Things to Keep in Mind Before Travelling to China
When planning your trip to China, keep these things in mind to make the most of your experience. Chinese security authorities are notorious for monitoring foreigners and placing them under close surveillance. During your stay in a Chinese hotel or office, your internet usage, digital payments, and fax machines may be monitored. Hotel security may search your personal possessions without your knowledge or consent. In some cases, hotel security has detained U.S. citizens who had sent critical messages on social media sites. In addition, wire transfers may only be available for those with bank accounts in China.
There are two types of quarantine in China: high-risk and low-risk areas. High-risk areas are restricted to international travel while low-risk areas are not affected by quarantine. Vaccines from low-risk areas can be used for travel to other cities or provinces. Travelers from high-risk areas must undergo quarantine upon arrival. In addition, they cannot travel to other high-risk areas. In this case, they must take an additional health screening, including a medical examination.
Quarantine requirements vary by city and province in China. In Beijing, for example, quarantine requirements are fourteen days at a specific location and seven days at home. The quarantine period may involve monitoring your temperature and symptom reports on a daily basis. In some cases, domestic travelers will be required to undergo quarantine, but only to the same extent as international visitors. For this reason, it is important to check the latest health regulations before traveling to China.
Travel to China can also pose certain health risks. For example, the Chinese government discourages foreign travelers from traveling to the country during Chinese New Year, the most popular time for travel. Furthermore, the Chinese government has prohibited online travel agencies from selling tour tickets. The zero-Covid stance is politically motivated. For this reason, China is encouraging travelers to buy their tickets through local travel agencies rather than from overseas travel sites. A COVID virus can affect an individual’s health and can cause a serious infection.
Foreign government officials do not always disclose their lists of sanctioned and banned entities. It is very difficult to contact the Chinese government regarding an exit ban and the impact on Canadian citizens. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain legal advice before travelling to China. Also, make sure to have all your documents translated. In the event of an emergency, the Canadian Embassy can provide assistance. If detained by Chinese authorities, they can prevent you from entering the country and can even detain you for up to 37 days without charges.
For flights to China, you can fly from many international cities. There are flights from the United States to Guangzhou and Shanghai from March and April. For flights to Beijing and Shanghai from the UK, you can also fly from Frankfurt, Copenhagen, and Kuala Lumpur. Regardless of your preferred airline, there is a flight to China to suit your needs. There are also international airlines that offer flights to Guangzhou and Tianjin.
If you plan to travel by land, it is important to understand the local weather conditions and the risks associated with flooding. Flooding can impact transportation by closing roads and restrict essential services. In addition, earthquakes can occur across the country, so you should know how to prepare for them before you travel. During the typhoon season, expect rainy days and heavy rainfall. In addition to heavy rains, flooding can affect low-lying areas around rivers.
You must have a green health code and a valid passport before traveling to China. Also, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you should take an additional Antigen test at least 14 days before you leave. For those who travel from countries where COVID is an epidemic, check the Chinese Embassy’s website for details. This step is a good idea regardless of whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure. If you’re concerned about a possible disease outbreak, it is always best to take precautions and get tested in advance.
Exit bans are also possible, though they rarely apply to U.S. citizens. These restrictions are typically tied to a criminal investigation, civil case, or business dispute. The government is generally unwilling to get involved in such matters, so the U.S. Embassy has little ability to represent you in legal proceedings. Furthermore, dual nationals only have limited access to consular services. In addition, the legal system in China is opaque and unjust, and the judiciary is not free of political influence.