Travelling to China – Things to Keep in Mind

If you’re considering travelling to China, it’s important to keep a few things in mind before you leave. While China is generally a safe country to visit, you should always know where you’re going, and be aware of your surroundings. Though China is not particularly dangerous, it should be noted that foreign influences are limited. As a result, internet censorship is common, and you’re unlikely to see a protest without permission. You should also avoid taking pictures of protests, as these can land you in trouble.

To avoid being slapped with quarantine, you should contact the Chinese government directly before you travel. China has different regulations about quarantine, and it’s difficult to predict exactly when or how they’ll be implemented. Travel restrictions can change quickly, so be prepared for a sudden and unexpected travel ban. You can find out more by checking with your airline or contacting the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Listed below are some of the common restrictions for traveling to China.

Before you travel, make sure you’ve applied for a Chinese visa. Depending on your nationality, this may cost PS30/$45. Make sure your passport is valid for six months from the date of entry and has at least one blank page for visas. During the application process, you’ll be asked to provide some proof of your onward travel or hotel bookings. You should also be prepared for the Great Firewall to prevent you from viewing websites from outside China.

The biggest problem you may encounter during your travel to China is getting SIM cards. While many Asian countries have English-speaking citizens, the majority of tourists don’t understand the language, making this a problem for those travelling alone. You must have a SIM card to use in China so that you can stay in touch with the Chinese government. You’ll also need to be aware of the language and culture of the country before you begin your travel to China.

The Chinese Embassy requires a negative Covid-19 nucleic acid (COVID-19) test result and a satisfactory antibody test for travellers. These tests must be taken within 48 hours of departure, at a laboratory accredited by the embassy. In addition, you must submit any vaccination records and other supporting documents. Whenever possible, opt for direct flights to China to avoid the hassle. If possible, don’t travel by transit – Chinese embassies won’t issue health codes for transit passengers.

Airlines offer many routes to China. Flights to Shanghai begin in March and October. Some flights may stop in Seoul on the way, and aren’t direct from some countries. If you’re not sure which cities have flights to China, there are options to fly via other cities like Amsterdam or Copenhagen. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll have to meet with Chinese officials, so make sure you have all of your travel documents in hand.

It’s important to keep in mind that unauthorized political or religious activity may result in detention or travel restrictions. Although China’s constitution protects freedom of religion, it has increasingly repressed domestic religious activities. For example, the U.S. Mission to China has reported an increase in detentions and expulsions of U.S. citizens involved in unauthorized religious activities. You should also be aware of the varying levels of scrutiny you may face by Chinese state security and law enforcement.

Travel to China is prohibited for Irish citizens during the Chinese New Year. This is the busiest period for travel to China, and online travel agencies are prohibited from selling tour tickets during this time. China’s zero-Covid policy has political reasons, but for now, you should try to avoid travel during this period. A zero-Covid stance should help you plan your trip more safely. And remember: you should always follow your local Chinese Embassy’s travel notices to stay ahead of time.

Moreover, Chinese officials have made new rules to protect travelers against disease. You must arrive in the city where you’re departing seven days before your scheduled flight. Then, you’ll need to take two COVID-19 tests, which you must complete within 48 hours before your flight. Lastly, you’ll need to complete two forms to monitor your health, such as a Personal Health Monitoring Form, and take a nucleic acid COVID-19 test.