Travel to China
If you’re planning to visit China, you’ll have to know what you’re getting yourself into. This ancient country is home to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the vast Tibet Autonomous Region. Though the country’s passenger train network is extensive, drivers tend to not obey traffic laws, and pedestrians sometimes don’t get the right of way. While you’re in China, you’ll also find taxis and self-drive (rental) cars. Self-drive (rental) cars are available in most major cities, but there are also chauffeured cars, ride-sharing services, and cab services.
Travel to China is generally safe, although it’s still best to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Although serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, you should always be vigilant and follow local laws. You should also avoid giving out sensitive personal information or bank details to unauthorised personnel. Also, be aware that in China, drunk driving is punishable by stiff penalties. Take all precautions before your trip to avoid getting into trouble with the law.
Once you arrive in China, quarantine requirements vary. Health monitoring in some cities and provinces requires a quarantine period of seven to fourteen days. Quarantine may also include home quarantine or restriction of movement. Other health monitoring requirements include regular COVID-19 tests and temperature checks. Additionally, quarantine requirements may extend to other cities in China. In these cases, you should contact the Chinese health authorities before traveling. These regulations may change rapidly, so it’s best to check with your travel agent.
The main mode of travel into China is by air. While air travel is still the most common mode of transportation, international flights to China have strict restrictions. For example, a certain number of positive Covid-19 cases can lead to suspension of a flight. The rules have eased this year, though. Airlines with five or more positive cases can continue operating at forty per cent capacity. However, the number of positive cases is still high. This is not an ideal time to travel to China, but you should be aware of all your options.
Since the start of the zero-Covid policy in early 2020, China has taken steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep cases to a minimum. In the end, this policy has proven to be successful, as cases of COVID-19 in China have been low, far below those reported in many other countries. However, recent outbreaks have caused China to intensify prevention measures. The government has restricted international flights and increased the length of quarantine on arrival.
While Chinese authorities continue to impose various control measures in China, the country remains relatively safe to travel to. Nonetheless, the CDC recommends that travelers check their travel insurance policies to avoid any potential medical complication. Additionally, the FCDO website lists guidelines on foreign travel insurance and provides information about COVID-19 vaccines. There is also ongoing surveillance of COVID-19 in the PRC and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing is keeping a close eye on developments.
Foreign travellers who wish to enter China must have a valid COVID-19 negative certificate. These certificates are also called green health declaration certificates. They must be obtained before leaving certain countries, or 48 hours before boarding a direct flight from China. They should submit proof of kinship, such as a birth certificate, or the official seal of a hospital or a letter from a physician. It is best to travel via direct flights when possible.
If you’re traveling to China with your family, it’s important to follow all necessary regulations. Although there is no specific requirement for vaccination, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. China’s new regulations on COVID-19 vaccinations will affect most travelers. Once the CDC implements the policy, travelers will be required to take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of their flight. Those who do not have this test will not be able to board their flights.