide vacationers. Yes, this implies China is a vacation spot up for travelling as soon as once more!
If China has been in your bucket record, we wager you’ll be asking these questions so right here’s a round-up of all of the ceaselessly requested questions and what we all know to this point! 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?
Short reply is not any. If you’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 along with your present visa remains to be potential!
Which components of China are visa-free?
Photo credit score: En.sanyatour.com
Not many travellers know however even earlier than the pandemic, there are just a few visa-free states in China. Examples embody Hainan — affectionally known as the Hawaii of China — and cruise ships traversing Shanghai port. The Chinese Foreign Ministry introduced that they’ll as soon as once more enable visa-free entry in locations which had no visa entry necessities previous to the pandemic.
Tourists coming from Hong Kong and Macau may also 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 exams within the latest announcement about China reopening its borders. However, through the pandemic, China journey restrictions required inbound travellers to get examined earlier than getting into the nation, so it’s greatest to remain on the protected facet.
Generally, China requires a adverse end result from a PCR take a look at not less than 48 hours previous to your flight arrival. However, if you’re flying from the next nations, they settle for the outcomes from self-administered fast antigen exams (RAT): Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, and Italy.
This record of nations could change anytime so make sure you verify updates out of your native embassy!
Photo credit score: China Embassy
Once you get examined, you will want to declare your adverse take a look at end result via the China Customs’ well being declaration kind. This could be performed by way of WeChat (scan the QR code above), the web site, or their app.
If there are inconsistencies along with your well being declaration kind, otherwise you’re exhibiting signs of COVID-19, you could be required to take a take a look at by China Customs upon arrival.
Travellers coming from Hong Kong or Macau won’t should current any take a look at end result — offered that they didn’t go outdoors of these locations seven days previous to entry.
There has been no affirmation whether or not or not vaccine certificates are required, however once more, it’s at all times greatest to err on the facet 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 will Hong Kong, you’ll have to both: current a adverse PCR take a look at end result inside 48 hours of departure, or current a adverse RAT take a look at end result inside 24 hours of departure.
But if you’re coming from mainland China or Macau, you gained’t should current any COVID-19 take a look at end result.
What are the entry necessities for Macau?
If you will Macau, you’ll have to current a adverse PCR or RAT take a look at end result inside 48 hours of departure.
However, you don’t should current any COVID-19 take a look at outcomes should you’re coming from mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.
Do I nonetheless should put on a face masks when travelling in China?
Photo credit score: US News
Even earlier than China reopened its borders, sporting a face masks has not been required for locals and vacationers. But it’s strongly inspired to take action in sure public settings like trains or buses.
Starting in March 2023, Hong Kong and Macau have lifted their masks mandates as effectively!
Preparing to 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. When 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 take a look at outcomes
– Vaccination certificates (simply in case!)
– Travel insurance coverage
And in fact, travelling to China could be overwhelming with so many issues to do (don’t even get us began on Hong Kong and Macau). To provide help to out in planning that journey, be happy to flick through our itineraries and guides for inspiration:
– 2-Week China Itinerary — Rail Adventure Across Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou
– 19 Reasons to Visit China’s Most Underrated Cities — Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie
– Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to China: 14 Exciting Things To Do In Beijing
– 25 Exciting Things to Do in Shanghai — First Timer’s Guide From Must-Dos to Hidden Gems
Which metropolis or province are you excited to go to with China reopening its borders? Let us know within the feedback beneath!