Travel to China
Although most visitors are banned from entering the country for a strict 14-day quarantine, the Chinese government recently announced it will relax some of its requirements. The old quarantine requirement will be replaced by a 7+3 program. This means one week in a hotel and three days of home observation. Travel to China is a great way to explore one of the world’s oldest civilizations and witness its fascinating modern development. The country’s ancient cities and sites bear their mark, but it is also thoroughly modern.
Although China is generally a safe country to visit, it is still important to exercise caution and remain alert. While there are fewer risks than in the U.S., tourists must be aware of their surroundings and follow local laws. There is a high level of internet censorship in China and protests in public places are prohibited. Photographs of such protests could land travellers in trouble. While the vast majority of travellers experience a safe trip in China, it is wise to exercise caution and travel in pairs.
If you are looking for flights to China, you can fly to Guangzhou, Beijing, Xiamen, and Hong Kong from major cities in Canada. From April to August, you can also catch flights to Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Tianjin from Paris and Milan. Singapore and Kuala Lumpur have direct flights to China. However, travel to China during a time of pandemics may be dangerous.
While China has been successfully reducing its cases of measles, there are still outbreaks of the disease in some areas of the country. While there is a large public health effort underway to prevent measles, travelers have still caused outbreaks in their home countries after returning from China. Rubella, another deadly disease, is not yet included in the national immunization program. However, incidence is believed to be high. It is best to seek medical advice prior to traveling to China.
While the risk of travelers’ diarrhea is low in deluxe hotels and hospitals in major cities, it is still wise to take food precautions. Antibiotics for diarrhea are recommended. Alternatively, azithromycin may be effective for self-treatment. Another risk to be aware of is the prevalence of quinolone-resistant Campylobacter. The drinking water in many major cities is unsafe for consumption, but most hotels provide bottled water. You should avoid raw seafood and unpasteurized milk in China.
Canadian citizens who are of Chinese descent may also face some problems while travelling to the country. The Chinese government does not disclose its list of sanctioned and banned entities. Therefore, if you’re concerned about your own citizenship, you can contact the nearest Chinese consular office in Canada for assistance. When in doubt, always contact the nearest consulate to clarify your travel plans. If you have any doubts, seek legal advice in China to avoid embarrassing situations.
Despite the country’s growing prosperity, China is not without its challenges. There is a severe lack of air quality in some major cities and it’s best to limit outdoor sightseeing during this time. China is prone to monsoons and typhoons, and low-lying areas near rivers are subject to flooding. The Australian Government does not intervene in the justice system in China, so you should consult with your travel agent to find out about any direct flights.
If you’re planning to take a cruise on the Yangtze River, make sure you bring antiemetics before your trip. Air pollution in China is harmful to the health of non-susceptible travelers. Even short-term exposure to pollution can irritate the throat and eyes, and aggravate conditions such as asthma. You should also be aware that travelers with cardiovascular or respiratory disease may be at risk for developing a respiratory tract infection.
The travel ban in China is in place for people from COMOROS and other countries that are deemed high risk. The entry ban on Chinese nationals was enacted on January 29. Travel bans from other countries are also in effect in BANGLADESH, UZBEKISTAN, and Italy. Moreover, a new entry ban has been imposed on the people of Congo, which has a history of disease outbreaks.