Health Requirements for Travel to China
If you’re planning a trip to China, you’ve likely considered all of the health requirements. Depending on your country, these requirements may differ slightly. If you’re going to be traveling to a province, check with your local embassy or consulate to find out what is necessary. Regardless of your reason, you should be prepared for the unexpected. For example, you’ll likely have to undergo a quarantine if you’re suspected of carrying certain viruses. However, you won’t have to worry about these restrictions if you’re going to a province that’s not quarantined.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re aware of any health risks. Although most major cities are safe to visit, there are some regions that are considered high risk for illnesses. You’ll want to limit your exposure to these areas, which can range from a cold to a severe respiratory infection. You’ll also want to keep in mind that China is a vast country with great disparity in wealth and development. It’s best to plan your trip according to the risk level you’ll face.
Airlines that fly to China offer flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen starting from April. Flights from Toronto to Guangzhou begin in May, and flights to Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou can begin in June or July. From Paris, Seattle, Dallas, Detroit, and London, there are flights to Shanghai beginning in June. Depending on the airline you choose, you’ll have the option to fly to a major city like Guangzhou or Vancouver.
If you’re planning to teach, be sure to have a valid work permit and work visa before you travel. You may also need to check your requirements if you change employers or if you want to engage in additional part-time employment in China. Lastly, the Department of State strongly recommends that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected events. It will cover any medical expenses, legal costs, and repatriation of ashes in the case of a death.
While Canadian consular officials can help you find out what your travel plans are before you arrive, they can’t intervene in private legal matters and foreign judicial affairs. In some cases, Canadian business travellers have been detained or even had their passports confiscated. It’s always best to get legal advice and make sure your documents are translated, as any business dispute could be costly and time-consuming. And don’t forget about the possibility of getting banned from China altogether.
The Chinese authorities continue to impose various quarantine and control measures. You should be aware that entry and exit controls, reduced transport, and travel isolation requirements are all being implemented. The country’s authorities may also implement lockdowns without prior warning, which disrupt basic services, such as food deliveries. Therefore, you should plan for additional food supplies before you go to China. If you’re planning a longer trip, be prepared for a possible disruption in your travel plans.
Although China is generally a safe country to visit, you should remain alert and familiar with your surroundings. Although there are no major risks, such as pickpocketing and petty theft, they still do exist. Taking photos of protesters in public places can land you in trouble. If you’re planning a trip to Tibet, it’s best to travel by a group with a tour operator. And remember, don’t forget your passport!
For your safety, you should seek medical advice before traveling to China. If you’re a former Chinese citizen, you may have to undergo an additional seven days of quarantine in the city of your arrival. Health monitoring requirements will depend on the city and district you’ll be visiting. You may also have to undergo COVID-19 testing or 2 nucleic acid tests. You should confirm these requirements with your nearest Chinese embassy, and check with the airline that you’ll be traveling with.
Despite the risks of disease, travelers’ diarrhea in China is generally low in deluxe hotels. Still, you should take the usual precautions against food poisoning. In case of diarrhea, anti-diarrhea medicines like azithromycin are recommended. Diarrhea in China is caused by quinolone-resistant Campylobacter, so you should carry antiemetic medications. Drinking water should be avoided if possible; bottled water is widely available. In addition to waterborne diseases, food safety has been well-publicized, so travelers should avoid raw seafood and unpasteurized milk.
Although travel to China remains relatively safe, there are some countries that may be banned or restrict flights from the country. In the past two weeks, the COMOROS and other countries in the region have suspended all flights to China. In addition, the Ministry of Health of the COOK ISLANDS has placed a 14-day quarantine requirement on those who’ve visited China within the last fourteen days. Similarly, TURKEY and TURKMENISTAN have also imposed a travel ban on citizens from these countries.