Traveling to China During Covid-19: Essential Information You Need Before Your Trip

Planning a trip to China during the pandemic? Here's everything you should know about the current travel situation amid Covid-19 restrictions.

Key Information

The Covid-19 outbreak began in China’s Hubei province, and early lockdown measures helped contain the virus initially. However, the Omicron variant has posed new challenges, and the country continues to follow a 'zero Covid' policy.

Currently, most international travelers are still not permitted to enter China.

On June 28, China revealed plans to ease, but not completely remove, its travel restrictions. The mandatory 14-day quarantine will be replaced by a new 'seven plus three' approach, which includes one week of hotel quarantine followed by three days of home monitoring.

What to Expect

China is one of the world’s oldest and most influential civilizations, credited with inventions such as paper, printing, and tea. Its long history is reflected in iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army of Xi'an, and the ancient town of Lijiang. Yet, China is also a thriving modern nation, with rapidly growing cities and towering skyscrapers.

Who is Eligible to Visit

China implemented strict border closures in March 2020 as the pandemic spread across Europe, restricting entry for almost all international travelers.

On September 19, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism published a draft policy allowing travel agencies in border regions to offer tour groups more flexibility in choosing their points of entry and exit.

Travelers will be allowed to visit designated destinations as part of group tours, but individual itineraries will not be permitted.

Further details on the policy are still pending and have not yet been fully clarified.

China shares borders with 14 countries, including Russia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Nepal, and Laos.

What are the travel restrictions?

As of May 20, travelers from the U.S. and Canada are no longer required to take a PCR test seven days prior to their flight to China.

Despite this, certain restrictions remain in place. These travelers must still take two PCR tests within 24-48 hours before departure (depending on their airport) along with a pre-flight antigen test.

For new entrants, entry is contingent upon having received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days before arrival. They must also apply for a visa ahead of time and present proof of vaccination, along with negative test results, upon entry.

Upon arrival, passengers undergo screening at the airport. Those who fail the checks will be sent to government quarantine facilities, and additional quarantine may be required in some provinces.

Travelers should be cautious, as flights may be unexpectedly canceled at the last minute.

What is the current Covid-19 situation?

As of September 21, 2022, China has reported 2.7 million confirmed Covid-19 cases and 15,133 deaths. Approximately 90% of the adult population has been fully vaccinated.

Many attractions now require visitors to register one day in advance and present a negative Covid test result before gaining entry.

Visitors are strongly advised to stay informed about local restrictions and any changes to the rules. For example, on June 3, several neighborhoods in Shanghai reopened after nearly two months of lockdown, only to reimpose restrictions the next day after new cases were detected.

What should visitors expect during their trip?

The situation in China can change rapidly. Regional lockdowns are frequently enforced whenever new Covid-19 outbreaks occur.

Anyone planning to visit China should remain flexible, as lockdowns can be imposed on specific apartment buildings, offices, or even entire neighborhoods with little to no prior notice.

Helpful Resources

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Covid-19 Updates

National Health Commission Website

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