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China Entry and Exit Requirements and Procedures 2024

Until November 30th, 2024 , ordinary passport holders of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malaysia can enjoy a 15-day visa-free entry to China.  

You can start planning your trip to China now! We will provide you with a flexible, tailor-made private tour of China . 

China has opened its borders to tourists from March 15, 2023. If you are planning to visit China, it's important to understand the entry and exit requirements and procedures that apply to international travelers.

Now, inbound and outbound travelers no longer need to complete the China Health Declaration Form and don't need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result, either.

China Entry Requirements

To enter China, you must have a valid passport and a China visa unless you are eligible for a visa-free entry or a visa-on-arrival.

Note: Though you are not required to complete the China Health Declaration Card and provide the COVID-19 test result before entering China Mainland, you still need to inform the customs and cooperate for health checks if you have symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or if you've been diagnosed with a contagious disease.

Customs Procedures

China's custom channels are divided into two types: the red channel (also called the tax channel) and the green channel (also called a free channel).

Red Channel

Foreign travelers usually enter China through the red channel. They must declare first to customs after filling in the passenger baggage declaration form and can enter after the registration at customs.

The completed customs declaration form must be presented again when leaving China. The form must be filled in truthfully and accurately, and those who provide false information or fail to declare items will be subject to legal action by customs once identified.

The items exceeding the maximum limit listed in the document table should be processed according to other relevant provisions.

Green Channel

Foreign personnel who have been granted a diplomatic visa-passport or courtesy visa-passport by the Chinese authorities or granted free-of-examination courtesy can choose the green channel. But they have to show their credentials to the customs and the declaration document table filled according to the requirements.

Hygiene Quarantine Requirements for Entering China

Foreigners entering China must truthfully fill in health declaration forms as requested by border quarantine departments. Failure to report infectious diseases may result in punishment for evading quarantine and prevention from entering China upon identification. Those who have entered China without reporting an infectious disease may be ordered to leave in advance.

Infectious patients from affected areas must present a valid certificate of immunization-related diseases (commonly known as the "yellow book"). If they do not have a valid certificate, the Frontier Health and Quarantine infected organs will run a test for six days from the day they leave the infected environment.

Commodities from areas that may have been contaminated by infectious diseases or become media articles of epidemic diseases are subject to health and sanitation inspection and quarantine treatment.

People Forbidden from entering China

The following individuals are not allowed to enter China:

A. Those who have been deported from China are under the regulated age.

B. Those who are considered possible terrorists or may undertake violence and subversive activities after entering.

C. Those who are suspected of possible smuggling, drug trafficking, and prostitution activities.

D. Those who have mental illnesses or have leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, open tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.

E. Those who cannot afford what is needed in China.

F. Those who are considered to possibly engage in activities that endanger the security and interests of China after entering.

The frontier checkpoint has the right to prevent the following individuals from entering:

A. Those who have no valid passports, certificates, or visas.

B. Those who have forged, defaced, or other people's passports or certificates.

C. Those who refuse to be inspected.

D. Those who are forbidden to enter by the Ministry of Public Security and the National Security Ministry.

Exiting China

Foreign tourists must leave China within the allowed time limit of their visa from the allocated port. They must present effective passports or other effective certificates to the port border checkpoint.

People Forbidden to Leave China

A. Defendants in a criminal case or criminal suspects identified by the people's procuratorates, public security organs, or court.

B. Individuals are not allowed to leave the country due to unsettled civil cases according to the People's Court notice.

C. Others whose behaviors have violated China's laws and have been identified by competent authorities as needing pursuit.

The border authorities have the right to prevent the following individuals from leaving China:

A. Those who hold invalid certificates.

B. Those who have forged, defaced, or other people's passports or certificates.

C. Those who refuse to be inspected.

More Articles on How to Enter China

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China Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to China

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended on public transportation.

China entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to China from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter China.

Can I travel to China if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter China without restrictions.

Can I travel to China without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter China without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter China?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering China.

Can I travel to China without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in China?

Mask usage in China is recommended on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in China?

Restaurants in China are open. Bars in China are .

I .Pre-boarding Nucleic Acid Test

All China-bound travelers will need to take nucleic acid test for COVID-19 within 48 hours before boarding, and can only travel to China when your test result is negative or after it turns from positive to negative. Please always bring the proof of your negative COVID-19 test result with you for inspection.

ll.Health Declaration to China Customs

You are required to declare your negative test result to China Customs by filling the Health Declaration Form on the WeChat miniprogram of China Customs (scan the QR code below), or at https://htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn, or via the China Customs APP.

Ill.Boarding Check

At boarding time , airlines will check if you have a negative result within 48 hours, and those who fail to present such a proof will not be allowed to board the plane.

IV. Self-protection on the Aircraft

You are suggested to wear a mask throughout the flight and take good personal protection to reduce the risk of infection

V. Inspection upon Entry

You can go through customs with your health declaration result, and China Customs may check your proof of negative COVID-19 test result.If you pass the health declaration and entry inspection, no further requirements will be imposed. lf there are anomalies in your health declaration or you are showing symptoms such as fever, you are required to take an antigen test by China Customs.Those whose results are positive will need to self-quarantine or seek medical treatment as notified by the authority. Those whose results are negative will go through routine quarantine inspection by China Customs in accordance with the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law and other laws and regulations

VI. After-entry Epidemic Prevention and Control

After entry into China, you will have to strictly abide by the epidemic prevention and contro requirements of the place where you stay .

Requirements for Proof of COVID-19 Test

I.The proof must have the name of the traveler, which should be exactly the same as it appears on the travel document used for the flight. It is recommended that the date of birth and travel document number also be shown on the proof

II. The proof must also have:

Time of the test or time of issue(at least one of them should be within 48 hours before boarding); testing method (which should be nucleic acid testing; antigen testing will not be accepted); test result(which should be negative; 'uncertain’ will not be accepted); and name and contact details of the testing institution.

III.The proof must be in the official language of the place of departure of your flight to China, or in English. It will be checked by the airline of your flight to China.

IV.It should be a hard copy. lf the testing institution issued a digital copy, please print it out and take it with you.

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China Travel Restrictions 2021/2022: An Explainer (Updated)

This article was originally posted on December 30, 2021, and last updated on December 16, 2022, to reflect the latest China travel restrictions.

From Zero-COVID to Living with COVID:  China has shifted from its zero-tolerance approach to COVID-19 to dismantling the majority of its prevention measures in a matter of weeks. While these long-awaited changes are welcomed by many, they also pose new challenges and risks for businesses and the economy. Businesses in China must take the necessary steps now to mitigate the potential impact of labor shortages and supply chain strain that may come with a surge in cases. Read our article here  to see the latest updates to China’s COVID policy and how businesses can prepare in the coming months.

UPDATE (December 13, 2022): Hong Kong lifts all COVID-19 curbs on inbound travelers. At a press briefing on Tuesday, December 13, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced two new changes to the region’s COVID-19 prevention system that will effectively nullify the “0+3” self-isolation requirement for inbound travelers. The first adjustment is the scrapping of QR codes on the “Leave Home Safe” app before entering various premises. However, the government will maintain the vaccine pass, and proof of three inoculations with a COVID-19 vaccine will still be required to enter certain premises, such as restaurants. The second adjustment is the scrapping of the “amber code”, a code issued to all arrivals in Hong Kong that restricts people from entering public premises for a period of three days. Instead, everyone who tests negative for COVID-19 will be issued with a blue code in their vaccine pass which will give them free access to public places. The government had previously removed the requirement for travelers to take a PCR test upon arrival, and from Tuesday, December 13 onward only need to take a rapid antigen test (RAT). The new adjustments to the QR and amber codes will be effective from Wednesday, December 14 onwards.

UPDATE (December 12, 2022): Hong Kong further loosens quarantine requirements. According to a notice posted on the Hong Kong government website, from Friday, December 9 onwards, the quarantine period for people infected with COVID-19 has been reduced from seven days to just five days. People that have tested positive for COVID-19 can now be released from quarantine if they test negative on a rapid antigen test (RAT) on days 4 and 5 after being placed into quarantine. Close contacts of infected people can now also be discharged on day 5 if they test negative on a RAT every day for the duration of the quarantine period. In addition, people arriving from Taiwan or overseas will now only be required to take RATs after arrival in Hong Kong, rather than a nucleic acid test. Previously, overseas arrivals were required to take nucleic acid tests on the first two days after arrival. The new requirements are effective from December 9 onward and apply retroactively to people who arrived in Hong Kong prior to this date and are still in self-isolation as of December 9. 

UPDATE (December 12, 2022): China’s travel code to go offline from December 13. Chinese media have reported that the travel code (通信行程卡), which was used to track whether people had traveled to areas with COVID-19 cases, will officially go offline from December 13 onward. All of the travel codes services, including text messages, web pages, the standalone app, and the Alipay and WeChat mini-programs, will no longer be accessible from this date. The retiring of the travel code marks the latest move to dismantle China’s COVID-19 prevention and control infrastructure.

UPDATE (December 7, 2022): China abandons the health code and centralized quarantine, along with new relaxed measures.

As of December 7, 2022, the National Health Commission held a press conference to release further optimization of COVID-19 measures. The adjusted regulations read as below:

• Risk areas confined to building and specific floors: Moving forward, risk areas will only be identified by the specific apartment, building, unit, or floor. Authorities are not allowed to arbitrarily classify a whole residential community, neighborhood, district, etc. in a high-risk region.
• Health Code and COVID-19 tests requirements: PCR tests will still be required in high-risk areas. However, other venues, establishments, or public places—aside from nursing homes, medical facilities, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, etc.—will no longer require testing or performing health code checks. Additionally, people traveling to China Additionally, if you travel to China, will no longer be asked to check their health code upon arrival if the COVID-19 test results are negative.
• Infected people can now isolate at home:  Infected people, including those who are asymptomatic or have “minor” symptoms, can isolate at home or in a dedicated facility. After six-to-seven days of home isolation, if double COVID-19 test results are negative, the patient will be released from isolation. Close contacts will also be able to conduct home quarantine for five days or can choose to isolate in a dedicated facility.
• Put “Quickly Lockdown, Quickly Release” into practice: After five days in a row with no new reported cases, high-risk areas (now only specified to particular floors and rooms in buildings)
• Make sure that everyone has access to health care: All pharmacies should be open for business and should not be forced to close. Online and offline sales of over-the-counter medications shouldn’t be prohibited.
• Vaccinate senior citizens: To increase the immunization rate for those between the ages of 60 and 79 as well as those 80 and older, all communities should adhere to the maxim “do everything feasible.”
• Improve population health status: Family physicians and neighborhood clinics would be granted complete authority as the “gatekeepers of health.”
• Make sure society runs normally and that basic medical services are available: Personnel mobility must not be restricted, and labor, manufacturing, or business operations must not be stopped in low-risk locations.
• Implement security: To guarantee that individuals may leave to go to a doctor for medical treatment and emergency refuge, it is completely prohibited to block fire routes, unit doors, and community doors in a variety of ways.
• Improve prevention and control measures in education: Nationwide criteria for accurate prevention and control should be firmly implemented in schools. Schools that are not affected by the virus should continue their regular offline instruction, and on-campus stores, canteens, stadiums, and libraries should operate normally.

UPDATE (December 4, 2022):  Major cities in China ease COVID-19 requirements to access public transport and places.

Several cities in China have declared that negative COVID-19 test results will no longer be required to ride public transport according to the optimization of control measures. Most cities also removed the negative test requirement to enter public spaces such as bars, restaurants, museums, and other establishments (apart from healthcare, educational, and certain other institutions). The list of municipalities and cities that announced changes includes: Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Tianjin, Harbin, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Dalian, Jinzhou, Shenyang, Taiyuan, Xi’an, Shanghai , and Chengdu.

UPDATE (November 29, 2022): China announces progress in COVID-19 vaccination and encourages booster shots for elderly groups.

  In a press conference held on November 29, 2022, the National Health Commission (NHC) disclosed that as of November 28, 2022,  the number of people over the age of 60 who were vaccinated and fully vaccinated reached 239.4 million and 228.165 million, accounting for 90.68 percent and 86.42 percent of the elderly population, respectively. The number of people over the age of 60 who have received booster shots reached 181.511 million. A total of 23.5663 million people over the age of 80 were fully vaccinated, accounting for 65.8 percent of the age group, a significant increase from 40 percent on November 11, 2022. The number of people over the age of 80 who have received booster shots reached 14.456 million. However, the vaccination rate for older people in China is generally below that of the US and Singapore. The NHC recommended that people without contraindications who are eligible for vaccination, especially the elderly, should be vaccinated as soon as possible, and those eligible for booster shots should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

UPDATE (NOVEMBER 11, 2022):  China further shortens mandatory hotel quarantine period for international arrivals, cancels the circuit breaker mechanism for inbound flights, and requires only one negative PCR test within 48 hours before boarding.  

According to a  circular  released by the National Health Commission (NHC) on Friday, November 11, 2022, China will ease some of its COVID-19 rules to better balance COVID-19 prevention and control with economic and social development. Among others, the below adjustments have been introduced:

• For close contacts and inbound travelers, the quarantine requirement will change from “7 days centralized quarantine + 3 days home health monitoring” to “5 days centralized quarantine + 3 days home quarantine”. Upon the completion of the quarantine at the first point of entry, the quarantine at the destination will not be repeated for inbound travelers.
• Secondary close contacts will no longer be traced.
• For people passing through high-risk areas, the quarantine requirement will change from “7 days centralized quarantine” to “7 days home quarantine”.
• The three categories of “high-risk areas, medium-risk areas, low-risk areas” will be simplified to two categories—”high-risk areas and low-risk areas”.
• Areas that are not experiencing outbreaks are discouraged from mass testing.
• The circuit breaker mechanism for inbound flights will be abolished, and the requirement of “two negative nucleic acid tests within 48 hours before boarding” will be adjusted to “one negative nucleic acid test within 48 hours before boarding”.
• Important inbound business personnel, sports groups, and other groups will be exempted from quarantine by staying within a “closed-loop bubble” throughout the duration of their stay in China, which means “point-to-point” transfer to the isolation-free closed-loop management area.
• China will intensify efforts to address the “one-size-fits-all” problem of COVID-19 prevention measures. It is strictly prohibited to arbitrarily close schools and classes, suspend production, block traffic without approval, arbitrarily adopt “static management”, arbitrarily impose lockdowns, and so on.
• During a COVID-19 outbreak, China shall make every effort to ensure the smooth flow of logistics. It is prohibited to arbitrarily ask key enterprises that are engaged in the overall industrial chain or provide services or products that affect people’s livelihoods to suspend production.
• China Briefing continues its coverage of updates on China travel restrictions on foreign nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In this article, we provide an overview of the latest China travel restrictions, including the latest regulations on flights to China, how to obtain a Chinese visa, China entry requirements during COVID, and current China quarantine rules.
• For regular COVID-19 updates, you can check our COVID-19 tracker , which is updated every weekday.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, China has imposed a strict “zero Covid” policy to prevent the spread of the virus and keep cases as close to zero as possible.

This policy has been largely successful, with the highest number of COVID-19 cases in 2021 numbering in the low thousands, far below that of many other countries.

Despite high hopes at the beginning of 2021 that China would begin to relax its rules and entry requirements, the recent Delta and Omicron outbreaks have only impelled the government to double down on prevention measures, including reducing the number of international flight routes, increasing the length of quarantines on arrival, and amping up domestic prevention measures.

In this article, we explain how foreigners can enter China – from booking a flight to obtaining a visa to undergoing pre- and post-flight testing and quarantine – and offer an overview of China’s domestic COVID-19 prevention measures and policies.

Flights to China

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is responsible for approving direct international flight routes to and from China, as well as the airlines approved to operate on these routes. To see the dates of currently scheduled flights approved by the CAAC, look up the departure city and destination on the CAAC website’s flight search (Chinese only).

The CAAC recently announced an increase in the number of weekly flights for the winter and spring seasons. According to a notice published on the central government website, in the period from October 30, 2022, to March 25, 2023, foreign and domestic airlines can operate a total of 840 passenger flights a week, an increase of 105.9 percent from the same period in 2021 and 2022. In addition, a total of 6,148 weekly cargo flights can be operated, an increase of 6.7 percent from the same period the year before.

In response to the announcement, several Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Xiamen Airlines have announced new international flight routes starting from the week of November 1, 2022. China Airlines’ new flight routes include Beijing to Johannesburg, Chongqing to Budapest, and Chongqing to Ho Chi Minh City, according to a report from The Global Times .

In order to implement the State Council’s requirements for an orderly increase of international passenger flights as soon as possible, several airline companies in China have announced the resumption or increase in the number of international routes. Among them:

• China Eastern Airlines plans to increase its weekly international routes to 42 and flights to 108 flights from October 30, 2022, up from 25 routes and 54 flights in mid-October.
• In November, China Eastern Airlines will continue to resume and increase its international routes with Manila and Ho Chi Minh.
• China Southern Airlines announced that it would increase its weekly international flights from 71 to 86.
• Hainan Airlines plans to increase international flights between Chongqing and Rome to two a week from November 6, 2022.
• The official WeChat account of Air China announced that it would resume several international routes.
• Spring Airlines said on its official WeChat account on October 13 that it would start operating multiple routes with Hong Kong and Macao and other international routes from October 14, 2022.
• Juneyao Airlines has resumed and added some international routes in October with Seoul and Osaka.

These moves are mostly to answer the demand for business travel and don’t mean that China will resume large-scale international travel soon, according to a Caixin report. China has gradually eased COVID-19 prevention measures for international travelers over the past few months. Nevertheless, the number of daily cross-border flights is only five percent of that in 2019. 

As of November 11, 2022, China has abolished the “circuit breaker” mechanism for controlling the number of inbound flights, which would see flight routes suspended if passengers tested positive for COVID-19 after arrival in China. This is a major step toward increasing the number of flights to China and will reduce the number of flight cancelations and delays.

China travel restrictions

China has imposed strict travel restrictions on international arrivals since March 2020 to stop the introduction of COVID-19 cases from abroad. Since then, the restrictions have successively been loosened and tightened again in response to the changing situation of the pandemic worldwide.

In addition to the reduced frequency of international passenger flights, restrictions include limited visa availability (including a suspension of tourist visas) and strict COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements before and after arrival in China.

Overview of past China travel restrictions

China has been adjusting its travel/entry policies from time to time based on the global pandemic situation, and so far, it has implemented four major phases of travel restrictions.

Phase I: China first imposed travel restrictions on March 28, 2020. At this time, foreigners from all countries were prohibited from entering China on most types of visas. Exceptions were given to those who held diplomatic, service, courtesy, or C visas; those traveling to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific, or technological activities; or out of emergency humanitarian needs. New visas issued after March 28, 2020 were not affected.

Phase II: The Phase I restrictions were temporarily lifted in September 2020, when foreigners  with valid residence permits for work, personal matters, and reunion, would be allowed to  enter the country without needing to re-apply for new visas.

Those whose visas or residence permits had expired in the meantime could re-apply for relevant visas by presenting the expired residence permits, without requiring a new invitation letter. The re-application had to be on the condition that the purpose of the visa or permit holders’ visit to China  remained unchanged.

Phase III:   On November 3, 2020, due to the worsening pandemic in several areas of the world, China re-imposed the initial rules set out in March of 2020 for foreign nationals from the following countries: the UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Russia, Ukraine, Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, and South Africa.

Under this policy,  foreigners from these countries will need to fully follow the entry rules set during Phase I restrictions. New visas issued after November 3, 2020 were not affected.

Phase IV: In early March 2021, China   announced that travelers who have received Chinese COVID-19 vaccines and obtained the vaccination certificate can enjoy streamlined visa applications from March 15, 2021. We discuss this in more detail below.

Obtaining a visa to China

At present, foreigners are permitted to enter China if they have a valid residence permit or a corresponding visa obtained after March 28, 2020 (except for foreign nationals from the countries exempted in Phase III). Foreign nationals from the countries listed in Phase III are only permitted entry if they have obtained a visa or residence permit after November 3, 2020, when the Phase III restrictions were imposed.

Below is an overview of the types of visas that are currently being issued by Chinese visa offices.

In addition to the above scenarios, foreign nationals who have been inoculated with a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine can enjoy an easier visa application procedure with looser requirements, although they are still limited to the above visa types. The applicants will be required to provide the vaccination certificate along with the other application documents.

The loosened application requirements are:

• Standard application procedure – the same as before the COVID-19 pandemic – for foreign nationals and their family members who travel to China for purposes of “resuming work and production”.
• A looser definition of ‘emergency need’ for application to a humanitarian visa. The definition can be expanded to include reuniting with family in China, elderly care, and visiting relatives.
• APEC business travel card holders can apply for a business visa (M visa) by presenting the original valid APEC business travel card and an invitation letter issued by the inviting party in mainland China.

The below visa types are currently not being issued:

• Tourist visa (L visa)
• Student visa (X1 and X2 visa) (except for South Korean nationals)

The following visa-free policies are also currently suspended:

• 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy
• Hainan 30-day visa-free policy
• 15-day visa-free policy for foreign cruise group tours through Shanghai Port
• Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign group tours from Hong Kong or Macao SAR
• Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries

In early June, China waived the requirement for a PU letter (a government-issued invitation letter) for work visas (Z visas) and visas for dependent family members (Q visa).

The following types of foreign travelers will no longer be required to apply for a PU Letter, and they will be able to apply for a Chinese work visa/Z-visa to the relevant Chinese authorities abroad by presenting their Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit or proof of family relationship:

• Foreigners who have been approved by the competent authorities to work in China and hold a valid Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit.
• Foreign dependents whose spouse has been approved to work in China (including those who are already in the country), and their children under the age of 18 years.

Visa application waiver for APEC card holders and students with residence permits

Effective from August 24, 2022, foreigners who hold a valid APEC card to conduct business in China and foreign students with a valid residence permit for study purposes can enter China without applying for a new visa, as per the announcement of the Chinese embassies in various countries. In addition, China will also resume accepting Study X1-Visa applications from foreigners applying to study in China for more than 180 days. Please consult the respective embassy website of  Myanmar , Thailand , Singapore , Malaysia , Indonesia , Nepal , Kazakhstan , Palestine , Bahrain , Kyrgyzstan , Pakistan , Tajikistan , Qatar , Italy , Ireland , the United Kingdom , Sweden , Montenegro , Malta , Algeria , South Africa , Rwanda , Liberia , Zambia , Tanzania , Mexico , Canada , Cuba , Brazil for further clarification. The Chinese embassy in India has also updated the “Application Procedures and Material Requirements of China Visa” , to be implemented starting August 24, 2022.

Possible return of tourism to China

China has begun to consider reopening its border to some foreign tourists. On September 16, 2022, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism released an exposure draft of the  Measures for Border Tourism Administration for public comment until September 29, 2022. According to the exposure draft, China will encourage its border areas to create distinctive border tourism destinations, specify that border tourism groups can flexibly choose entry and exit ports, and remove preconditions, such as border travel approval and some entry and exit document requirements. Some analysts  believe it’s a positive sign that China will make it easier for foreigners to enter the country, though only foreign tourists as part of tour groups would be allowed to visit specific border tourism sites. More details are yet to be released regarding issues, such as whether such tourists need to follow China’s quarantine requirements for inbound travelers.

Pre-flight requirements

Since July 20, 2020, the CAAC has required both foreign and Chinese passengers flying into China to obtain COVID-19 negative certificates, known as green Health Declaration Certificate (HDC) codes, before boarding if they are flying from or transiting in any of these countries .

Pre-flight COVID-19 testing

As of November 11, 2022, passengers traveling to China are only required to take one nucleic acid (PCR) COVID-19 test within 48 hours of traveling to mainland China. This is a reduction from the previous requirement of two tests prior to the flight. If the passenger has to transit in a third city or country to travel to China, the test can now also be done in either the initial place of departure or the transit city, provided the test is done within 48 hours of boarding the flight to mainland China. Previously, passengers had to take the test in both the initial departure city and the transit city.

The COVID-19 tests must be done at facilities designated or recognized by Chinese embassies in the host country. The Chinese embassies will carefully assess the testing capacity of host countries and formulate travel procedures when testing conditions are met. Check the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website for lists of designated testing facilities in the country of departure.

Applying for a green HS/HDC code

After having taken the requisite COVID-19 test, passengers must apply for a green HS code (for Chinese nationals) or a green HDC code (for foreign nationals). Foreign nationals can apply for HDC codes by registering on the MOFA website and Chinese nationals can apply for HS codes on the WeChat mini program “防疫健康码国际版”.

The following documents are required when applying for the HDC code:

• Negative COVID-19 test results
• Flight itinerary
• Other (check the local MOFA website for a detailed list of required documents as each departure city may have different requirements).

The HDC and HS codes are valid for two days from the date of the COVID-19 test.

The green HDC code can now be obtained from the consulate or embassy in the place where the test was conducted. Passengers no longer need to obtain the code in the city from which the direct flight to China departs, unless that is also the place where the test is issued.

Travelers are advised to check the guidance of the airline they are flying with for information on airport COVID-19 testing facilities and for any other COVID-19 restrictions or requirements of the origin or transit countries that could interfere with travel plans.

China quarantine rules

China has further reduced the period of mandatory quarantine and self-isolation for international arrivals to just five days of centralized hotel quarantine plus three days of self-isolation in a hotel or at home (the “5+3” policy). The cost of the quarantine hotel must be covered by the passenger, and generally ranges between RMB 350 (US$55) and RMB 600 (US$94) per day, depending on the quality of the hotel. The passenger generally cannot choose which hotel they will be quarantined in, although sometimes they will be given the option to choose between different price points.

During this time, you will not be permitted to leave your hotel room for any reason. Travelers are generally required to quarantine in separate hotel rooms, but children under the age of 14 are permitted to quarantine in the same room as a parent. You will also be required to take regular COVID-19 tests throughout the duration of your stay at the quarantine hotel.

Some people can apply for an exemption to centralized quarantine and get permission to quarantine at home for all or part of the five days. Those people include those who are:

• Older than 70
• Younger than 14
• With an underlying medical condition

After being released from centralized quarantine, you must undergo three days of self-isolation, which can be done either at home or in another hotel if you do not have a home to go to. During this period, you must refrain from social gatherings and take a nucleic acid test on days 1 and 3.

Some cities may have additional self-isolation and/or testing requirements for people that arrive from abroad, even if they have completed the hotel quarantine and self-isolation in another mainland city. Health monitoring restrictions vary between districts and cities but may involve home quarantine (if you are a resident of the arrival city), restricted movement (such as only within the community where your house or hotel is situated), and regular COVID-19 tests and temperature checks.

China provincial travel restrictions

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 across provinces and cities in China, there are several domestic prevention measures in place for domestic travelers. The most common is the requirement to show a green health and travel code either before taking a train, plane, or bus to a different city or upon arrival.

Some cities will also require travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test taken in the last 48 hours, either before boarding the chosen mode of transport or upon arrival at the destination (or both).

Note that many hotels have temporarily stopped accepting foreign guests due to COVID-19 restrictions. Some that do accept foreign guests may also require them to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 48 hours, even if the city itself does not impose this requirement.

If you are staying in any other specialized or restricted area, such as a school, university campus, or government facility, you may also be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test to enter even if there is no city-wide requirement. It is therefore advised to call ahead to ensure that the hotel or other accommodation can accept foreign guests and to confirm which documents are required to stay there.

Quarantine requirements for domestic arrivals depend on whether the traveler has been to a high-risk area (keep reading below for more details on China’s risk tier system).

All arrivals from high-risk areas within China are now required to undergo seven days of home quarantine and health monitoring, rather than seven days of the centralized hotel quarantine. During this period,  travelers must take a nucleic acid test on days 1, 3, 5, and 7.

Travelers can search the latest local travel requirements by entering the departure and destination city in the travel policy search tool on the State Council app or WeChat mini program. This service is currently only available in Chinese. To find the tool in WeChat, search “疫情服务” ( yìqíng fúwù – pandemic services) and then choose “出行防疫政策查询” ( chūxíng fángyì zhèngcè cháxún – travel pandemic prevention policy search) under the “tools” section (实用工具 – shíyòng gōngjù ).

In general, if you are traveling from a low-risk area, you will not be required to quarantine, although negative COVID-19 tests may be required.

Measures to reduce the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on service sector

On February 18, 2022, the country’s main economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), along with other government bodies, issued a list of supportive policies for the service sector, which, among other things, bans local governments from implementing lockdowns and travel restrictions without approval from the central government. Specifically, the policy list outlines several “must nots” for local authorities, which include:

• Must not stop people from low-risk areas from returning to their hometowns;
• Must not arbitrarily expand the scope of medium and high-risk areas;
• Must not subject people from low-risk areas to measures such as centralized quarantine without authorization or arbitrarily extend the period of centralized quarantine;
• Must not lock down cities or districts in breach of epidemic prevention regulations or unnecessarily interrupt public transport without approval;
• Must not shut down or extend shutdowns of restaurants, supermarkets, scenic spots, movie theaters, and other service providers without a policy basis.

The policy measures will hopefully make it easier for people to travel between different regions in China, in particular those living in areas with medium and high-risk areas, and help boost domestic consumption.

China’s COVID-19 risk level system

China has previously imposed a three-tiered system for determining the risk level of a given jurisdiction in China, with the risk level divided into low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk. However, On November 11, 2022, the NHC stated that the medium-risk designation would be abolished. Now, all of China is designated as “low risk” by default, and areas that have recorded a positive COVID-19 case in the last five days are classed as “high risk”. Check our COVID-19 tracker for the latest numbers of high-risk areas.

China’s National Health Commission also launched a WeChat mini program for citizens to check out the infection risk level of a certain area and for frontline workers to check the countries and cities visited by a traveler in the past 14 days. A ‘visit’ to a given city or region constitutes a stay of over four hours in total.

The program also allows users to check if they have taken the same public transport as a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

China health code

As part of the domestic COVID-19 prevention measures, citizens are required to present a green health or travel code to enter public places and travel between cities in China.

There are two main health codes required for traveling within China: The Health Code (健康吗/随身吗) and the Travel Code (行程卡). Both health codes are embedded into the popular messaging app WeChat, operated by Tencent, and the payment app Alipay, operated by Alibaba. The travel code can also be downloaded as a standalone app.

To obtain the codes, residents must input information, including an ID number, home address, health status, contact history, and residence history, into the apps. The apps will then generate a green, yellow, or red QR code depending on their travel and contact history.

The health code tracks the holder’s health status based on location services and the information they have provided. Most cities use the same health code, which will update automatically to the local version based on the phone’s location services (see image below). However, some cities, such as Beijing (which uses a mini-program called the “Health Kit” (健康宝)), have their own standalone apps or mini-programs. You may therefore have to register for a separate local health code when traveling to certain cities.

The travel code, meanwhile, tracks and lists all the cities you have traveled to in the last 14 days. It will turn yellow if you have traveled to a medium-risk area or red if you have traveled to a high-risk area in the last 14 days.

The significance of holding a green, yellow, or red health code differs in different cities and regions. A green health code generally means citizens can freely move around and travel to different cities, although some cities and regions will still require inbound travelers to quarantine or self-isolate upon arrival. The yellow or red code may subject the holder to seven and 14 days of quarantine respectively, at home or at a designated hotel.

Generally speaking, as long as you are traveling from a low-risk area, the green color in your health code system won’t change. But if you are from medium or high-risk areas, your travel to other Chinese provinces and cities will probably be restricted and you will be required to quarantine upon arrival.

Fast-track channels with foreign countries

China has set up fast-track channels with various countries that will make it easier for those traveling for essential business or official visits to travel to and from China. So far, China has signed fast-track agreements with Germany , France, South Korea , the UK , Japan , and Singapore .

In addition to the above, in November 2021, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Shanghai announced that it had reached an agreement with the local Foreign Affairs Offices (FAO) to implement a US-China fast-track program in early 2022. Details of the fast-track program have yet to be released.

To qualify, applicants must get a letter from the local Chinese embassy granting approval for the fast lane program. Fast-track travelers are required to undergo COVID-19 testing before departure and after arrival in China. Those who test negative after arrival in China are not required to undergo centralized quarantine but must adhere to a strictly monitored itinerary for the first 14 days and take regular tests.

According to the European Chamber of China , supporting measures to facilitate the return of foreign nationals to China for urgent or necessary purposes are being conducted at a local level, including in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, and Tianjin.

In Shanghai, the MOFA and the Shanghai Municipality Government have issued two channels – a normal channel and a fast track channel – to facilitate the entry into China of employees essential for business operations.

The fast-track channel is only applied to employees of companies whose country of origin has signed a fast-track agreement with China.

Employees entering Shanghai following the fast-track procedure will be allowed to start work within 48 hours after arrival, subject to negative COVID-19 test results. Those entering Shanghai following the normal procedure will be subject to a 14-day quarantine at a designated central facility. Please see our article here to understand the detailed application procedures.

For South Korea, in addition to the other fast-track privileges, China has also resumed issuing visas to South Korean students, employees hired to work in China, and those with residence permits.

China recognition of foreign vaccines

In April 2021, China confirmed it would accept US travelers inoculated with American-made vaccines. The Chinese Embassy in the United States issued a notice on April 21, 2021, allowing US passengers vaccinated with American-made non-inactivated vaccines to depart from Dallas and enter the Chinese mainland. The accepted American-made non-inactivated vaccines include vaccines made by Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. The Notice required that passengers must get all the required shots before their trip to China. China-bound passengers are still required to provide positive IgM antibody test results as well as negative PCR test results.

Will China travel restrictions be loosened in 2022?

China has already loosened travel restrictions several times in 2022, but many restrictions still remain. Loosened restrictions include shortened mandatory hotel quarantine for inbound travelers from 14 days to just five, the removal of centralized hotel quarantine for domestic travelers from high-risk areas, shortened time period in which an area or district is designated as “high-risk”, and the abolishing secondary close contact tracking, among others.

These developments will make it considerably easier for people to travel to and around China and reduce the risk of lockdowns and closures for businesses and individuals.

However, the road toward the complete lifting of all restrictions and a change to “living with COVID” is still unclear. The EU Chamber of Commerce in China has stated in its European Business in China Position Paper 2022/2023 (Position Paper) that it does not anticipate a full reopening of the Chinese border until H2 2023.

Meanwhile, Chinese officials have repeatedly shot down speculation that China will abolish its “zero COVID”, or “dynamic clearing” policy, stating that the need for COVID-19 prevention measures has not gone away.   In an  interview  with CCTV on October 13, 2022, the Head of the National Health Commission’s expert group on epidemic control Liang Wannian reiterated the need to maintain zero-COVID in China because at present, China “cannot achieve a complete balance between the resistance of our health system and viral diseases” and that lifting of restrictions “will lead to a large number of infections, severe illness, and death” which would “lead to a run on the medical system, which in turn will further aggravate people’s fears and have a greater impact on society and the economy”. When asked about a possible timeline for return to normal life, he said that “from a scientific point of view, it is difficult to clearly delineate a specific time period”.

China’s zero-Covid policy has proven, thus far, to be extremely effective at preventing the spread of the virus through the population, even with the arrival of the more infectious Delta and Omicron variants. As of November 14, 2022, the official death toll is only 5,226, and the total number of confirmed infections is 268,753 – far below that of other countries.

Although the prevention measures would be considered drastic in other parts of the world, they largely have the support of the wider Chinese population. This is helped by the fact that due to the highly targeted nature of the lockdowns and travel restrictions, only a very small proportion of the population is affected at one time – usually only those living in the district or housing community in which a case was detected – thereby allowing the majority of the population to live life as normal.

In addition, the recent spread of the Omicron variant has given even more credence to China’s prevention strategy and has only led it to double down on its current policies. This is compounded by the fact that China’s domestic booster vaccines (which have been used to administer 1.27 billion doses as of November 4, 2022), appear to be weaker against the new Omicron variant than previous strains.

Apart from genuine concern for the health and well-being of the population and the stability of the healthcare system, China also has political and economic reasons for remaining unwavering in its zero-Covid stance.

During the first wave of COVID-19 in Wuhan in early 2020, the government found itself the subject of a rare bout of criticism from the general population as case numbers and the death toll rose. The government has since worked hard to regain the confidence of the people, and one way to do this is to ensure the basic livelihoods of the people – by providing fiscal stimulus and support, but above all else, by ensuring that COVID-19 is not permitted to spread as it did in early 2020.

On the other hand, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on China was devastating – as it was in most of the world – and yet the country has succeeded in mostly bouncing back without reopening to foreign travel. One of the major contributors to the post-COVID recovery was domestic consumption, which has been greatly boosted by low COVID-19 numbers allowing a return to normal work and productivity.

In short, the economic impact of keeping borders closed is far lower than the impact of COVID-19 spreading through the population.

Going into 2023, what we may see instead, and what is suggested by the recent developments, is not necessarily a complete reopening, but instead further gradual steps toward relaxation, as well as a more flexible approach to allow local jurisdictions to adapt restrictions to local needs and conditions. The central government has previously admonished local governments for implementing a “one-size-fits-all” strategy for COVID-19 prevention, which has led to excessively strict or ineffective measures. The November 11 notice from the NHC explicitly calls for reining in excessive COVID-19 prevention measures, which cause significant disruption to business operations and the daily lives of individuals.

There are, of course, also some situations that could help convince authorities to further ease restrictions. One is the roll-out of a highly effective vaccine. China is developing its own mRNA vaccine, which may be approved for use soon . In addition to a domestic vaccine, the mRNA vaccine developed by Germany’s BioNTech has recently been approved for expats living in China, and the company has previously also reached an agreement with Shanghai Fosun Pharma to set up a 50-50 joint venture to produce and sell mRNA vaccines in China. Mean while, the Shanghai-based biopharma firm Everest Medicine has signed a license agreement with the Canadian biotech company Providence Therapeutics to produce and sell its potential mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in China. Everest Medicine hopes to complete their China factory by the end of the year.

In addition to an effective vaccine, an effective drug to treat COVID-19 could also mark a significant step toward reopening. On December 8, 2021, China’s top medicine regulator, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved a neutralizing antibody combination therapy against COVID-19, which can be used for adults and adolescents with mild to moderate symptoms who are at risk of developing more severe symptoms. Clinical trials show a significant reduction in hospitalization and death, and the drug has already been used on patients in China.

As it currently stands, however, China is not ready to fully reopen quarantine-free travel, and restrictions are expected to persist. The next best thing may be further relaxing of travel restrictions, shortening of quarantines and lockdown periods, and potential “closed-loop” tourist areas in border regions.

China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates . The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at [email protected] .

Dezan Shira & Associates has offices in Vietnam , Indonesia , Singapore , United States , Germany , Italy , India , and Russia , in addition to our trade research facilities along the Belt & Road Initiative . We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand , Bangladesh .

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As China reopens for travel, here's everything you need to know

Hotel quarantine requirements are being scrapped from sunday.

Passengers arrive at Hankou railway station on the first day of peak travel ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in Wuhan, Hubei province. AFP

After three years, China is finally reopening for travel , but as the country experiences its first national wave of Covid-19 cases , what does that mean for travellers going into and flying out of the country?

What is changing in China on January 8?

As it scraps its zero-Covid policy , which has led to the rise in cases, Chinese authorities are lifting several major Covid-related entry restrictions as of Sunday and this includes quarantine requirements for international arrivals.

Before now, foreign travellers needed to quarantine for five days in a hotel and self-isolate three days at home.

Now, anyone heading to China needs to take a nucleic acid test 48 hours before departure and people with negative results no longer have to apply for a green health code from embassies and consulates before entering the country.

Visitors do still need to fill in a customs health declaration form, however, and positive cases cannot travel to China until they're testing negative again.

Can international travellers now fly to China?

Not quite. Borders remain mostly closed to foreign travellers for leisure reasons for now, but an easing of restrictions has been announced, with no clear timeline. For example, the country needs to start issuing tourism visas again and while that's part of the reopening plan, no date has been set for it.

For now, the focus is on visa applications for foreign nationals travelling to the country for business, family reasons, employment and reunions.

This includes Chinese nationals studying or working abroad, who may not have been able to travel home for nearly three years due to the costs of flight tickets or hotel quarantines.

Can people fly out of China?

Yes, the rule that stopped Chinese citizens from going overseas for "non-essential" reasons has also been lifted, allowing international travel for leisure again. Getting back into the country has become much easier, too.

According to global travel service provider Trip.com Group, mainland China's outbound flight bookings on the morning of December 27 — the day after the easing of travel restrictions from January 8 was announced — increased by 254 per cent, when compared to the previous day.

In particular, searches for flights to Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand led the surge.

China's Ministry of Transport said on Friday that it expects more than two billion passengers to take trips over the next 40 days.

However, as Covid-19 cases soar in the country, international governments have placed restrictions on travellers coming from China.

Qatar, for example, announced it would require people arriving from China to provide a negative Covid-19 result from a test taken within 48 hours of departure, with the measures in place from last Tuesday.

The US, Canada, Australia and the UK imposed PCR testing requirements on any travellers from mainland China from Thursday.

A notice for travellers arriving from China to undergo mandatory Covid tests at Caselle airport, in Turin, Italy. EPA

Morocco took this one step further by banning all travellers arriving from China, “to avoid a new wave of contaminations in Morocco and all its consequences”, said the foreign ministry.

But the International Air Transport Association called these "knee-jerk reactions".

“Several countries are introducing Covid-19 testing and other measures for travellers from China, even though the virus is already circulating widely within their borders," said Willie Walsh, director general of IATA. "It is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years.

"Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections. At most, restrictions delayed that peak by a few days. If a new variant emerges in any part of the world, the same situation would be expected.

"That’s why governments should listen to the advice of experts, including the World Health Organisation, that advise against travel restrictions."

What about domestic travel?

While domestic travel within China has been largely allowed throughout the pandemic, its popularity has had peaks and troughs, particularly as movement was restricted thanks to digital health codes. But these are no longer in place.

Chinese travel agencies are reporting spikes in bookings and searches to various destinations, including Beijing, particularly around the Lunar New Year public holiday, which runs from January 21 to 27.

Major attractions across the country, including museums and theme parks, are now welcoming visitors as normal.

What Covid restrictions remain in China?

China scrapped its zero-Covid policy, which it has had in place since the beginning of the pandemic, in December, following public protests.

This included mass testing, home quarantine for people with Covid-19 and sporadic lockdowns.

Currently, there are no government mandates for face mask-wearing and social distancing, although it's strongly encouraged in indoor places and on public transport, where mobile health QR codes are also still required.

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China to ease visa requirements for U.S. travelers in latest bid to boost tourism

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China will ease visa restrictions for people visiting from the United States, the country’s latest effort to attract foreign travelers since reopening its borders earlier this year.

Starting Jan. 1, American tourists will no longer need to submit round-trip air tickets, proof of hotel reservations, itineraries or invitations to China, according to a notice posted online Friday by the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

The simplified application process is intended to “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States,” the notice said.

The move comes as China has struggled to rejuvenate its tourism sector after three years of strict pandemic measures, which included mandatory quarantines for all arrivals. While those restrictions were lifted earlier this year, international travelers have been slow to return.

In the first half of this year, China recorded 8.4 million entries and exits by foreigners, down from 977 million for all of 2019, the last year before the pandemic, according to immigration statistics.

In another bid to boost tourism, China announced last month that it would allow visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for up to 15 days.

The one-year trial program signaled China’s “high-level opening up to the outside world,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing.

But China’s efforts to entice American tourists may face other headwinds. International flights between the two countries, which are set by a bilateral agreement, remain well below pandemic levels, though they have slowly increased in recent months.

Over the summer, amid deteriorating relations between Beijing and Washington, the U.S. recommended Americans reconsider traveling to China, citing the risk of wrongful detentions and exit bans.

“The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law,” the advisory said.

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Everything you need to know about traveling to China

China is finally reopening to foreign tourists after ending its ‘zero covid’ policies.

Three years after shutting down to outsiders, China is finally beginning to issue visas to foreign tourists.

As of March 15 , the country will begin issuing all categories of visas, including those for tourism. China will allow visa-free entry to areas such as the island of Hainan and for cruise ships visiting Shanghai. Multiyear, multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, will be accepted by Chinese visa authorities as long as they’re still valid.

The country dropped its severe mandatory quarantine on arrival on Jan. 8 , and now only requires travelers to show negative results from a coronavirus test (PCR or rapid, depending on their country of origin) taken within 48 hours of departure.

It’s an exciting move for many American travelers.

“As soon as China relaxed its covid restrictions and started allowing their own citizens to travel, we had a huge influx of people wanting to start planning their trip,” John Rose, chief risk and security officer of the travel agency Altour , said in January.

Angela Hughes, owner of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel , has seen similar interest from clients, and is anticipating the country to become a “sizzling hot” destination once the doors fully open.

If you’re considering planning a trip to China, here’s what you need to know before you go.

The top travel destinations for 2023, according to experts

When can you start planning a trip to China?

Travelers interested in visiting China may apply for entry visas and start planning trips now.

Tourism experts started getting trips on the schedule even before the return of China’s tourist visas. The small-group tour company Intrepid Travel plans to host its first trip in mainland China since January 2020 by June. The company’s partners on the ground in China are actively preparing for the return of tourism, says Natalie Kidd, Intrepid’s Asia division managing director.

How to get refunds if your flight is canceled

Going as soon as China allows won’t be for everybody. Hughes says first-time visitors, families or more risk-averse travelers may want to wait until 2024, when the situation becomes more stable. More adventurous travelers are another story. “I’m definitely going to go right when it opens,” Hughes said in January.

Although China is open for tourism, Catherine Heald, CEO of the luxury travel company Remote Lands , is bracing for more complications.

Citing concerns like limited international commercial flights into China and remaining pandemic restrictions, “we think it will be a slower process than what we witnessed in Japan, Thailand and other parts of Asia,” she said in an email.

What to know about coronavirus protocols in China

With the end of its “zero covid” strategy, China has dropped significant measures like its frequent coronavirus testing and digital health codes for locals, or presenting negative covid tests or health certificates to travel within the country. China is also easing restrictions on the number of flights allowed in.

However, the U.S. Embassy in China warns the country’s policies are subject to change at any time.

For now, the main pandemic restriction in place is for travelers. According to a March 14 news conference from China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, China has begun accepting negative results from rapid tests (depending on your country of origin — at this time, Americans should default to PCR testing ). Tests must be taken within 48 hours of departure to China. Kidd says masks are still recommended in China, but not mandated in public areas (except for places like hospitals and clinics) and no quarantines or isolation are required if someone does get covid-19.

This airline booking hack is dividing the internet

What are the risks of visiting as soon as possible?

As of March, the U.S. State Department has a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for China (along with Hong Kong and Macao) due to the “arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” its website reads . Travelers considering a trip to China should refer to the State Department’s entire travel information page for updates on travel advisories and country information.

Neil Slabbert, World Travel Protection ’s chief medical officer for the Asia-Pacific region, says travelers need to be aware of the potential of lockdowns by local authorities that can make accessing health care difficult. There were also reports last spring of parents and children being separated if one or the other tested positive for covid. Travelers should prepare accordingly, and have emergency plans in place (like where they’ll get food, water and medicine) in case of lockdowns or infection.

Rose says those considering a trip should keep an eye on the information we have available at the time of booking, throughout your planning and just before you travel. Don’t forget what reopening looked like for other regions in 2021 and 2022. Countries implemented and removed restrictions “very, very quickly” in reaction to covid cases, and China may be no different.

Hughes says such risks make travel insurance a nonnegotiable for anyone going to China. “Every single person traveling internationally right now needs to have a complete policy above and beyond their credit card’s,” she said, recommending the companies she uses, Allianz and AIG .

What I learned on a two-week trip to Vietnam and Cambodia

What travel will be like once you get there

Like every place in the infancy of its pandemic reopening, China won’t be back to “normal” for the first returning travelers.

Kidd says China is still the same amazing destination with iconic sites and fantastic food, but tourism won’t immediately be the well-oiled machine it once was. Intrepid’s vendors have noted that, as in the rest of the world, many people left China’s tourism industry, and there will be lot of new people entering the field as businesses staff up again.

“We’re having the dialogue that we had two years ago when Europe opened up now with China,” Hughes said.

No matter the method, Kidd says there’s one big perk of returning early: being able to see the country’s highlights with fewer visitors.

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Update January 10, 2024

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China Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 30, 2023, see summaries - mainland china, hong kong & macau.

Reissued with updates to wrongful detention language and information for the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions (SARs).

Summary: Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions .

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services . Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction. 

Mainland China – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws , including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions .

Summary:  The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law.

The Department of State has determined the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the PRC government exists in the PRC.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens in the PRC may be subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law.

Foreigners in the PRC, including but not limited to businesspeople, former foreign-government personnel, academics, relatives of PRC citizens involved in legal disputes, and journalists have been interrogated and detained by PRC officials for alleged violations of PRC national security laws. The PRC has also interrogated, detained, and expelled U.S. citizens living and working in the PRC.

PRC authorities appear to have broad discretion to deem a wide range of documents, data, statistics, or materials as state secrets and to detain and prosecute foreign nationals for alleged espionage. There is increased official scrutiny of U.S. and third-country firms, such as professional service and due diligence companies, operating in the PRC. Security personnel could detain U.S. citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.

Security personnel could detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR governments.

In addition, the PRC government has used restrictions on travel or departure from the PRC, or so-called exit bans, to:

• compel individuals to participate in PRC government investigations;
• pressure family members of the restricted individual to return to the PRC from abroad;
• resolve civil disputes in favor of PRC citizens; and
• gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.

U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart the PRC, and there may be no available legal process to contest an exit ban in a court of law. Relatives, including minor children, of those under investigation in the PRC may become subject to an exit ban.

The PRC government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a U.S. citizen and choose to enter Mainland China on travel documents other than a U.S. passport and are detained or arrested, the PRC government may not notify the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulates General or allow consular access.

Check with the PRC Embassy in the United States for the most updated information on travel to the PRC. In some limited circumstances travelers to Mainland China may face additional COVID-19 testing requirements to enter some facilities or events.

The Department of State does not provide or coordinate direct medical care to private U.S. citizens abroad. U.S. citizens overseas may receive PRC-approved COVID-19 vaccine doses where they are eligible.

Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC. A positive drug test, even if the drug was legal elsewhere, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering the PRC. PRC authorities may compel cooperation with blood, urine, or hair testing. Penalties for drug offense may exceed penalties imposed in the United States.

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION, TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, and TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS PREFECTURES

Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence and surveillance, are common in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, and Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice.

If you decide to travel to Mainland China:

• Enter the PRC on your U.S. passport with a valid PRC visa and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for Mainland China .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
• Keep a low profile.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Beijing or the nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately.
• Review the  China Country Security Report  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Embassy Beijing on  Twitter ,  WeChat , and  Weibo .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the PRC.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• If you plan to enter the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), read the  DPRK Travel Advisory . U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK, unless they are specially validated by the Department of State.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Summary: Since the imposition of the National Security Law on June 30, 2020, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has demonstrated an intent to use the law to target a broad range of activities such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The National Security Law also covers offenses committed by non-Hong Kong SAR residents or organizations outside of the Hong Kong SAR, which could subject U.S. citizens who have been publicly critical of the PRC and/or the administration of the Hong Kong SAR to a heightened risk of arrest, detention, expulsion, or prosecution.

The Hong Kong SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter Hong Kong SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau (usconsulate.gov) .

If you decide to travel to the Hong Kong SAR:

• Enter the Hong Kong SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Hong Kong SAR .
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
• Do not consume drugs in the Hong Kong SAR or prior to arriving in the Hong Kong SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Hong Kong SAR.
• Monitor local media, local transportations sites, and apps like  MTR Mobile  or  CitybusNWFB  for updates.
• Review your Hong Kong flight status with your airline or at the Hong Kong International Airport website .

Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Summary: The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Macau SAR due to People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

Even in an emergency, the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to the Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering the Macau SAR. Approval takes at least five to seven days, limiting the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in the Macau SAR.

The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter the Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau (usconsulate.gov) .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Macau SAR:

• Enter the Macau SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Macau SAR .
• Do not consume drugs in the Macau SAR or prior to arriving in the Macau SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Macau SAR.

Travel Advisory Levels

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China to drop PCR test requirement for entering country, as 'zero-COVID' policies ease

BEIIJING — Travelers entering China will no longer need to provide a negative PCR test result starting Saturday, in another easing of China's “zero COVID” policies .

Travelers can instead show a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours before boarding, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters Tuesday.

Over the last three years, China imposed an array of anti-virus controls to try to eliminate the coronavirus from the country, including lockdowns and regular mass testing. But after the regulations hammered the economy and sparked protests, the government suddenly  rolled back the onerous measures in December and made a major step to drop its quarantine rule in early January.

CDC: Travelers from China no longer need to show proof of negative COVID test

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Last month, the country resumed issuing all types of visas as part of its efforts to revive tourism. Still, it kept PCR testing requirements for passengers arriving from some countries, a costly requirement that was a major deterrent for visitors.

PCR tests are highly accurate but cost time and money, while antigen tests are easier to obtain.

“To further facilitate cross-border travel, China is taking new steps to refine pre-departure testing requirements guided by the principle of ensuring safe and orderly travel and keeping the measures science based and well targeted,” Mao said.

She added that airlines will no longer be required to check test results before departure.

At a briefing on Wednesday, He Qinghua, an official of the National Health Commission, said the number of COVID-19 cases in early April had dropped to the lowest level since December. Although the figures have risen slightly since mid-April, massive outbreaks in the short term are unlikely, he said.

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China Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for China.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to China.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to China.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in China. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in China, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to China. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found. 

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers with itineraries limited to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) or Macao SAR are exempt from this requirement.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in China, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Tap water is not drinkable in China, even in major cities. Bottled water is easily available.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in China. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in China—such as dengue and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in China include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in China. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call China’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of China. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of China may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in China, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in China, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for China .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in China, dial 999 (Beijing) or 120 (Shanghai) for an ambulance, 119 for the fire department, and 110 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about China before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on China from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for China for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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• How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps

From December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and Malaysia can stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa for travel, business, transit, or visiting friends and family.

Starting March 14th, travelers from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can also enjoy this visa-free entry.

China, with its long history and rich geography, may be on your bucket list. It is also the top place to explore Far-Eastern elements and culture.

Below are seven easy steps for planning a first China tour using our first-hand knowledge, being based in China, and our experience creating over 100,000 custom-made China tours, the majority of which were for families and couples.

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1. choose where to go, 2. decide how many days to stay, 3. consider when to travel to china, 4. consider your budget.

• 5. Take a Private Tour

6. Check Out Visa Policy

7. getting to/around china.

With our knowledge of China and feedback from our customers, we suggest you visit Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai for your first trip, extending it to Guilin and/or Chengdu if you have the time.

1) Beijing — Explore China's Imperial Past

As an imperial and modern capital of China, Beijing is a must-see, because it is home to many of the finest icons of China's medieval and recent past. It is also China's top gateway city .

The Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City are both must-see attractions, especially if you are interested in China's architectural marvels and dynastic history.

For a special experience and some private time, we can arrange a less-crowded sunset visit to the Great Wall with a romantic picnic for you.

If you are interested in Beijing's local lifestyle, a locally-guided walk through Beijing's hutongs with your children or husband/wife is highly recommended.

If you want to try some new things with kids, we recommend a family morning tai chi session , a local home visit, trying Chinese calligraphy, and playing with a Chinese yo-yo.

2) Shanghai — Explore Its Unique Blend of Old and New

If you want an intuitive sense of how China's recent past and present meet and collide, Shanghai is the place to go.

Hop on a ferry to cross the Huangpu River . You will see the historical architecture on the Bund as well as the modern skyscrapers opposite, giving you a distinctive contrast between modern life and the post-imperial past.

We have specially designed an in-depth Bund culture discovery walking tour for those who want to learn more interesting stories about the Bund and old Shanghai. See our 2-Day Shanghai Essence Tour itinerary.

If your schedule allows, extend your tour to Hangzhou or Suzhou to see water towns and classical Chinese gardens.

3) Xi'an — Discover China's Ancient Civilization

Xi'an is an excellent and interesting place to discover where the nation of China really began. China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, established the first capital of a united China there.

The Terracotta Warriors are definitely a must-see. We offer a more interesting and in-depth experience to learn more about the Terracotta Warriors: make a mini clay warrior with local artisans and visit their disappearing cave dwellings.

For couples and families, a hanfu costume experience in an ancient academy could be a highlight. A bike ride on the 600-year-old city wall is also great to do with kids.

All our tours can be adjusted based on your needs. Just contact us .

4) Guilin — A Relaxing Escape with Picturesque Scenery and Minority Culture

First-timers love Guilin for its beautiful landscapes and relaxing places to escape from the cities — it is a true masterpiece of classic rural China .

A Li River cruise is the best way to enjoy karst peaks combined sublimely with the Li River .

Yangshuo and Longsheng, two counties next to the city of Guilin, offer most of Guilin's top highlights.

Yangshuo is a place where children can put down their phones and iPads and still be well entertained… by cycling around the idyllic countryside and even experiencing the life and work of a Chinese farmer.

Yangshuo also offers a natural romantic atmosphere for couples. A romantic riverside candlelit dinner set in a mountain retreat garden could be a great way to celebrate your 20th, 30th, 40th, etc. anniversary. Contact us to design a special time for you.

If you are interested in minority culture , the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng are really a highlight — both for enjoying the magnificent tiered fields and for experiencing the world of the Zhuang and Yao minorities.

• 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour — Best for Summer Vacations
• 11-Day Family Happiness — Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin/Yangshuo–Shanghai

5) Chengdu — Have a Close Encounter with Pandas

Chengdu's giant pandas are for many the icing on the cake, the finishing touch to a China must-do list.

An even more special experience would be to have a close encounter with pandas by taking part in our giant panda volunteer program — clean panda enclosures, make panda food, watch a panda eat it, and more.

Chengdu is also famous for delicious Sichuan food like kung pao chicken and spicy hotpot. A food hunting tour is the best way to taste the delicious specialties of Chengdu.

If you are interested in cooking, you can try cooking the most authentic Sichuan cuisine with a local chef.

After a long journey to get to China, you probably won't want to just scratch the surface of China and just take snapshots with the landmark attractions.

We suggest you take at least a week for your first trip to see a spectrum of the highlights in the top three cities: Beijing (3–4 days), Xi'an (2 days), and Shanghai (1–2 days). See our 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Tour for inspiration.

To discover more of China, like charming Guilin and lovely Chengdu pandas, you would need a few more days. See our 11-Day Classic Wonders tour of Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin/Yangshuo, and Shanghai. See How Long to Spend in China: Itineraries from 1 Week to 1 Month

Tibet is also open again for international visitors now [March 2023]. If you want to visit this pure land, you may need 3 to 5 more days. See our 2-Week Private Tour of Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa, and Shanghai .

All our tours can be adjusted based on your interests, travel time, group size, and other needs. Just contact us .

Or get ideas from our:

• How to Spend 10 Days in China (5 Best Options & Costs)
• 2 Weeks in China: 3 Top Itinerary Ideas for Couples and Families
• How to Spend 3 Weeks in China (Best 3 Options & Costs)

China's cultural and historical attractions are good for a visit all year round. Things to do in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai are seldom affected by the seasons.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are generally the most comfortable and recommended times for a China tour. They are neither too hot nor too cold, but fall is generally drier and warmer than spring.

A more ideal travel time for you could be March and early April or September when there are smaller crowds, favorable prices, and still good weather.

China is a good summer holiday destination too. There are not many rainy days in summer. It rarely rains continuously for a whole day, with rain coming in less and less frequent downpours as the summer draws on.

It can get a little hot in summer, but air conditioning and expert arrangements would help you avoid the heat as much as possible.

You can find more detailed tips on Best Times to Travel to China .

Traveling in China is not very expensive. The biggest cost could be international airfares. The cost of airfares from the US or Europe to China varies a lot depending on when you fly and which airline you use, from around US$1,200 to US$3,000 for an economy round trip.

The peak tourist times in China fall on the first weeks of May and October (China's two golden weeks), the summer holidays, and the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The biggest price difference between the off and peak seasons is in the price of hotels and airfares. Prices in peak season can go up by 50 to 100%.

For a private tour, the average cost per day is about US$220–350 per person, including flights/trains within China, 4- or 5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport.

If you travel in the peak season, book at least 2 or 3 months in advance. When booking with us, you'll receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to three weeks before departure ( more details here⇒ ).

5. We Believe Private and Tailor-Made Is Best

A private tour is recommended for your first trip to China.

If you don't want to visit the Great Wall of China with a coach-load of 40 people and perhaps only have 20 minutes on the wall and so on, a private and tailor-made tour is definitely the better choice.

With our private tours, you would have much more personal choice in how your tour goes. You could have more hand-picked and interactive experiences, like walking on the "wild" untouched Great Wall or visiting a local family with your own local guide.

With private guiding and transport, we would maximize your time. You could focus on the sightseeing you want to do, skipping what's not of interest and the long queues in the most crowded attractions.

Just contact us if you would like a tailor-made private trip to China. We also offer economical, but still high-class and uncrowded, small group tours.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Visitors from most countries need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) to visit China. We recommended that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel date.

When booking with us, we would provide the invitation letter that you would need for a tourist visa application.

If you do not have a Chinese visa, you could use the 144-hour visa-free-transit policy to visit China.

From December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024, travelers from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can enjoy a 15-day visa-free entry to China for tourism, business, and visiting friends and relatives in China.

Whether you want to visit China via visa or visa-free, we can help you plan a trip including entry formalities. Feel free to contact us .

Flights from all countries to China have resumed, though maybe not yet at pre-pandemic frequency. At present, there are one or two direct flights a week from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Beijing, Seattle to Shanghai, London to Guangzhou, etc.

There are also many flight options with stopovers that are more frequent and affordable.

Beijing and Shanghai are the top gateway cities for international flights. Most customers chose them.

Flights and high-speed trains are the best and fastest ways to travel intercity in most of China. Booking a private tour with us, we will arrange your transportation within China and provide worry-free and comfortable private transfers.

Popular China Tours for 2024/2025

Our private tours are designed to be the most convenient and fulfilling option for your trip to China. We would create an itinerary according to your flight times, interests, and any other requirements.

Just contact us and we'll create your ideal China trip . Our consultants will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and promptly and prepare the best tour plan for you.

Here are some popular options that you could base your trip on:

• 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Highlights Tour — the classic Golden Triangle trip
• 11-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin–Shanghai — our top itinerary for families
• 2-Week Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai Tour — the choice for panda fans and cruise fans

You Might Like to Read

• How to Plan a Trip to China and Thailand
• China Visa-Free Itineraries to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou... 
• Top 10 Unique Experiences in China You Won't Miss

• 2-Week Riches of China
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• 2-Week Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai Educational Family Vacation
• Best China Tours 2024/2025: Top Tours for First & Return Trips
• 11-Day Family Happiness
• 12-day Panda Keeper and Classic Wonders
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• 13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour
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• 14-Day Classic China Photo Tour
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• Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)
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• How to Spend 19 Days in China in 2024/2025 (Top 5 Options and Costs)
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• China Itineraries from Hong Kong for 1 Week to 3 Weeks
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
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• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August: Tips for Family Travel
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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK . 

Immigration authorities may check and collect biometric data (for example, scanned fingerprints and photos) to register your entry into China.

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering China.

Passport validity requirements 

To enter China, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in China and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.

Visa requirements 

You need a visa to visit mainland China. 

You can visit Hong Kong or Macao without a visa. See separate travel advice for Hong Kong and Macao . 

You can also visit the island of Hainan for 30 days without a visa. 

Visa-free transit through China is permitted, from 24 hours to 144 hours depending on location. See China Visa Application Centre for more information.  

If you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland, you need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China. 

Check your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you. 

If you want to stay in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a residence permit. 

Applying for a visa 

If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa in person at a visa application centre . If you’re aged 13 and under or aged 71 and over, you can only apply online. You must provide biometric data (scanned fingerprints) as part of your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. The details of their opening hours are on their websites.  

The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply .

Dual Chinese-British nationality 

China does not recognise dual nationality. If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the British Embassy may not be able to offer you help. If you were born in China to a Chinese national parent, you will be: 

• considered by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality 
• treated as a Chinese citizen, even if you used a British passport to enter China 

If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so. See guidance on nationality in China .

Working in China 

You can only work in China if you have a work visa (Z visa). Tourist and business visas do not allow you to work. You must also hold a valid work permit. The local police regularly carry out checks on companies and schools. If you do not follow Chinese immigration laws, there can be serious penalties, including: 

• imprisonment 
• deportation 
• an exit ban, which stops you from leaving China 
• an exclusion order, which stops you from returning 

Before you leave the UK, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK to check Z visa requirements. When submitting your application, and when you receive your work permit, check the details are correct, including the location you’ll be working in. You can be fined or detained if details are incorrect, even if your employer or others have submitted the application on your behalf. 

If you change employer once you’re in China, or change location in China with an existing employer, check with the Chinese authorities whether you need a new visa and work permit before doing so.

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s China guide . 

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Registering with the Chinese authorities 

You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreigners’ documentation. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in. 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of China . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

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Notice on the L atest COVID- R e la ted R equirements for China- B ound T ravelers

According to relevant requirements of the Chinese government in manag ing COVID-19 as a Class B infectious disease , China-bound travelers are required to take nucleic acid test for COVID-19 within 48 hours before boarding, and can only travel to China when the test result is negative.

For international travel safety, starting from January 17 , 2023 (local time), airlines flying China-bound flights will check your test result before boarding, and travelers are advised to cooperate with the check. Upon entry, the Chinese Customs will also have random inspection on your test results.

To facilitate travelers ’ pre-travel preparation, Embassy of People ’ s Republic of China in the State of Eritrea hereby provides the Guide on Epidemic Prevention and Control Measures for China-bound Travelers (Appendix 1) and Requirements for Proof of COVID-19 Test (Appendix 2) for your reference. Please read them through and observe accordingly.

Guide on Epidemic Prevention and Control Measures for China-Bound Travelers

Ⅰ .Pre-boarding Nucleic Acid Test

All China-bound travelers will need to take nucleic acid test for COVID-19 within 48 hours before boarding, and can only travel to China when your test result is negative or after it turns from positive to negative. Please always bring the proof of your negative COVID-19 test result with you for inspection.

Ⅱ . Health Declaration to China Customs

You are required to declare your negative test result to China Customs by filling the Health Declaration Form at https://htdecl. chinaport.gov.cn or on the WeChat mini-program of China Customs (scan the QR code below), or , or via the China Customs APP.

Ⅲ . Boarding Check

At boarding time, airlines will check if you have a negative result within 48 hours, and those who fail to present such a proof will not be allowed to board the plane.

Ⅳ . Self-protection on the Aircraft

You are suggested to wear a mask throughout the flight and take good personal protection to reduce the risk of infection.

Ⅴ . Inspection upon Entry

You can go through customs with your health declaration result, and China Customs may check your proof of negative COVID-19 test result.

If you pass the health declaration and entry inspection, no further requirements will be imposed.

If there are anomalies in your health declaration or you are showing symptoms such as fever, you are required to take an antigen test by China Customs. Those whose results are positive will need to self-quarantine or seek medical treatment as notified by the authority. Those whose results are negative will go through routine quarantine inspection by China Customs in accordance with the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law and other laws and regulations.

Ⅵ . After-entry Epidemic Prevention and Control

After entry into China, you will have to strictly abide by the epidemic prevention and control requirements of the place where you stay.

Requirements for Proof of COVID-19 Test

Ⅰ . The proof must have the name of the traveler, which should be exactly the same as it appears on the travel document used for the flight. It is recommended that the date of birth and travel document number also be shown on the proof.

Ⅱ . The proof must also have:

· time of the test or time of issue (at least one of them should be within 48 hours before boarding);

· testing method (which should be nucleic acid testing; antigen testing will not be accepted);

· test result (which should be negative; ‘ uncertain ’ will not be accepted);

· and name and contact details of the testing institution.

Ⅲ . The proof must be in the official language of the place of departure of your flight to China, or in English. It will be checked by the airline of your flight to China.

Ⅳ . It should be a hard copy. If the testing institution issued a digital copy, please print it our and take it with you.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

China travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: March 14, 2024 11:33 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, china - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

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Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Local authorities have put in place invasive security measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Chinese authorities are increasingly detaining ethnic and Muslim minorities in the region without due process. There are reports of extrajudicial internment and forced labour camps. Family members of Canadian citizens with Chinese citizenship have been detained. You may be at risk of arbitrary detention if you have familial or ethnic ties to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

The situation in the region is tense and accurate information is hard to obtain. Authorities may impose curfews and restrictions on short notice.

• Avoid gatherings and demonstrations
• Always carry ID
• Expect a heightened security presence and frequent security checks
• Expect significant travel delays
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Tibet and Tibetan autonomous prefectures

You must obtain a permit and be taking part in an organized tour to travel to Tibet. Chinese authorities occasionally suspend issuing permits to foreigners and can arbitrarily deny tourist entry to certain districts and communes of the Tibetan autonomous prefectures in Sichuan and Qinghai, despite not having proactively published notification of these changes. If you enter a restricted area without the requisite permit, you could be fined, taken into custody, and deported for illegal entry.  Local authorities may also impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice, even if you have a permit.

Where possible, make full payment for travel conditional upon a travel permit being secured while noting that changes in Tibet's security situation can affect travel and related government policies at any time.

In these regions, expect:

• increased security measures and police presence
• surveillance measures
• that unauthorised gatherings may be dispersed by force
• that some places of worship or cultural sites of interest may be off-limits to foreigners

If you travel to these regions despite the risks:

• contact a reputable travel agency and the Chinese Embassy or a consulate before you leave to learn about entry requirements 
• be aware of your surroundings
• exercise caution due to increased scrutiny on foreigners
• follow the instructions of security forces if you are stopped
• if you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the Canadian Embassy or the nearest consulate immediately
• don’t film or photograph unauthorised gatherings or outbreaks of violence

Our ability to provide consular support in the Tibet Autonomous Region is limited.

Check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to know about the specific entry requirements for Tibet and other restricted areas.

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of mobile phones and other electronic devices occurs, even during the day. Criminals target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

• Be vigilant in all crowded locations
• Don’t carry large sums of money
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Petty crime and sexual harassment can occur on buses and overnight trains.

• Ensure that the train compartment contains packages belonging only to you and other occupants
• Store personal belongings in a safe place, and don’t leave the compartment unattended
• You should securely lock the doors

Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but incidents do occur.

There is a risk of armed bandit attacks in remote parts of China.

Police presence may be poor around border areas.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Counterfeit currency

Counterfeit currency is a significant problem in China. Counterfeit bills are widely distributed in local stores, restaurants and taxis. If you use cash, avoid moneychangers on the street and use small bills or exact change.

Exercise caution in popular tourist areas (particularly in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and Shanghai’s the Bund, East Nanjing Road and People’s Square), where scammers target foreigners.

Scammers may invite you to a nearby establishment for a drink (usually tea or alcohol), a massage or other services. They will then ask you to pay an exorbitant bill (up to thousands of dollars), sometimes under threat of injury. In some cases, foreigners were harmed.

Be cautious of unsolicited requests from strangers to “practice English” or to accompany them to an art gallery, teahouse or an unknown location.

If you’ve been scammed:

• get to a safe location immediately
• take note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; this information is required by police to identify the persons involved and issue a report
• notify the police and obtain a report
• call your credit card company to report the scam; they will likely request a copy of the police report to cancel the transaction

Telephone scams

Foreigners have received calls from scammers claiming to be the police. The caller says that local authorities are investigating them for identity theft or money-laundering operation and requests a fund transfer to resolve the issue.

Don’t send any money in this type of situation.

Since most Chinese use their mobile device as payment method, digital and mobile phone scams are a common issue. You should be vigilant if you use your smartphone to scan, transfer funds or make payments.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Internet censorship and cyber security

China blocks access to several websites, social media, search engines and online services within its territory.

You shouldn’t expect internet privacy. Your communications may be monitored at any time, and authorities may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices.

Cyber security while travelling.

Journalism and research

Foreign journalists and other media workers in China face considerable restrictions in the context of their work. The Chinese government may employ measures such as:

• movement controls
• physical and electronic surveillance
• public smear campaigns
• delaying or refusing renewals of press cards and visas
• intimidation and harassment.

There are cases of foreign journalist arrests on national security violations.

You should be particularly vigilant if researching or reporting on subjects critical of or sensitive to the government and in areas such as Tibet or Xinjiang.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are illegal without prior approval from the Chinese government. Authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists.

If you participate in or are witness to a demonstration, you may be subject to scrutiny and severe legal action. Foreign journalists have experienced intimidation and detention for reporting on demonstrations.

The security situation around large gatherings could change quickly. Be vigilant about your safety.

You should be particularly vigilant in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

• Don’t film or take pictures of demonstrations
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Drivers often don’t respect the rules of the road, and traffic laws are not consistently enforced.

Be cautious when crossing streets, as drivers don’t always give pedestrians and cyclists the right of way.

Public transportation

China has an extensive passenger train system, including high-speed trains. You must present a passport to purchase a ticket and to board the train.

Taxis are available in major cities and are easier to obtain at hotels or taxi stands. Self-drive (rental), chauffeur-driven cars and ride-sharing services are also available in major cities.

Most taxi drivers don’t speak English nor French and will sometimes avoid picking up foreigners to avoid the inconvenience of clients who don’t speak Chinese. You should arrange for a person to write out your destination in Chinese characters before you go.

Taxi, motorcycle and pedicab drivers sometimes overcharge clients, especially at airports. They may also attempt to give you counterfeit currency.

To minimize the risk of being overcharged:

• use only reputable taxis
• avoid unlicensed “black taxis”
• do not agree to multiple passengers
• negotiate fares before entering the taxi, and/or request that the taxi driver use the meter
• request that the driver provides you with a receipt or “fapiao”
• request that the driver removes your luggage from the trunk before paying the fare

Marine transportation

Ferry accidents have occurred in China.

• Exercise caution when using marine transportation
• Always use available safety equipment, such as life jackets and seatbelts
• Don’t board ferries that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

If you intend on engaging in trekking activities:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, and in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Tensions on Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice, and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly.

Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border.

Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that you register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists.If you participate in or are witness to a demonstration, you may be subject to scrutiny and severe legal action. Foreign journalists have also been intimidated and detained for reporting on demonstrations.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Chinese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry into China.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required  Student visa: required  Working visa: required

Ensure that you apply for the proper type of visa for the specific purpose of your trip.

Thoroughly review all information available regarding the visa-issuance process.

Pay particular attention to the length of stay permitted after each entry on your Chinese visa. Overstaying can lead to fines and administrative detention.

Transit without visa and visa-free stays

While you may be eligible for a visa on arrival, there is no guarantee that it will be granted. You should obtain a visa before travelling to China.

You may be eligible for a visa on arrival if you are:

• transiting between two international destinations
• visiting certain areas for short periods
• visiting certain areas as part of an organized tour or travelling in a group

Contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular office for more information on visa exemptions.

Visa application outside of Canada

If you apply for a visa outside of Canada, check with the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you to make sure that it issues visas to Canadians.

If you are already travelling or living in China, contact the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) for visa information.

Visiting Hong Kong and Macao

Obtain a visa allowing multiple entries if you plan to travel between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China.

Applying for visas for mainland China in Hong Kong - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong

Proof of onward travel

Be prepared to show proof of onward travel, including all of the documents you need to enter your next destination.

Fingerprints

Chinese immigration officials will take and retain the fingerprints of Canadians between 14 and 70 years old upon their entry into the country. Some exceptions may apply.

Screening of digital devices

Border officials may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices, particularly at border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Residency registration

All foreigners (tourists, visitors and long-term residents) must register their place of residence with the local public security bureau within 24 hours of arrival.

If you’re staying in a hotel, registration is normally done as part of the check-in process. Those staying with family or friends in a private home must register themselves. Failure to do so can result in fines and or detention. Carry proof of your registration.

Foreigners holding Z, X or J-1 visas must also apply for a residence permit, within 30 days of entry, from the Exit and Entry Department of the local public security bureau.

Health entry requirements

Medical tests, including a test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, might be required to register and renew residency permits for stays of more than 6 months. Local authorities may not approve your work/residence permit application if you obtain an HIV-positive test result. You may also be subject to termination of employment and deportation.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Chinese authorities may place an exit ban on specific individuals to prevent them from leaving the country. An exit ban can relate to investigations into an individual, their family or an employer, and in criminal and civil matters, including business disputes.

You may not be aware that authorities have placed an exit ban on you until you try to leave the country. It is difficult to obtain information on bans from Chinese authorities.

If you’re unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Avian influenza - 20 December, 2023
• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Mpox (monkeypox): Advice for travellers - 20 February, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical care is widely available in urban areas but not in remote areas. Ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment. Medical care in clinics offering international standard services to foreigners is much more expensive. Payment is expected at the time of service.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Altitude sickness

Tibet, Qinghai, western Sichuan and parts of Xinjiang are situated at altitudes exceeding 3,000 metres. Acute mountain sickness may occur at high altitudes.

Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Criminal proceedings

If you are suspected of a crime, Chinese authorities can prevent you from leaving China (by withholding your passport or applying an exit ban) or may detain you for up to 37 days without charges.

Detention during the investigative period before charges are laid is common and can be lengthy. Some defence lawyers may be reluctant to accept cases involving foreigners.

Consult a Canadian government office in China if you experience such difficulty.

Consult our Arrest and detention page and our Overview of the criminal law system in China for more information.

Death penalty

Chinese authorities apply, sometimes arbitrarily, the death penalty for both violent and non-violent crimes, including for serious drug offences.

Penalties for possession, use, production or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, jail sentences or the death penalty. These laws are strictly enforced and apply to persons 14 years and older. Penalties can be assigned arbitrarily.

Local authorities conduct random drug tests (urine or hair). Police have raided nightclubs and bars and subjected patrons to on-the-spot drug testing.

Based on positive drug test results, authorities can prosecute drugs crimes regardless of where or when drugs were consumed. This applies to drugs consumed legally in a foreign country before entering China.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Police carry out random checks, and failure to produce proper identification could potentially lead to fines or detention.

• Carry adequate identification, such as a passport and valid visa or residence permit, at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of its loss or seizure

If your passport is lost or stolen, visit the nearest police station or Public Security Bureau to report the incident and obtain information on the visa replacement process.

If you renew your passport while you are in China, you must register your new passport with the authorities promptly. If you fail to do so, you may be fined.

National security, social order, and public interest

Chinese authorities may define certain behaviours and activities as “endangering national security,” upsetting social order, or damaging the public interest, that would not be considered as such in Canada. This could include activities that occurred outside of China. National security, and "state secrets", are broadly defined and interpreted. "State secrets" could be interpreted to include documents, data, materials, or other items. If you are suspected of endangering national security, upsetting social order, or damaging the public interest you will be subject to questioning.

Chinese authorities may detain you for up to 6 months before you are formally arrested. Note that access to legal representation is frequently denied in the initial stages of a national security case, and trials often take place in closed court.

If you are detained, you should immediately request access to a lawyer and request notification of the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission. Canadian diplomatic missions can provide you or your family with a list of lawyers.

If you previously occupied a position that was in any way affiliated with the government of China and left your position without receiving authorization or without following formal procedures, you may be considered a defector by Chinese authorities.

This can be the case regardless of the seniority of the position you occupied, even if you left this position a long time ago and you did not handle sensitive or classified materials. Authorities may detain you even if you have previously travelled to or resided in China without issue.

Consult a Chinese criminal lawyer to understand how this may apply to you.

Bans and Sanctions

The Chinese government may ban or sanction entities or individuals for actions, including oral or written statements, and associations with entities that are critical of:

• the Communist Party of China
• the Chinese government
• Chinese leaders and policies

The Government of the People's Republic of China does not publicize a list of banned or sanctioned entities or individuals, and the implementation of bans or sanctions remains vague. The effect on individuals associated with banned or sanctioned entities is unknown.

It could include:

• a ban on travel to Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau
• freezing of assets
• prohibition of business or association with Chinese citizens and organizations

If you believe you may be subject of a ban or sanctions, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

Consult entry and exit requirements for information on exit bans

Political activities

China has imposed severe restrictions on political activities, including advocating for causes, participating in public protests or sending private electronic messages critical of the government.

Chinese authorities may detain you if you participate in political activities and restrict your future travel to China.

Non-Governmental Organization activities

Activities conducted by foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are strictly regulated and scrutinized in China.

If you plan to work or volunteer for an NGO in China, ensure the organization is properly registered and that you possess the right visa for the activities you plan to perform.

Religious activities

There are restrictions on certain religious activities, such as preaching, distributing literature and associating with unapproved religious groups, including some Christian, Buddhist and Muslim organizations.

Chinese law also prohibits overseas non-governmental organizations from engaging in or sponsoring religious activities.

The Falun Gong movement is banned in China. Participants in Falun Gong activities or Falun Gong-related demonstrations are subject to legal action that may include detention, arrest, imprisonment and deportation.

Be cautious about visiting certain places of worship, which may have been, explicitly or not, declared off-limits to foreigners by local authorities. If you are not prompted to buy a ticket to visit the site, it could be an indication that the site is off-limits to foreigners.

Facial recognition and use of video surveillance (CCTV)

Law enforcement agencies in China widely rely on facial recognition technology and video surveillance to police, monitor and control illegal or restricted activities, including participation in demonstrations.

Privacy rights may differ substantially from Canadian standards. You should assume that local authorities have access to your biometrics as soon as you enter the country.

Military installations

Travel near military installations is restricted. Photography of military installations or government buildings is prohibited, and offenders may be detained, arrested and imprisoned.

Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

Gambling and the promotion of gambling activities are illegal in mainland China.

Commercial surrogacy is illegal in China, and surrogacy arrangements are not legally recognized.

If you're planning to visit China for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek specialist legal advice on Chinese and Canadian laws prior to making any arrangements.

The Embassy of Canada to China can't provide recommendations on surrogacy arrangements.

Prohibited or controlled items

There are absolute prohibitions against the importation of arms, drugs and plant or animal products that could carry disease or pests. There are also restrictions on the entry of printed material, film, photos, videotapes, and CDs considered detrimental to China's interests.

Importation and use of drones are subject to strict regulation. Contact the Civil Aviation Administration of China to consult the rules regarding registration and use of drones.

Importing pets

If you intend to reside in China, be advised that you can only import one pet (dog or cat) per person.

A Canadian animal health inspection certificate and vaccination certificate should be stamped by your local Animal Health Office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Animals without the proper documentation will be held in quarantine at the port of arrival and could be euthanized if the proper documentation is not provided.

Animal Health Office - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Getting married in China

Marriages that are legally performed in China are usually valid in Canada. Chinese civil authorities don't perform marriages between two foreigners. If you plan to get married in China, you should contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic representative in Canada to confirm the requirements.

Marriage overseas

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Chinese law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, some prejudice still exists against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and authorities sometimes censor social media content on 2SLGBTQI+ related topics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Canadian and international driving licences are not recognized in China. You must hold a foreigner residence permit and meet local requirements to obtain a Chinese driver's licence.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02%. If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If you're convicted, you can expect heavy fines and jail.

Foreign drivers involved in an accident face harsh penalties. If you're suspected of being responsible for road accidents, police officers can detain you until their case is closed, which can take years.

Carefully consider the implications of driving in China.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in China.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of China, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the Chinese government will usually not permit the Embassy of Canada to provide you with consular assistance.

If you're a Canadian of Chinese origin travelling to China, you may be asked to provide your Chinese name by border authorities. Ensure that you are well informed about Chinese law and practices relating to the determination and loss of Chinese citizenship, including cancelling a household register (hukou) and applying to renounce Chinese citizenship. Contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular office for more details.

Canadian children born to at least one parent who is a Chinese citizen may be deemed Chinese citizens under China's Nationality Law. Chinese authorities may not recognize the child's Canadian citizenship, and the family may be subject to family planning regulations.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and China.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in China by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in China to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Doing business in China

Canadian business travellers have been detained and had their passport confiscated as a result of business disputes with their Chinese counterparts.

Seek legal advice from professionals in China, as well as in Canada, before proceeding with business agreements or arrangements. Ensure that all documents are translated so that conditions, terms and limitations are understood. Disputes are often costly and prolonged, and you may be subject to a travel ban restricting you from leaving the country until the matter is resolved.

There have been incidents involving foreigners being held against their will at their workplace. These incidents, which can be accompanied by threats of violence, are often the result of other companies or disgruntled employees attempting to resolve business and employment disputes.

There are many teaching opportunities in China. However, make sure you are well informed before signing a contract. Ensure that the contract specifies the maximum number of classroom hours per day and per week, maximum workdays per week, and vacation periods.

Canadians teaching in China, particularly at newly established private secondary schools and private English training centres, have often found their employers unable or unwilling to honour contract terms or assist in obtaining Chinese employment visas and other permits required for foreigners to teach lawfully in China.

If you're travelling to China to work or study, you may be required to possess medical insurance (coverage of 400,000 renminbi). Verify this stipulation with the school or employer before arriving in China.

It is illegal to work on a tourist (L) visa or a working (Z) visa linked to a company other than your employer. Canadian citizens have been detained and forced to leave the country for working illegally.

Learn about studying abroad if you plan to study or conduct research in China.

Studying abroad

The currency is the renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of currency is the yuan.

Counterfeit renminbi are relatively common. It is illegal to use foreign currency. Exchange foreign currency at officially approved facilities only.

Generally, only international hotels and some larger shops accept international credit cards. Some Chinese banks will provide cash advances using credit card accounts, but they may charge for the service. It is possible to use bank cards to draw on your Canadian bank account at an increasing number of ATMs, especially in urban areas. Credit cards are not always accepted, and the availability of ATMs is limited outside major cities.

Upon entering or leaving China, you must make a declaration to customs if you travel with or more than USD 5 000, 20 000 RMB or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques or any other convertible assets.

A permit issued by a local bank may also be required to exit China with sums superior to USD 5 000. Make sure you comply with cash control regulations.

Typhoons and monsoons

The typhoon and monsoon (rainy) season extends from April to October. Typhoons usually occur along the southern and eastern coasts. During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major typhoons.

Flooding is common in central, western and southern China, particularly areas bordering the Yangtze River. Seasonal flooding and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

If you decide to travel to China during the typhoon and monsoon season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• China Meteorological Administration
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Air pollution

Air pollution can be severe across much of China.

Some cities maintain air pollution alert systems. During periods of severe air pollution, expect school closures, outdoor event cancellations, car usage limitations and transportation disruptions.

Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly.

During periods of high pollution:

• limit your activities outdoors
• monitor local media
• follow the instructions of local authorities.

Air pollution in China  – World Air Quality Index

Seismic activity

China is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes.

Familiarize yourself with the security measures in place at your accommodations while in China. In the event of an earthquake, pay careful attention to all official warnings and follow evacuation orders issued by the Government of China. Aftershocks could occur.

What to do during an earthquake

Avalanches and landslides

In mountainous regions, avalanches and landslides present a risk and have resulted in fatalities.

The Karakoram and Khunjerab Pass routes in Xinjiang can be hazardous due to landslides.

Monitor local media and weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 110
• medical assistance: 120
• firefighters: 119
• roadside assistance: 112

Consular assistance

Beijing, Tianjin, Gansu, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Xizang (Tibet), Henan and Hebei.

Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou.

Guangdong, Guangxi, Guangzhou, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan and Hainan.

Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hubei and the city of Shanghai.

For emergency consular assistance, call the nearest Canadian government office and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Critical Financial

18 Things to Remember Before You Plan a Trip to China

Posted: January 28, 2024 | Last updated: February 26, 2024

A trip to China can be quite an adventure for many. One of the richest countries in terms of its landscapes, history, and culture, China is a must-see for many travelers. But, before you travel, there are a few important things you should know to ensure an enjoyable experience. Here are 18 essential tips for your journey.

China’s L-Visa requirements

First and foremost, foreign visitors to China need to be aware of the country’s visa regulations. Before you embark on your journey, you need to apply for the required L-visa, and information about this can be found on their embassy or visa application services website . Make sure you have the right documents and apply early, as it could take a few weeks for it to be processed.

Languages spoken in China

The most prominent language spoken in China is Mandarin. While English is not as widely spoken in the tourist areas, some local folks do try and make the effort. It’s advantageous to learn a few common words in Mandarin, or you can carry a Chinese translation travel book or download a translation app when visiting the country.

The Chinese currency

The Chinese Yuan (RMB) is the official currency of China. Both credit and bank cards, as well as cash, are accepted at most places, so it’s advisable to carry both when making purchases. Some places work only with cash transactions, so having enough money with you is key.

China’s rigid internet access

The “ Great Firewall ” is a collective term used to describe China’s media and internet censorship. Search engines such as Google and social media sites like Twitter and Facebook are not accessible, as they have been intentionally blocked. To bypass this, most tourists make use of a VPN, or virtual private network.

Etiquette and cultural customs

China has always been revered for its rich culture and traditions, which are still practiced today. The citizens practice traditional etiquette that focuses on demonstrating respect, and gestures such as a simple bow to greet someone else and using both hands when receiving or giving others items are an indication of respect. Knowing this can help give a good impression to foreigners in the country.

Getting around

One of the great things about China is its public transportation system. It has some of the most innovative transport infrastructure in the world, from high-speed trains to metros. It can be a little daunting when visiting the country and trying to get around; however, to mitigate this, it’s important to look up the information surrounding this system to make sure you can navigate things easier.

Choice of clothing and weather

Depending on where in China you plan on going, checking the weather temperatures before your trip is helpful when it comes to packing the right clothes and shoes. The colder regions are typically in the north, such as Jilin, Liaoning, and Beijing, while the southern regions are generally warmer, such as Hunan, Hainan, and Guangxi.

Concerns about air quality

Among all the cities in China, Xinjiang has the highest air pollution. If you have any respiratory issues, before you travel, you can check their air quality index to find out if you should be taking a mask with you. On the other hand, visiting other parts of the country may be a better idea where air pollution is not as prominent.

The importance of travel insurance

As with most countries you visit for business or pleasure, it’s a good idea to invest in travel insurance. For peace of mind, this holds true, especially when visiting China. Checking the right type of travel insurance is key, as not all of them cover trip cancellations, expenses, or any activities you partake in.

Health considerations and vaccinations

Paying a visit to your doctor before your trip is important before you plan on visiting China, as there may be certain vaccinations that need to be administered before you visit the country. Websites such as ‘ Fit for Travel ’ have helpful information on this. Other things to check include information regarding risk prevention, which involves the consumption of food and water, and safety guidelines. One needs to be cautious about the street food you eat and the tap water you drink.

Exploring China’s local cuisine

China has some of the most diverse local food cuisines compared to most other countries, from the things we do recognize to the more weird and wonderful dishes . Even though you may want to be adventurous and try different dishes, always make sure to explain any restrictions or allergies you may have to the restaurant staff, as some of the ingredients may not agree with you.

Shopping and bargain hunting

The cities are filled with many different local markets that sell a variety of things, and if you’re lucky, you can get away with some great bargains for items to take back home with you. The vendors are very welcoming to tourists, and the negotiating process and bargaining are common occurrences in China’s markets. Going back and forth until you reach an agreeable price is the way to go.

China’s rich history and sites

As mentioned in the point above, respect is at the top of the list of China’s culture, and when visiting some magnificent historical sites, it’s always a good idea to keep this in mind. Some of the best historical sites are found in China and are a must-visit. Guidelines are provided at any site you visit, and abiding by them is crucial. Also, refrain from touching any artifacts, as this is frowned upon by the locals.

Mobile and SIM cards

There are a few different apps that you should ideally download onto your phone before you visit China, such as Alipay, which you can use to make payments, and the Didi app, which is their version of Uber when you need a cab ride or you want to order food delivery. WeChat is also used for most activities in the country, such as online shopping. Investing in a Chinese SIM card will significantly help with all of these.

Strict local regulations

Throughout the decades, you may have heard about the severe penalties that offenders face in China. It’s for your benefit to make sure you understand the laws and regulations of the country beforehand to avoid any troubles. Those who are caught selling or buying drugs or contraband, for instance, can face harsh penalties.

Etiquette for photography

It goes without saying that in some countries, taking photographs anywhere and of anything is forbidden, especially in a country such as China, which has strict rules around it. It’s best to use your common sense in all places and refrain from, for instance, taking pictures of strangers and children. Additionally, not all historical sites allow photography, so keep that in mind.

Emergency contacts

As a safety precaution, keeping information about your emergency contacts on hand is a good idea. This can include your friends or family members back home as well as the contacts of your country’s consulate or embassy. You may never know when you or someone else might need them. Make a list and carry it with you at all times, in your wallet or handbag.

Banking services

Did you know that some ATMs in China do not accept foreign cards? There are, however, tons of machines in every corner, but before you travel to the country, it’s advisable to let your local bank know about your travel plans in advance, as there may be some restrictions when it comes to withdrawing money in the country. Keeping enough cash on hand in the local currency is also a good idea.

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Travelling to Singapore

Travellers should refer to the ICA website for the latest information on travelling to/from or transiting  through  Singapore. For the latest updates on Singapore's COVID-19 situation, please refer to the MOH website at  https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid- 19 . 

Travel Notice for China

Singaporeans intending to travel to China should refer to the PRC Embassy website for the latest announcements on travel requirements, restrictions, advisories issued by the Chinese authorities at  http://www.chinaembassy.org. sg/eng/lsfw/ .

With effect from  9 February 2024 ,  holders of ordinary passports issued by Singapore will be exempted from visa requirements for a stay of up to 30 days in China, under a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement with China.  Please refer to ICA’s website for more details:  https://www.ica.gov.sg/news- and-publications/newsroom/ media-release/mutual-30-day- visa-exemption-arrangement- between-singapore-and-the- people-s-republic-of-china

Entry and Exit

Travellers to Mainland China are no longer subject to quarantine on entry since 8 January 2023.

From 30 August 2023, travellers to Mainland China are no longer required to undergo COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests before entering China.

Safety and Security

Lost passports: Singaporeans who lose their passports while travelling in China should report the loss to a neighbourhood police post or the relevant Chinese authority (it is usually the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau). The person concerned should report the loss to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) immediately via the ICA's e-service ("Report Online") using the person's Singpass Account. If a new passport is required, an application may be submitted via ICA's e-Service one working day after reporting the loss. Please refer to ICA's website at  https://www.ica.gov.sg/documents/passport/loss  for more information. Alternatively, the person may approach the Singapore Embassy or the nearest Singapore Consulate-General with a copy of the Loss of Passport Report from the Police or the relevant authority, one passport-sized photograph (instant photograph is acceptable) and documentary evidence of his/her citizenship (e.g. NRIC or driving license) to report the loss and apply for a new passport.

If you wish to return to Singapore immediately, a Document of Identity (DOI) may be issued to you upon confirmation of your citizenship with ICA. With the DOI, you are required to go to the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau to obtain an Exit Permit before you can leave China. You may be required to prove to the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau that you have registered with a hotel or a local police station when you first arrived in China. This is to facilitate investigation by the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau before they can issue you an Exit Permit to leave China. It normally takes about 5 working days to obtain the Exit Permit for foreigners who have lost their passports in China.

Crime: China is generally safe, particularly in the major cities. Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. Nonetheless, travellers should undertake the usual precautions and be responsible for your own safety and belongings. Please take an authorised taxi where possible. 

Beware of fraud: Foreigners have been the target of a number of scams when travelling in China. It is important that you stay informed and vigilant against scams and do not reveal sensitive personal information or bank details to unauthorised personnel.

Road Safety: Pedestrians should be alert at all times to unexpected oncoming traffic. Drivers should note that there are stiff penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.

China has a good public transport system. You will need a valid ID (e.g. passport) to buy a train ticket and may need to show it again before boarding.

Weather: Weather conditions vary across China. The rainy season occurs between April and October.  Typhoons can occur in the South and East coasts between May and November.  Please monitor the local weather report before travelling to any part of China. Some provinces such as Sichuan and Yunnan are prone to earthquakes as they lie within the active seismic zone.

In case of air pollution, those susceptible to respiratory problems can consider taking necessary precautions. The Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China ( www.mep.gov.cn ) provides a daily update on the Air Quality Index for major cities in China.

To receive the latest news from our China Missions, you may wish to eRegister ( https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg ) once you have confirmed your travel to China.

All foreigners should abide by local laws.  The penalties for drug offences are severe.

In accordance with the Chinese Exit-Entry Administration Law, all foreigners are required to register with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel staff will normally register you with the PSB as part of their check-in process. Otherwise, you will have to register yourself at the nearest police station.

Foreigners above 16 years of age are expected to carry their passports with them at all times. Random checks may be carried out by Police during periods of heightened security and political events.

There are restrictions on political activities for foreigners, including participation in public protests. Travellers should exercise caution to avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings. 

Additional Information

Elderly, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions should bring along medical prescriptions and medication which may not be available in China. 

Tap water in China is generally not potable. Travellers can consider buying bottled water for consumption. 

General Travel Advice

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website ( www.mfa.gov.sg ) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas  Mission  or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

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