China has dropped almost all the Covid testing and quarantine rules that have made travel to the People’s Republic so difficult over the past three years.
The general requirement to spend days in a government quarantine centre followed by self-isolation in a hotel or home setting has been lifted.
At the same time, Chinese citizens are now allowed to travel abroad for leisure.
But with the exception of the Special Autonomous Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, tourists are not yet allowed in.
These are the key questions and answers.
Which foreigners are allowed into mainland China?
- Family members of Chinese citizens (or someone with a Chinese permanent residence permit) who they plan to visit.
- People with a work permit – typically for teachers of English.
- Business travellers who have an official invitation issued by a provincial foreign affairs office or department of commerce.
- Applicants who qualify for a transport crew visa, typically flight crews.
What hurdles must they cross to enter mainland China?
Everyone heading for China must submit a negative PCR test result, taken within the 48 hours before arrival, and complete a Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website.
There is no obligation to provide evidence of vaccination.
“Passengers entering China displaying symptoms of fever, or with an abnormal Health Declaration, may be asked to undertake an antigen test on arrival,” says the UK Foreign Office.
“Those who test positive will be released to self-quarantine if symptoms are mild, or recommended to go to a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment if symptoms are more severe.”
How strict are Covid controls in China?
Much easier than they were. While masks are still officially required in many settings, including public transport, anecdotal reports suggest the obligation is being widely ignored.
The Foreign Office says: “Covid-19 test results are still required for access to nursing homes, medical institutions, childcare facilities and schools.”
Will I find it easy to get a flight?
Not necessarily. Only a fraction of the normal UK-China flights are operating. Dan Beauchamp of American Express Global Business Travel told the Skift travel news site: “We expect international capacity recovery will be slow, at around just 12 percent of 2019 available seat miles for the first half of this year.
“International…
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