COVID-19 travel restrictions: China

This article was published on March 22, 2022, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.

Can I enter China?

As of February 2022, foreign travelers can enter China provided they have an approved visa. Due to COVID-19, visa availability has been limited, and tourism is not listed as a permitted purpose to travel to China.

At present, it is possible to get a visa under the following circumstances:

Visiting family members who have permanent residence in China
Foreign crew members of aircraft, trains and ships; motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities
Highly qualified staff that are urgently needed in China
Diplomats, government officials

Please note that all the COVID-19 regulations presented below apply to you if you have a visa.

Can I enter China if I am vaccinated?

You can enter China if you are vaccinated.

As of February 2022, the following six vaccines are approved in China:

CoronaVac
RBD-Dimer
Sinopharm BBIBP
Sinopharm Wuhan
CanSino
Minhai Biotechnology Co

Travel documents if you are vaccinated

If you are fully vaccinated, present all documents:

A vaccination certificate
One PCR test and one IgM antibody test within 48 hours of boarding a direct flight to China
A green Health Declaration Certificate (HDC) code

To get the HDC code, you will need the following documents:

Negative COVID-19 test results (both PCR and IgM)
Flight itinerary
For fully vaccinated travelers, a vaccination certificate and the Letter of Commitment on COVID-19 Vaccination must be completed and signed by hand by the applicant or by their legal guardian

Please check the official website to find out if you need any additional documents.

Also, please be aware that you can only obtain the HDC code in the departure country of direct flights to China. The HDC code from third countries is not accepted upon arrival in China.

Can I enter China if I am unvaccinated?

You can enter China if you are unvaccinated.

Travel documents if you are unvaccinated

One PCR test and one IgM antibody test within 48 hours of boarding the direct flight to China
A green HDC code

To get the HDC code, you will need the following documents:

Negative COVID-19 test results (both PCR and IgM)
Flight itinerary

Please check the official website to find out if you need any additional documents.

Please be aware that the HDC code can only be obtained in the country where the direct flight to China departs. The HDC code from third countries is not accepted upon arrival in China.

Can I leave China?

Travelers can leave China.

Nevertheless, the Chinese Ministry of Health stresses that no travel is safe during COVID-19 and asks that people avoid non-essential trips.

Travel documents if I am vaccinated

A document confirming vaccination

In addition, please check the requirements concerning COVID-19 tests for vaccinated travelers of the destination country in advance.

Travel documents if I am unvaccinated

If you are unvaccinated, please present one of the following documents:

A certificate of recovery from COVID-19 (no more than 180 days old before the day of crossing the border of a particular country)
A negative COVID-19 test result (the relevant period and kind of test may vary, please check the requirements of the destination country)

COVID-19 situation in China

Presently, the COVID-19 in China is moderate. However, things can change very quickly depending on the city. Please monitor the news of your destination city.

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

Your travel to China will be safe if you abide by the main COVID-19 regulations. Here’s what you should know:

Wearing masks indoors is mandatory
HDC codes are required to enter all public venues

Is Beijing open for travel?

Beijing is open for travelers with a visa. Aside from basic restrictions, tighter regulations have been imposed due to the Olympic games. For example, besides pre-arrival tests, foreign travelers must undergo a PCR test within 72 hours after arriving in the city.