China travel entry requirements 2022 including: latest PCR test, covid-19 vaccine certificate and at least 10 days quarantine.
Because of Covid-19, China has continued to enforce strict travel policies for international visitors. The entire process, from obtaining a visa to PCR testing, can feel complicated. To navigate regulations and restrictions, here is a step-by-step guide of the experience traveling to China.
First, you need to obtain permission to enter China. You can apply for a visa by searching for and emailing your local consulate. You’ll need to specify your reason for travel, such as needing to attend to a severely ill family member.
Depending on your situation, necessary documents can include proof of kinship to the invitee in China such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, and hospital diagnosis documents such as an official seal from the hospital or a letter from a doctor. If there is no missing information and the details you provided are verified as true, another email will be sent in a couple of days for you to complete.
Second, prepare your physical application to mail to the consulate. To receive your visa, refer and adhere to the information requested in your communication with the consulate office. Be prepared to package these items in an envelope:
- An original passport with six months validity and at least one blank visa page
- One copy of the passport data page
- A visa application form and confirmation page
- Passport photo with these requirements
- Proof of residency, such as a copy of your driver’s license, or water or electricity bills
- Supplemental material requested by the consulate such as an invitation letter from your relative in China, hospital records and vaccination history
- A return envelope to mail the visa and passport back to you
- The envelope must be a U.S. Postal Service priority mail express envelope and prepaid with your name, address, and telephone number
The total visa fee will be around $150 for each passport holder and must be paid to the Chinese consulate by money order or check.
Ensure your application materials are prepared in order and adhere to the consulate’s guidelines. The address of each consulate varies based on your location. It is essential to meet the criterion above to ensure the speed and potential of receiving your visa.
Third, wait five to ten days for your visa to arrive in the mail. In my experience, the process took a week. Research feasible flights to China, considering your timeline and budget. Sites like flychina.com list possible travel options. Keep in mind that transfer flights are unallowed – all flights must directly land in China.
If you are fully vaccinated with non-inactivated vaccines including Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated, follow the following guidelines set out by the Chinese consulate before boarding the plane:
- Take your first PCR test at your flight departure city up to seven days before boarding
- Starting from the date of your first nucleic test and remain in your departure city and monitor your health for seven days with a personal health monitoring form.
- Within 48 hours before departure, take a second PCR test and an antibody test at a designated facility in the departure city
- Submit all your test reports, monitoring forms, and letter of commitment on COVID-19 vaccination on the China Health Declaration Certificate website
On April 12, Caixin, along with other domestic media outlets, reported that China had launched a pilot program in eight cities to reduce the total quarantine time for international arrivals from 14 to 10 days (see second April 13 update below).
However, articles sharing this news have since been removed. Moreover, new articles from state media reiterated China’s zero-tolerance approach to COVID-19, stating that ‘Trying to ‘live with the virus’ […] is no choice for China”.
Despite the retraction, it is possible that China did indeed have plans to reduce quarantine time for international arrivals, but given the recent outbreaks across the country, and particularly in Shanghai, it seems likely that the authorities deemed it an inopportune time to begin rolling out this pilot program. Quarantine times for inbound passengers will therefore continue to be a minimum of 14 days for the foreseeable future.
