china quarantine free travel

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China Travel Restrictions & Travel Advisory (Updated March 7, 2024)

Updates March 7th, 2024 : Travelers from the following countries could enjoy visa-free entry to China for tourism, business, transit, or visiting friends and relatives. 

• From December 1st, 2023, to November 30th, 2024: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain.
• From March 14th to November 30th, 2024: Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
• Singapore, Brunei
• Malaysia (from December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024)

If you want to arrange a private tour, even tentatively, simply contact us . 

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• What Ways to Enter China
• Do I Still Need a PCR Test to Enter China
• Hong Kong/Macau Travel Restriction

International Flights to China

What to expect when traveling in china, best times to travel to china, 8 ways to enter china: all open now.

Since China has fully permitted visa applications, there are now several ways to enter the country.

If you still hold a valid Chinese visa (any type including a tourist visa, 10-year visa, etc.), you can use it to enter China.

If you don't have a Chinese visa or your visa has expired, you can apply for a new one. All visas can now be applied for, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and so on. (International visitors can apply for a tourist visa to the Chinese Mainland in Hong Kong.)

For the documents required for a visa application, you can refer to the information given by a Chinese embassy/consulate . Please submit your application at least two months in advance.

To apply for a tourist visa (L visa), you will be asked to provide an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency or individual or round-trip air tickets and hotel bookings.

When booking a private tour with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter, which is one more thing we do to make your travel more convenient, giving you more flexibility with your air tickets and hotel bookings.

Now it is very easy to apply for a visa . You can easily apply by yourself without an intermediary. The following is how one of our clients successfully applied for a Chinese tourist visa:

• First, fill out the form at the China Online Visa Application website ;
• Second, make an appointment on this website to submit your visa materials on Appointment for Visa Application Submission website ;
• Third, take the required documents to the embassy to submit;
• Finally, you will get a return receipt if your documents are qualified.

Usually, you will get your visa after 7 working days. The application fee is about USD185 for US citizens.

Q: What if my passport expires but my visa doesn't?

A: You can travel to China on the expired passport containing valid Chinese visa in combination with the new passport, provided that the identity information (name, date of birth, gender, nationality) on both passport identical.

If there is a change to any of the above details, you must apply for a new visa.

2. 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

If you do not apply for a Chinese visa, you may still have the opportunity to visit these areas of China visa free: the Shanghai area (including Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.), the Beijing area (with Tianjin and Hebei), the Guangzhou area (Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.), and more. Take advantage of the 6-day visa-free entitlements.

Find out if you could use the 144-hour visa-free transit policy with our information on China's 144-hour Visa-Free Policy (Eligible Entry/Exit Ports, Applicable Countries, Documents to be Prepared...)

You can also obtain entry and exit control policies through the 24-hour hotline of the National Immigration Administration:

• Beijing: 0086 (+86)-10-12367
• Shanghai: 0086 (+86)-21-12367
• Guangzhou: 0086 (+86)-20-12367

Quick Test: Will My Route Qualify for China 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

1. I will depart from (only applies to direct or connected flight):

2. I will arrive in China at [city], [airport / railway station / port].

3. My arrival date is...

4. I will leave for [country/region] from China (the bounding destination on the air ticket):

5. My departure date is...

6. My nationality is...

8. I have Chinese visa refusal stamps in my passport.

You qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour visa-free policy.

You qualify to enjoy China's 144-hour visa-free policy.

You don't qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free policy.

Reason you don't qualify:

• You must be in transit to a third country or region.
• You must leave the city area (prefecture or municipality) after the 72/144 hours (the 72/144-hour limit is calculated starting from 00:00 on the day after arrival, i.e. 24:00 on the arrival date).
• Your passport must be valid for more than 3 months at the time of entry into China.
• Your passport nationality is not eligible for the 72/144-hour visa exemption program.
• You have Chinese visa refusal stamps in your passport.

3. Port Visas (Landing Visas)

If you don't have time to get a visa, or if you find it cumbersome to apply for a tourist visa, you could consider traveling to China through a port visa.

Port visas can be applied for a group at least including 2 people. You need to enter the country within 15 days after you get your entry permit. The port visa allows a stay period of 1 to 2 months.

Applicable ports include Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Guilin, Xi'an, Chengdu, etc.

Note: Tourists from America are not granted a port visa in Shanghai.

Book your China trip with us and we can help you apply for a port visa.

4. Visa Exemption for ASEAN Tour Groups to Guilin

In addition, tour groups from ASEAN member countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines, can visit Guilin for 144 hours without visas as long as they meet the visa-free transit policy requirements.

5. Shanghai Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Groups

Shanghai has a 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering China via a cruise. You must arrive and depart on the same cruise and be received by a Chinese travel agent at the Shanghai Cruise Terminal (or Wusong Passenger Center).

6. Hainan Visa-Free Access

No visa is required for staying on Hainan Island for up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders from 59 countries. Groups and individual tourists must book a tour through an accredited travel agency.

Find out whether you qualify for the policy here .

7. Visa Exemption for the Pearl River Delta Area

International travelers from Hong Kong or Macau are able to visit the Pearl River Delta area (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.) visa-free as long as they go with a registered tour provider, such as us.

8. APEC Cards

If you hold a valid APEC business travel card, you can simply enter China with the card without applying for a visa.

Travelers who hold a valid APEC business travel card can stay in China for up to 60 days.

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Do I Still Need a PCR Test or Antigen Self-Test to Enter China

No. Starting from August 30, all travelers entering China will no longer need to undergo any COVID-19 testing. You do not need to submit any test results for COVID-19 before departure.

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Hong Kong / Macau Travel Restriction

Hong kong entry requirements.

Travelers from any region bound for Hong Kong will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 tests (no PCR test, no RAT test) from April 1.

There is also no need for any tests when traveling from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland. Hong Kong could be a good gateway for your China trip. See suggestions on China Itineraries from Hong Kong (from 1 Week to 3 Weeks).

Direct high-speed trains from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Hong Kong are available now. In preparation for the Canton Fair, it is expected that direct high-speed ferries will be launched from Guangzhou Pazhou Port to Hong Kong's airport in mid-April.

• 10 Top China Tours from Hong Kong

Macau Entry Requirement

From August 30, travelers from any region bound for Macau will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 tests (no PCR test, no RAT test).

There is also no need for any tests when traveling from Macau to the Chinese Mainland.

Inbound and outbound international flights in the week beginning March 6th rose by more than 350% compared with a year earlier, to nearly 2,500 flights, according to Chinese flight tracking data from APP Flight Master.

At present, there are one or two direct flights a week from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Beijing, Seattle to Shanghai, London to Guangzhou, etc.

There are also many flight options with stopovers that are more frequent and affordable. Testing at transit airports is now not required!

The Coronavirus outbreak in China has subsided. China looks like it did in 2019 again. No special measures (like PCR tests or health codes) are required when traveling around China. All attractions are open as normal.

Wearing a mask is not mandatory when traveling. In hotels, masks are off for the most part. But in some crowded places, such as airports or subway stations, many people still wear masks.

Weather-wise, the best times to visit China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when most of the popular places have their most tourism-friendly weather, except for the "golden weeks" — the first week of May and of October — when most attractions are flooded with Chinese tourists.

If you are looking for smaller crowds, favorable prices, and still good weather, you should consider March and April or September.

Tourism in cultural and historical destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an is hardly affected by weather conditions. They are suitable to be visited all year round.

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Tour China with Us

We've been building our team for over 20 years. Even over the past three years we have continued, serving over 10,000 expats with China tours and getting a lot of praise (see TripAdvisor ).

We are based in China and can show you the characteristics and charm of China from a unique perspective. Just contact us to create your China trip .

Our consultants will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and prepare the best plan for you.

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China Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to China

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended on public transportation.

China entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to China from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter China.

Can I travel to China if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter China without restrictions.

Can I travel to China without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter China without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter China?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering China.

Can I travel to China without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in China?

Mask usage in China is recommended on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in China?

Restaurants in China are open. Bars in China are .

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China to Drop Covid Quarantine for Incoming Travelers

From Jan. 8, visitors will be required to show only a negative P.C.R. test taken within 48 hours. The restrictions had cut the country off from the rest of the world for nearly three years.

By Vivian Wang

China on Monday announced that travelers from overseas would no longer be required to enter quarantine upon arrival, in one of the country’s most significant steps toward reopening since the coronavirus pandemic began.

From Jan. 8, incoming travelers will be required to show only a negative polymerase chain reaction, or P.C.R., test within 48 hours before departure, China’s National Health Commission said. Limitations on the number of incoming flights will also be eased.

The travel restrictions had isolated the world’s most populous country for nearly three years. Foreigners were essentially barred from entering China in 2020, and even when they were allowed back in months later, it was generally only for business or family reunions .

Even some Chinese nationals were unable to return home initially, and travelers allowed to enter were required to undergo extensive health screening and quarantine at their own expense — sometimes for as long as two months .

The announcement on Monday was the latest reversal in China’s “zero Covid” approach to the virus, which for years saw Beijing seek to eliminate infections. But the policy, which involved harsh and prolonged lockdowns of hundreds of millions of people, crushed the economy and stirred public discontent .

In November, after a fire led to the deaths of 10 people in the Xinjiang region, with many people suspecting that a Covid lockdown had hampered rescue efforts, protests erupted across the country. It was one of the boldest and most widespread outbreaks of dissent in decades. Within days, the government began loosening restrictions .

The easing of travel restrictions “basically signals the final end of zero Covid,” said Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for global health at the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations. Though China had relaxed many of its zero-Covid domestic policies this month — scrapping regular mandatory tests for urban residents and allowing home quarantine for the infected, for example — it had held on to its international limitations.

The new measures do not amount to China’s throwing open its borders, however. Many details remained unclear. The government has not said when it will resume issuing tourist visas — all such visas that were valid at the start of the pandemic have been suspended. Officials said that they would “further optimize” the ability of foreigners to apply for visas for business, study or family reunions, without offering specifics.

Chinese officials also did not say how many flights would be allowed to enter the country. In November, the number of international flights to China was 6 percent of what it was in 2019, according to the flight tracker VariFlight.

China will also allow its citizens to resume traveling abroad for leisure in an “orderly” fashion, officials said. During the pandemic, the government stopped issuing or renewing Chinese nationals’ passports except in limited circumstances, and in May it said it would “ strictly restrict nonessential exit activities .”

The end to the international Covid quarantine was part of a broader announcement on Monday that China would downgrade its classification of the coronavirus. Previously, the government treated Covid-19 as a Category A infectious disease, on par with cholera or the bubonic plague. Under that categorization, officials had to put in place extensive restrictions to control the spread, including lockdowns and quarantines. Going forward, Covid will be treated as a Category B disease, which includes AIDS and bird flu.

That change will further formalize China’s shift away from zero Covid domestically, Dr. Huang said. While the earlier easing of restrictions had left local officials some leeway to decide how fast to reopen, Beijing was now signaling to officials nationwide that they should prioritize reviving the economy over disease control, he said.

It was unclear, however, just how soon international travelers would be willing to visit China, and how much the economy would benefit from it. The recent loosening of restrictions has led to an explosion in infections . Many older Chinese are not vaccinated or have received only two shots. The number of infections and deaths is also unclear , as mass testing in the country has ended and China counts Covid deaths differently from most of the rest of the world. But reports of overwhelmed hospitals and funeral homes are widespread.

At a news conference on Sunday, an official in Zhejiang Province, home to about 5 percent of China’s population, estimated that there were more than one million new Covid cases a day there.

Dr. Huang said that while China had pursued zero Covid for too long, he was now worried that policymakers had swung too quickly in the opposite direction.

“I’m afraid the mitigation strategy that is supposed to be focusing on the elderly and the vulnerable will be relegated to the back burner,” he said.

The speed, and shock, of China’s Covid pivot was reflected on its social media platforms, where users greeted the news of the rollback on Monday with a mix of disbelief and elation. Some celebrated the fact that Chinese students studying overseas would be able to return more easily to visit their families. In the minutes after the announcement, Chinese news media reported , searches for international plane tickets on one travel platform soared.

Others said, however, that they could not bring themselves to be happy about the changes, given the scale of China’s outbreak and deaths. Others noted that less than one month earlier, huge swaths of cities, including Beijing, had been under lockdown.

Claire Fu and Amy Chang Chien contributed reporting.

Vivian Wang is a China correspondent based in Beijing, where she writes about how the country's global rise and ambitions are shaping the daily lives of its people. More about Vivian Wang

Hong Kong eyes Jan. 8 to resume cross-border travel with mainland

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Russia's newly-appointed navy chief will take part in a major military conference in ally China, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Saturday, amid growing Western criticism of ties between the two countries.

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Violence flares in West Bank as Gaza fighting continues

A Palestinian ambulance driver was killed during the evacuation of the wounded during a raid by violent Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, Palestinian authorities said.

Ukraine attacked eight Russian regions with dozens of long-range strike drones, setting ablaze a fuel depot and hitting three power substations in a major attack early on Saturday, an intelligence source in Kyiv told Reuters.

Crop Trust, which works to preserve crop bio-diversity, needs to more than double its $300 million endowment fund to be able to support seed banks across the world, Executive Director Stefan Schmitz said.

China’s huge quarantine camps standing months after ‘zero COVID’

Satellite imagery shows facilities are still intact nearly four months after the end of Beijing’s draconian pandemic policy.

Taipei, Taiwan – Nearly four months after China abruptly scrapped its tough “zero-COVID” policies following rare mass protests , authorities have yet to dismantle sprawling quarantine facilities designed for isolating hundreds of thousands of people, an Al Jazeera investigation based on satellite imagery shows.

Mass quarantine facilities in three Chinese provinces appear fully intact with no visible changes to their structure, an analysis of the satellite images shows, raising questions about the Chinese government’s post-pandemic plans for the now-defunct structures.

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China’s quarantine facilities, which were previously used to isolate, and at times treat, positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts, became a symbol of the human cost of Beijing’s “zero-COVID” policy, which was dropped in December amid mounting public frustration with the draconian measures.

Beiijng’s overarching plan for its now-defunct quarantine centres, if there is one, is not clear.

Provincial authorities in Guangdong, Shandong and Sichuan did not reply to Al Jazeera’s requests for comment. Efforts to reach the National Health Commission (NHC) were unsuccessful.

In December, however, the NHC called on local governments to “upgrade” quarantine centres into hospitals with facilities including intensive care. The NHC said local authorities should carry out the upgrades with local needs in mind but did not specify the ratio or number of facilities that should be refurbished.

Meanwhile, some local governments have announced plans for a variety of other uses for the centres – from temporary housing to elderly care.

The satellite images obtained and analysed by Al Jazeera’s Sanad investigation unit cover six quarantine centres: three in northern China’s Shandong province, two in Guangdong province on the southern coast, and one in Sichuan in the centre of the country.

The facilities include Guangzhou’s 80,000-person capacity Nansha Health Centre, which was only completed in November. The furthest distance between locations – from the outskirts of Jining in Shandong to Guangzhou in Guangdong – is more than 1,700km (1,056 miles).

Sanad geolocated the quarantine centres using drone footage circulated on social media and analysed satellite images of the facilities taken within the last few days.

The images of quarantine centres analysed by Al Jazeera do not show any structural changes or construction to suggest significant upgrades.

For China, upgrading defunct quarantine centres en masse could potentially be a potentially difficult and costly task.

“Quarantine hospitals are designed in a very different way from acute care hospitals because for quarantine, the main purpose of the facility is to quarantine, not treatment,” Chi Chunhuei, director of the centre for global health at Oregon State University, told Al Jazeera.

While the Chinese government has not published official figures, news reports and official statements suggest that a large number of makeshift structures were erected across the country during the pandemic.

As early as January and February 2020, the National Development and Reform Commission allocated 530 million yuan ($77m) to quickly build two prefabricated COVID-19 hospitals in Wuhan, the then epicentre of the pandemic. China State Construction allocated another 500 million yuan (72.6m) to the project, which was modelled after a makeshift hospital built during the SARS pandemic in 2003.

The two facilities were dismantled in April 2020 as China began to contain the first COVID wave but the model would be widely adapted again two years later in the midst of an even larger infection wave in the spring of 2022.

As authorities struggled to contain the virus once again, local and city governments got to work to flatten the curve and ultimately achieve zero cases.

Chinese health official Jiao Yahui said there were 33 prefabricated hospitals completed or under construction in March 2022 alone. In May, the director of the NHC, Ma Xiaowei, called for more quarantine facilities in an op-ed for the Communist Party’s Qiushi Magazine.

Shanghai, a large COVID hotspot in 2022, by itself allocated at least 16.77 billion yuan ($2.4bn) for COVID-19 infrastructure, services, staff salaries and other needs in its 2022 budget. Like those of other local governments, the budget did not break down how much was spent on quarantine facilities specifically.

“The funding for the COVID infrastructure is a little bit opaque but it seems to come from a variety of sources, including SPB [special purpose bonds], central government budget and municipal/provincial budgets,” Arendse Huld, an editor at the business-intelligence website and magazine China Briefing, told Al Jazeera.

In August 2022, an NHC directive called for more reserve quarantine facilities, while stipulating they should be built with normal day-to-day functions in mind. Construction continued across China, including in Guangzhou, where authorities announced plans to build 36 facilities with a total capacity of 110,000 beds as late as November 2022.

Discussions on the costs and future of the quarantine facilities are difficult to find in China’s heavily-censored media.

A critical article on the news platform 163.com, which questioned who would pay for Shandong to dismantle quarantine camps built at a cost of 23 billion yuan ($3.3bn), had its contents deleted, although its title remains visible online.

Much of the cost of China’s quarantine centres was funded by debt.

Chinese financial news site Yicai reported that more than 100 local governments issued special purpose bonds, racking up debts of up to 440 million yuan ($63.9m).

Many of the local authorities said they planned to rent out the facilities after the pandemic to generate income and fund the debt.

Huld, the editor, said authorities may find it difficult to make the centres economically viable if converted to other uses, which could include hotels, office buildings, shopfronts, warehouses, expo centres and even parking lots.

“I think it’s reasonable to be sceptical of the viability of these facilities for long-term use and of whether they can really generate income in the future,” Huld said.

“These facilities were not made to be permanent and so it seems unlikely that they will really have much longevity. This sentiment is also being felt in China, as we can see from various social media posts [and] web articles.”

In Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, a 650-cabin quarantine camp – that spans more than 20,000 square metres (215,000 sq feet) – was converted into temporary housing for “skilled talent” to resolve a housing shortage for people working at a nearby tech complex, an official statement said. In Shandong, at least one quarantine facility has been designated to become an elderly care home.

Government authorities in remote Qinghai on the Tibetan Plateau said 29 quarantine camps with more than 10,000 beds in total would be kept open to provide reserve beds.

The NHC also recommended that some quarantine centres could be upgraded to medical facilities but Jin Dong-yan, a professor of medicine at the University of Hong Kong, questioned their suitability.

He said the facilities are typically in less-than-ideal locations, far from urban centres, while the buildings themselves would not meet medical standards.

“Even if you build a new hospital from the ground up, there may not be manpower to run it,” Jin told Al Jazeera.

China’s rural areas have just 2.4 practising physicians and 2.6 registered nurses per 1,000 people, according to data compiled by China Briefing, far fewer than urban areas, where the ratio is 3.7 practising physicians and 4.6 nurses.

Jin said authorities might try to save face by repurposing the centres regardless of their long-term viability or suitability.

“The money has already been spent, the best they can do is try to recycle the waste,” he said.

Despite the unresolved questions, Beijing has cast its handling of the pandemic as an unqualified success.

During China’s National People’s Congress earlier this month, newly-appointed Premier Li Qiang said China’s COVID-19 policies were “completely right” and “delivered highly effective outcomes”.

After praising China’s “remarkable” transition from “zero-COVID”, Li said China would continue to  “strengthen medical and health services at all levels” and improve its early warning system for epidemics.

China’s official death toll is just 120,576, according to World Health Organization statistics. Health experts widely agree that figure greatly underestimates the actual toll, with some academic studies estimating 1-1.5 million deaths.

While some quarantine facilities may find other uses, others are likely to be consigned to the ash heap of history, said Chi, from Oregan State University, particularly if they are built on highly-sought urban land.

“If they are built in a more suburban area, the land value is not so high, they will probably not tear them down and they can convert them into other use,” he said. “But if some of the quarantine hospitals were built on high-value city land, there’s a high likelihood they will tear it down or modify them into commercial buildings because they desperately need to boost [economic] growth.”

For some Chinese, the centres stand as reminders of the draconian policies that upended the economy and their personal lives for the quixotic goal of zero infections.

For Guangzhou local Jenny, who asked not to be identified by her name, even the sight of kiosks built for PCR testing still haunts her.

“They remind me of painful memories, what else can there be?” Jenny told Al Jazeera.

Jenny, who vividly recalls images of police deploying batons, water cannons and tear gas against protesters during last year’s anti-lockdown protests, is not worried about what happens to the quarantine centres.

Like many Chinese, she just wants to move on from the pandemic.

“The average person does not care,” Jenny said.

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China to lift quarantine for inbound passengers

People arriving in China from abroad for work, business, study or family reunions will no longer need to quarantine starting on Jan 8, according to the latest changes in the country's COVID-19 policy. Inbound passengers will still need a negative nucleic acid test 48 hours before departure and have to wear protective masks onboard flights, the State Council's Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism announced on Tuesday.

Testing on arrival will also be scrapped beginning on Jan 8, and passengers will not be subjected to any special restrictions during their stay in China as long as their health declarations are normal and they show no symptoms of the disease during a "routine health check" while clearing customs.

Since March 2020, travelers to the Chinese mainland have been required to quarantine, typically for up to 21 days, at designated hotels. The quarantine policy, which has evolved over time, currently requires five days of quarantine at a centralized facility, followed by three days at home.

The State Council said that restrictions on entry of international flights, such as the "Five-One Policy" — a rule under which a country can send only one flight of one airline via a single route just once per week — will be lifted as well.

According to the announcement, restrictions on outbound travel will be relaxed, while visa arrangements for foreigners wanting to enter the country for work, business, study or family reunions will be improved.

The National Immigration Administration announced on Tuesday that it will resume issuing passports to Chinese citizens wanting to arrive in or depart from the Chinese mainland. It will also start granting exit and entry permits to those traveling to and from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

For foreigners in China, the immigration administration announced that it will resume, starting on Jan 8, the handling of applications for extension, change and reissuance of visas and stay permits.

Answering a question on when China might resume tourism, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the country will adjust its tourist visa policies based on the development of the COVID-19 epidemic, which is still ongoing.

China will continue to improve its epidemic control measures to create a safe and healthy environment for travelers, he said, adding that people should follow travel advisories issued by Chinese embassies around the world.

Before the detailed policy for inbound and outbound travelers was released on Tuesday morning, the National Health Commission announced on Monday night that starting on Jan 8, the country will downgrade management of COVID-19 from category A to category B, in accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Disease. The commission also renamed the term "novel coronavirus pneumonia" to "novel coronavirus infection".

Meanwhile, relaxed international travel rules increased the volume of flight searches and triggered a rush for ticket bookings.

Data from travel platform Ctrip showed that within half an hour of the announcement on Tuesday, searches for flight tickets to overseas destinations increased tenfold. Many wanted to spend the weeklong Spring Festival holiday abroad, Ctrip said.

Data from another platform, Qunar, showed that within 15 minutes of the news, searches for international flights increased sevenfold, with Thailand, Japan and South Korea being the top choices.

According to online travel agency Tongcheng Travel, international flight ticket bookings were 2.5 times higher by 9 am on Tuesday. Hotel reservations for Hong Kong, Macao, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Pattaya, Thailand, also significantly increased.

Zhao Wenzhi, chairman of the Guangzhilv International Travel Agency based in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, said the surge in demand for flights and hotels shows how welcome the policy change is. "Large international port cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, are likely to be the first to resume outbound travel for tourism," Zhao said.

The government of the Hong Kong SAR is preparing for "gradual and orderly resumption" of normal travel with the Chinese mainland, a spokesperson there said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that normal travel is expected to resume by mid-January.

Border control points are ready for the resumption of quarantine-free travel to the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR customs officers said in a post on social media.

Zhu Wenqian and Li Bingcun contributed to this story.

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China Travel Advisory

Travel advisory april 12, 2024, see summaries - mainland china, hong kong & macau.

Updated due to new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Summary:  Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services . Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction . 

Mainland China – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws , including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions .

Summary:  The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law.

The Department of State has determined the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the PRC government exists in the PRC.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens in the PRC may be subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law.

Foreigners in the PRC, including but not limited to businesspeople, former foreign-government personnel, academics, relatives of PRC citizens involved in legal disputes, and journalists have been interrogated and detained by PRC officials for alleged violations of PRC national security laws. The PRC has also interrogated, detained, and expelled U.S. citizens living and working in the PRC.

PRC authorities appear to have broad discretion to deem a wide range of documents, data, statistics, or materials as state secrets and to detain and prosecute foreign nationals for alleged espionage. There is increased official scrutiny of U.S. and third-country firms, such as professional service and due diligence companies, operating in the PRC. Security personnel could detain U.S. citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.

Security personnel could detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR governments.

In addition, the PRC government has used restrictions on travel or departure from the PRC, or so-called exit bans, to:

• compel individuals to participate in PRC government investigations;
• pressure family members of the restricted individual to return to the PRC from abroad;
• resolve civil disputes in favor of PRC citizens; and
• gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.

U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart the PRC, and there may be no available legal process to contest an exit ban in a court of law. Relatives, including minor children, of those under investigation in the PRC may become subject to an exit ban.

The PRC government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a U.S. citizen and choose to enter Mainland China on travel documents other than a U.S. passport and are detained or arrested, the PRC government may not notify the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulates General or allow consular access.

Check with the PRC Embassy in the United States for the most updated information on travel to the PRC. In some limited circumstances travelers to Mainland China may face additional COVID-19 testing requirements to enter some facilities or events.

The Department of State does not provide or coordinate direct medical care to private U.S. citizens abroad. U.S. citizens overseas may receive PRC-approved COVID-19 vaccine doses where they are eligible.

Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC. A positive drug test, even if the drug was legal elsewhere, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering the PRC. PRC authorities may compel cooperation with blood, urine, or hair testing. Penalties for drug offense may exceed penalties imposed in the United States.

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION, TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, and TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS PREFECTURES

Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence and surveillance, are common in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, and Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice.

If you decide to travel to Mainland China:

• Enter the PRC on your U.S. passport with a valid PRC visa and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for Mainland China .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
• Keep a low profile.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Beijing or the nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately.
• Review the  China Country Security Report  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Embassy Beijing on  Twitter ,  WeChat , and  Weibo .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the PRC.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Summary: Hong Kong SAR authorities have dramatically restricted civil liberties since the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposed the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR on June 30, 2020. Following the Hong Kong SAR government’s enactment of its own Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on March 23, 2024, Hong Kong SAR authorities are expected to take additional actions to further restrict civil liberties.

The 2020 National Security Law outlines a broad range of vaguely defined offenses, such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance builds on this framework with additional vaguely defined offenses, such as treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, sabotage against public infrastructure, and external interference. According to the legislation, these offenses are applicable to foreign nationals within the Hong Kong SAR and to individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, located outside its borders. Under these provisions, anyone who criticizes the PRC and/or Hong Kong SAR authorities may face arrest, detention, expulsion, and/or prosecution. Hong Kong SAR authorities are attempting to enforce these provisions against individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, residing outside of their jurisdiction by offering cash rewards for information leading to their arrests in the Hong Kong SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Hong Kong SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter Hong Kong SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under the 2020 National Security Law and/or the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Hong Kong SAR:

• Enter the Hong Kong SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Hong Kong SAR .
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
• Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Hong Kong SAR or prior to arriving in the Hong Kong SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Hong Kong SAR.
• Monitor local media, local transportations sites, and apps like  MTR Mobile  or  Citybus  for updates.

Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Summary:  The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Macau SAR due to People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

Even in an emergency, the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to the Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering the Macau SAR. Approval takes at least five to seven days, significantly limiting the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in the Macau SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter the Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Macau SAR:

• Enter the Macau SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Macau SAR .
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Macau SAR or prior to arriving in the Macau SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Macau SAR.
• Monitor local media and the Macau Government Tourism Office website for updates.
• Review your flight status with your airline or at the Macau International Airport website.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Hong Kong to allow quarantine-free travel for some travellers from mainland and Macau

HONG KONG - Hong Kong will resume quarantine-free travel in a limited way for people entering the city from mainland China and Macau as the pandemic stabilises.

Under the "Come2hk" quarantine-free scheme starting on Sept 15, non-Hong Kong residents who live and work in the mainland and Macau, including mainlanders and expatriates, will be able to enter Hong Kong without undergoing compulsory quarantine at designated hotels.

But this will not apply to people from places in the mainland identified by the Hong Kong government as medium or high-risk. For a start, there will be six excluded areas and details will be out later.

The scheme will allow up to 2,000 individuals daily, with 1,000 each for the Shenzhen Bay Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong Port.

They will be subject to regular virus testing and will need to produce a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result before arrival.

"We have been talking about this "Come2hk scheme" for a long time but were never able to launch it, as there were often problems, either because of the rebound in cases in Hong Kong, or the mainland's pandemic situation," said Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Tuesday (Sept 7) at her weekly briefing.

She also announced that the "Return2hk" scheme, which allows Hong Kong residents to return from the mainland and Macau without having to go through quarantine, will resume on Wednesday (Sept 8).

The scheme was suspended in early August after the pandemic flared up in the mainland.

Under the arrangement, individuals must not have been to any high-risk places in the 14 days prior to returning to Hong Kong and must have a negative PCR test result. This group is exempted from home quarantine but will have to be tested regularly.

"Since last November in its first launch, there are about over 200,000 Hong Kong residents who have returned to Hong Kong with not one single infection, therefore we can proceed with a peace of mind," said Mrs Lam.

She noted that it is "everyone's aspiration to resume cross-boundary activities" and that the government will continue to vigorously implement measures to prevent imported cases from spreading in the community.

Hong Kong has some of the strictest travel restrictions in the world , with mandatory hotel quarantines lasting as long as 21 days.

Between Aug 1 and Sept 5, there were 116 arrivals from high-risk zones, including Indonesia, the Philippines and the United States, who were confirmed to have Covid-19 either at the airport or during compulsory quarantine.

Of these imported cases, 68 were fully vaccinated.

During the same period, there were 34,300 individuals who entered Hong Kong, with 27,800 of them fully vaccinated and the remaining 6,500 unvaccinated.

Mrs Lam said: "If you're not vaccinated, the risk of getting infected is more than three times."

Hong Kong's officials have doubled down on getting people to take at least the first dose of either the Sinovac or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

On Sunday, Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip, who is in charge of rolling out the inoculation programme, said outreach vaccination services will be extended to all 18 districts to boost vaccination rates, especially for the elderly.

The push comes as the city experiences a bottleneck in vaccination, forcing the authorities to extend by a month its target of hitting the 70 per cent inoculation rate by end-August.

More than 63 per cent of the 7.5 million population have taken the first dose.

Meanwhile, the government said on Monday that Hong Kong residents who are vaccinated in India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Thailand - all listed as high-risk areas - will be able to return to the city from Wednesday (Sept 8), after it agreed to recognise vaccination records issued in the four countries.

Hong Kong has so far recorded more than 12,100 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 212 deaths.

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China Travel Restrictions 2024

China has opened its borders to tourists from March 15, 2023. Foreigners can enter China normally with a valid China visa (any type). 

All types of visa applications are resumed. Visa-free transit policies are also reinstated.

The good news is that as of August 30, 2023, international travelers no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before entering China.

Who Can Enter China Now?

China has resumed applications for all types of visas since March 15, 2023.  Visa-free transit policies are also reinstated.

You can enter China as long as you are:

• holding a valid China visa (any type, even if applied before March 28, 2020).
• holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, study, reunion, and personal matters.
• holding valid APEC business cards.
• qualify for the China visa-free transit policy.

Do I Still Need a PCR Test to Enter China in 2024

As of August 30, 2023, international travelers no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result  and fill out the Health Declaration Form  before entering China.

Hong Kong Travel Restrictions 2024

Hong Kong no longer requires mandatory hotel quarantine or home quarantine for overseas arrivals. All pre-departure testing requirements have been lifted. 

You can enter Hong Kong as long as you have a valid travel permit (and visa if applicable). You don't need to do any tests.

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Tibet Travel Restrictions

According to the regulations of the Tibet Autonomous Region, foreigners are not allowed to travel around Tibet alone. That means you have to book a tour with a China local travel agency.

To enter Tibet, all foreigners (non-Chinese passport holders) need a Tibet Entry Permit which is issued by the Tibet Tourism Administration.

To visit Mount Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, an Aliens' Travel Permit and a Military Area Entry Permit are required.

Now, Tibet is open to foreign tourists. If you plan to visit Tibet, you can apply for the Tibet Permit now. Since foreigners are unable to apply for an Entry Permit independently, you are suggested to book your tour with a local travel agency.

If you book the Tibet tour with us, we will make all necessary arrangements to obtain the Tibet Permit for you. Feel free to contact us and learn more details about Tibet travel requirements.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK . 

Immigration authorities may check and collect biometric data (for example, scanned fingerprints and photos) to register your entry into China.

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering China.

Passport validity requirements 

To enter China, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in China and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.

Visa requirements 

You need a visa to visit mainland China. 

You can visit Hong Kong or Macao without a visa. See separate travel advice for Hong Kong and Macao . 

You can also visit the island of Hainan for 30 days without a visa. 

Visa-free transit through China is permitted, from 24 hours to 144 hours depending on location. See China Visa Application Centre for more information.  

If you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland, you need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China. 

Check your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you. 

If you want to stay in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a residence permit. 

Applying for a visa 

If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa in person at a visa application centre . If you’re aged 13 and under or aged 71 and over, you can only apply online. You must provide biometric data (scanned fingerprints) as part of your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. The details of their opening hours are on their websites.  

The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply .

Dual Chinese-British nationality 

China does not recognise dual nationality. If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the British Embassy may not be able to offer you help. If you were born in China to a Chinese national parent, you will be: 

• considered by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality 
• treated as a Chinese citizen, even if you used a British passport to enter China 

If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so. See guidance on nationality in China .

Working in China 

You can only work in China if you have a work visa (Z visa). Tourist and business visas do not allow you to work. You must also hold a valid work permit. The local police regularly carry out checks on companies and schools. If you do not follow Chinese immigration laws, there can be serious penalties, including: 

• imprisonment 
• deportation 
• an exit ban, which stops you from leaving China 
• an exclusion order, which stops you from returning 

Before you leave the UK, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK to check Z visa requirements. When submitting your application, and when you receive your work permit, check the details are correct, including the location you’ll be working in. You can be fined or detained if details are incorrect, even if your employer or others have submitted the application on your behalf. 

If you change employer once you’re in China, or change location in China with an existing employer, check with the Chinese authorities whether you need a new visa and work permit before doing so.

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s China guide . 

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Registering with the Chinese authorities 

You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreigners’ documentation. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in. 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of China . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

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• Special Focus

China and Hong Kong ‘actively discussing’ quarantine-free travel

Legislators expressed concerns about Hong Kong students unable to go to the mainland in time to start their college owing to a lack of quarantine quotas.

Wang Zhan and Xi Tianqi

China Daily

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A woman walks to the departure hall of Shenzhen Bay Port Hong Kong Port Area on Feb 8, 2020. (PHILIP FONG / AFP)

August 18, 2022

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is “actively discussing” the possibility of quarantine-free travel with the Chinese mainland, Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki said on Wednesday.

Chan made the statement during a media session after attending the Ante Chamber exchange session with Legislative Council members on Wednesday morning.

Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki said that the HKSAR government is working hard with the mainland to solve the quarantine quota problem, adding that chartering flights to take the students to the mainland is one option under consideration

“We have been discussing actively with the mainland authorities how to, I would say, resume the quarantine-free travel between Hong Kong and the mainland, and I think we will make announcement at suitable occasions,” he said.

During the exchange session, legislators Kitson Yang Wing-kit and Scott Leung Man-kwong expressed concerns about Hong Kong students who are unable to go to the mainland in time to start their college courses owing to a lack of quarantine quotas.

They pointed out that many Hong Kong high school students who have enrolled in mainland universities fear they won’t be able to arrive at their universities in time for registration, due to the limited number of lottery-based cross-border quotas.

A Hong Kong student who had enrolled to begin studies at Shanghai Jiao Tong University eventually decided to decline the offer, owing to a repeated inability to secure a place in the quota system.

Responding to the issue, Chan said that the HKSAR government is working hard with the mainland to solve the quota problem, adding that chartering flights to take the students to the mainland is one option under consideration.

As any plans to charter flights may, however, turn out to be complex and time-consuming, Yeung suggested that the authorities could consider offering additional border-crossing quotas to this group of students, to help them arrive at their universities in time.

Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing said in the same media session that the government will also conduct a comprehensive review of the city’s hygiene and sanitation laws.

“We will be looking at whether the existing legislations are adequate in terms of empowering government departments to properly carry out their duties, and also the adequacy of the penalty,” Cheuk said. “So, we will take a holistic view and if necessary, we will propose changes to existing legislation, or even explore the prospect of enacting a new legislation.”

5,757 new cases logged

Hong Kong recorded 5,757 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, including 194 imported infections and 5,563 local cases, Albert Au Ka-wing, principal medical and health officer of the Centre for Health Protection’s communicable disease branch, said in a separate press briefing.

Hong Kong recorded 5,757 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, including 194 imported infections, said Albert Au Ka-wing, principal medical and health officer of the Centre for Health Protection’s communicable disease branch

He added that four new deaths were reported, bringing the city’s toll during the fifth wave to 9,371.

“Starting from July, we witnessed an upward trend…In July, we were looking at 3,000-3,500 cases. By end of July or early August, we were looking at 4,500..Today, it has gone up to 5,500,” Au said.

Of the 194 imported cases, 89 were confirmed at the airport, 54 at quarantine hotels, and 51 at community testing centers. More than 10 cases each came from Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and the Philippines. The rest were from 38 other countries.

Four residential care homes reported infections while 48 schools reported 74 cases. Three kindergartens and a primary school suspended some classes due to infections.

Au said 24.5 percent of the new cases involved the Omicron subvariant BA.5 while 7.4 percent were linked to BA.2.12.1.

Lau Ka-hin, chief manager (quality and standards) of the Hospital Authority, said in the same briefing that 1,875 COVID patients were being treated in public hospitals as of Wednesday, including 273 new patients. Thirty-two were in critical condition, including 10 receiving intensive care, and 33 in serious condition.

Lau expressed concern about the increasing number of elderly patients, noting that 80 percent of admitted COVID patients were aged 60 years old and above.

“The percentage is on the high side. We appeal to all elderly persons to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to complete the regimen,” he said.

More elderly patients

Au said that 15,443 people aged 60 and above got infected with COVID-19 from Aug 1-14, which is is higher than the 12,898 elderly cases reported from July 18-31.

Lau said the four patients who died included two men and two women aged 52 to 96 years old. Three of them had cancer and three also did not complete their vaccination regimen.

Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki (first row, right), President of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen (first row, center), and Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing (second row, third left) pose for a photo with LegCo members before the Ante Chamber exchange session on Aug 17, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

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Government to reopen three more border crossings between HK and mainland China

There is some great news for Hongkongers wishing to reunite with families on the mainland. Three more border crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China including the Lo Wu checkpoint, will reopen. Authorities are also expected to drop the quota system and COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers.

Hong Kong reopened two immigration checkpoints (Lok Ma Chau spur line and Man Kam To border control point) in the first stage of gradual border relaxation. The only ways into the mainland were via Shenzhen Bay Port, the airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Previously, the government liaised with Guangdong and Shenzhen officials to reopen the four borders in a gradual and orderly manner.⁠

China quarantine: Government relaxed travel rules before Lunar New Year break

Children under three years old must provide a negative PCR test result while entering mainland China. Community testing centres in the city now offer self-paid testing services for children. However, there is no requirement for kids under three to visit Hong Kong, including those from mainland China.

The large-scale pilot programme was enough to meet the demands of Hongkongers looking to cross the border during the festive season.

China may drop quarantine for Hong Kong residents traveling into the mainland next month, according to local media reports https://t.co/t0q5AJgQBl //googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-4773716-3'); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-4773716-3'); }); — Bloomberg (@business) December 12, 2022

The full reopening of border may take time

Visitors can expect a full reopening in the later stage once the central government is confident mainland hospitals can cope with more cases. Recently, Beijing relaxed pandemic isolation and health code rules for mainlanders. However, Hong Kong authorities are still cautious about any significant easing of restrictions given the daily infection surge.

The mainland relaxed COVID-19 rules where patients with mild or no symptoms were allowed to isolate at home instead of the government facility.

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Traveling to China After Reopening – What’s Changed?

We offer the latest advice on traveling to China in 2023, including information on current Chinese visa application requirements, pre-flight testing, and travel tips.

UPDATE (November 1, 2023): China Customs announced that it will no longer require people leaving and entering China to fill in the Entry/Exit Health Declaration Card. This decision means that from this day forward, there are no more  COVID-era restrictions and requirements for travelers leaving and entering the country. However, anyone leaving or entering China who shows symptoms of or who has been diagnosed with an infectious disease is still required to declare their health status to Customs of their own volition. See our article for more details on this news here .

UPDATE (September 20, 2023): In a bid to attract more international visitors, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) introduced a simplified visa application process on September 20, 2023. This revision primarily focuses on the visa application form and entails two significant changes. Firstly, applicants are now required to list their travel history from the past year instead of the previous five years. Secondly, the educational background section has been streamlined to only request the highest level of education achieved.

These adjustments, according to MFA spokesperson Mao Ning, are intended to reduce the time applicants spend on visa forms and enhance overall efficiency. The MFA reaffirmed its dedication to fostering people-to-people interactions between China and other countries, emphasizing China’s commitment to high-quality development and global engagement.

UPDATE (August 28, 2023):  The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made a significant declaration that starting from August 30, 2023, travelers heading to China will not have to undergo mandatory pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid tests or antigen tests.

In March 2023, China announced that it had resumed issuing all types of visas , giving the official greenlight for foreign travelers and tourists to return to the country. This announcement followed months of gradual dismantling of COVID-19 travel restrictions, which saw the lifting of quarantines, vaccine and testing requirements, and travel codes.  

Domestic and international travel requirements have since been further relaxed so that there are currently almost no additional steps to take in relation to COVID-19 in order to travel to China.  

However, foreign travelers may still be confused when planning for their China trip, as it adopted a progressive approach for lifting restrictions, and the latest information is scattered across a series of announcements. Below we answer some common questions on China travel after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Which Chinese visas are currently available?  

China resumed issuing all types of visas in March 2023. All of the same types of visas that were available prior to the pandemic are now available for application again.  

The visas that are currently available to travel to China are listed in the table below.  

Note that if you obtain a long-term visa, such as a work or student visa, you are required to convert the visa into a residence permit within a prescribed period of time, usually 30 days.

Is my 10 – year C hinese visa still valid?  

All multiple entry visas that were issued before March 28, 2020, that are still within the validity date can now be used to travel to China again . This includes 10-year visitor visas issued to citizens of the US and other countries. Note that you are usually only able to stay in China for a period of up to 60 days on this type of visa, and you will need to apply for another long-stay visa if you wish to stay longer than 60 days. 

I f the visa has expired since March 28, 2020 , you will be required to apply for a new visa before you can travel to China.  

How do I apply for a Chinese tourist visa in 2023?  

In most cases, foreigners must apply for a visa in order to travel to China. This is done through your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center, not the consulate or embassy. You must either be a citizen or have residency or another right to stay (such as a visa) in the country in which you are applying for the Chinese visa.

The requirements to apply for a visa vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the location in which you apply for it. It is therefore important to check the website of your local Chinese Visa Application Service Center for application requirements.  

Note that the duration of short-stay visas, such as tourism or business visas, can also vary depending on your specific situation, where you apply, and your nationality.  

China does offer some visa-free options for short-term travel. These include 144-hour , 72-hour, and 24-hour visa-free transit, which allows foreign travelers to enter China through designated ports and travel around a limited area for up to six days, provided they are continuing on to a third country after departing the country.  

At the end of November 2023, China also announced a 15-day visa-free entry policy for holders of ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, during the period from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024.

For more information on visa-free travel to China, see our Complete Guide to China’s Visa-Free Policies .  

What are the COVID-19 testing requirements to travel to China?  

There are no longer any COVID-19 testing requirements to enter or leave China. Starting from August 30, 2023, travelers bound for China were no longer required to undergo COVID-19 nucleic acid tests or antigen tests before their departure. In addition, from November 1, 2023, onward, China Customs ceased requiring travelers to fill in and show the Entry/Exit Health Declaration Card , removing the last COVID-era travel requirement.

In its announcement scrapping the health declaration card requirement, China Customs emphasized that people leaving and entering China who show symptoms of or who have been diagnosed with an infectious disease are still required to declare their health situation to Customs of their own volition. Symptoms may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or unexplained subcutaneous bleeding, according to the notice. This has been a requirement since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you report any symptoms, you may be taken aside for additional testing. If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be permitted to recover in your place of stay or seek medical help if required.

It’s important to stay updated with any further announcements or changes that may arise, as travel guidelines and policies can evolve in response to the ongoing global situation. Travelers are advised to refer to official sources such as the Chinese government’s official websites and diplomatic channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information before planning their trips to China.

Are there any restrictions on traveling within China?  

China has removed all domestic travel restrictions, meaning that people are now free to cross provincial and regional borders without having to show negative COVID-19 tests or health codes.  

Note that if you enter China on one of the short-term transit entry permits, you are not permitted to travel outside a certain designated area, which will depend on your port of entry. For information on where you can travel on this entry permit, see our article here .  

Do I need to take any COVID-19 precautions while traveling in China?  

COVID-19 is still present in China, and it is therefore advisable to take common sense prevention measures when traveling around the country. These precautions are the same as the ones you would take in other countries and include regularly washing your hands or using hand sanitizer, wearing a mask in public, and avoiding crowded areas where possible, among others.  

Mask mandates on public transport and in public areas, such as restaurants, bars, stores, malls, and parks, have been removed. However, the government still advises people to wear them of their own volition.  

Wearing a mask is still mandatory in nursing homes and medical institutions. You should also wear a mask if you test positive for COVID-19.  

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 while in China?  

You are no longer required to go to a quarantine facility if you test positive for COVID-19.

The current official advice in China if you test positive for COVID-19 is to self-isolate at home if you are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. If you have moderate to severe symptoms, you should seek medical help, and you may be hospitalized if your condition is serious.    

It is advisable to purchase medical insurance before traveling to China, as staff in public health institutions may only speak Chinese and private healthcare is very expensive.  

It is also advisable to bring fever medicine, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, as you may not be able to buy the same brands you are used to taking in your home country, and staff at pharmacies usually only speak Chinese.  

(This article was originally published on June 9, 2023 , and was last updated on November 29 , 2023.)

China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates . The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at [email protected] .

Dezan Shira & Associates has offices in Vietnam , Indonesia , Singapore , United States , Germany , Italy , India , Dubai (UAE) , and Russia , in addition to our trade research facilities along the Belt & Road Initiative . We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand , Bangladesh .

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