Things to Consider When Travelling to China
There are a lot of things to consider when travelling to China. For years, China has been plagued by environmental problems, including air pollution. While this isn’t a big problem in most of the country, travelers should still exercise some common sense while in the country. For example, it’s best to limit outdoor sightseeing if possible. Also, typhoons and monsoons are common in China, and low-lying regions around rivers are susceptible to flooding.
Generally, China is a safe country to visit, but you should still take precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware that taxi drivers often don’t speak English and are unlikely to pick you up if you aren’t accompanied by a Chinese local. Also, it’s wise to carry some type of travel health kit in case of emergency. If you’re traveling outside of the city center, you should be extra vigilant to protect yourself from scams and overcharging. Additionally, you should remember to obey local laws. Thankfully, the Chinese government has strict guidelines in place to protect its citizens. You can contact the Canadian Embassy to request assistance if you’re detained or arrested while you’re in China.
Before departing for China, make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations. Additionally, travelers should check with their travel agency whether they have any other special requirements for entering the country. For example, if you plan on visiting Beijing or Shanghai, you must make sure you don’t have a history of rabies.
The rules for travelling to China may change without warning. For example, the travel restrictions for COVID-19 are likely to remain in place in some areas. Lockdowns may be enforced if positive cases have been reported in certain cities. This means you’ll need to check the latest news before you depart.
If you’re planning a trip to China in the summer, you’ll need to make sure you’re well-vaccinated. Traditional Chinese medicine is generally safe, but can be risky – acupuncture needles can cause bloodborne infections. Choosing an alternative treatment, such as acupressure, may be a better option. Also, herbal medicines may be contaminated with pharmaceutical agents and heavy metals.
The Chinese government is not always upfront about what is happening to individuals in China, so you should be careful to check with your nearest Canadian Embassy or lawyer to ensure that you are safe to enter the country. You should also be aware that you may be barred from re-entering if you’re caught in a legal dispute.
If you plan to travel to China in a professional capacity, you should apply for a temporary visa before you travel. For example, if you are working as a journalist, you should apply for a work visa if you intend to report in China. In addition, you should make sure you get a letter from the relevant department in China stating the exact reason for your visit.
You’ll also need a health code to travel to China. You can get these from popular messaging apps, such as WeChat, and even through Alipay and other payment systems. You can also download separate apps for the purpose. Once you download the app, you’ll need to input your ID number and home address in order to receive the health code. You’ll also have to provide your contact information and residence history.
While some countries will automatically issue visas for students, you may still have to check with your educational institution to ensure you’re eligible. If you’re unsure about the requirements, you can always consult your travel agent. It’s also a good idea to check the visa requirements before you book your flight. CIBT offers comprehensive visa and passport services to foreign nationals. While China has eased some of its visa requirements, it’s still important to check with your embassy to ensure your visa and passport are valid.
If you’re Canadian, you should also check with the Chinese consulate in your home country to make sure you have the right documentation. For example, Canadian passports with an “X” gender identifier may not be accepted in some countries. Chinese citizens should also check with the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau before traveling to China. If you don’t have a valid passport, you’ll need a valid emergency travel document or a temporary passport.
You should also be aware of any travel bans in your country. Some countries have imposed strict travel restrictions, and some are even preventing travel to China altogether.