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Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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China Travel Advisory

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

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 .

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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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 .

I .Pre-boarding Nucleic Acid Test

All China-bound travelers will need to take nucleic acid test for COVID-19 within 48 hours before boarding, and can only travel to China when your test result is negative or after it turns from positive to negative. Please always bring the proof of your negative COVID-19 test result with you for inspection.

ll.Health Declaration to China Customs

You are required to declare your negative test result to China Customs by filling the Health Declaration Form on the WeChat miniprogram of China Customs (scan the QR code below), or at https://htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn, or via the China Customs APP.

Ill.Boarding Check

At boarding time , airlines will check if you have a negative result within 48 hours, and those who fail to present such a proof will not be allowed to board the plane.

IV. Self-protection on the Aircraft

You are suggested to wear a mask throughout the flight and take good personal protection to reduce the risk of infection

V. Inspection upon Entry

You can go through customs with your health declaration result, and China Customs may check your proof of negative COVID-19 test result.If you pass the health declaration and entry inspection, no further requirements will be imposed. lf there are anomalies in your health declaration or you are showing symptoms such as fever, you are required to take an antigen test by China Customs.Those whose results are positive will need to self-quarantine or seek medical treatment as notified by the authority. Those whose results are negative will go through routine quarantine inspection by China Customs in accordance with the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law and other laws and regulations

VI. After-entry Epidemic Prevention and Control

After entry into China, you will have to strictly abide by the epidemic prevention and contro requirements of the place where you stay .

Requirements for Proof of COVID-19 Test

I.The proof must have the name of the traveler, which should be exactly the same as it appears on the travel document used for the flight. It is recommended that the date of birth and travel document number also be shown on the proof

II. The proof must also have:

Time of the test or time of issue(at least one of them should be within 48 hours before boarding); testing method (which should be nucleic acid testing; antigen testing will not be accepted); test result(which should be negative; 'uncertain’ will not be accepted); and name and contact details of the testing institution.

III.The proof must be in the official language of the place of departure of your flight to China, or in English. It will be checked by the airline of your flight to China.

IV.It should be a hard copy. lf the testing institution issued a digital copy, please print it out and take it with you.

China Fully Reopens to Travelers After Three Years of Closures

Hoping to boost its tourism industry, the country is now issuing all types of visas

Daily Correspondent

Travelers at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai getting their temperatures taken

After three years of closures during the Covid-19 pandemic, China is fully reopening its borders to visitors.

The nation is now issuing visas of all types. It is also resuming visa-free entry for destinations that did not require visas before the pandemic, such as Hainan island and cruise ships in Shanghai . Tourists with unexpired multi-year visas issued before March 28, 2020 are also able to enter.

China’s foreign ministry announced the full reopening in a statement posted online last week. The announcement didn’t say whether the government will require travelers to provide vaccination cards or negative Covid-19 tests to enter the country.

Since the pandemic, China has been one of the last major countries to fully reopen, according to the Associated Press ’ Zen Soo. The nation had implemented strict zero-Covid policies that involved daily testing and sudden lockdowns that eventually led to rare pushback from residents.

In December, Chinese leaders began easing the harsh rules, going on to drop quarantine requirements for international travelers in January. In February, the government declared it had achieved victory over the virus.

How many Covid-19 cases—and deaths—have occurred in China remains unclear, as the World Health Organization argues that the country has been underrepresenting the virus’ true toll.

In the near future, travel industry experts don't anticipate that large numbers of tourists will begin flooding into China, or that increased tourism will help the country’s economy in a significant way. As Reuters ’ Joe Cash and Sophie Yu report, tourism made up less than 1 percent of China’s gross domestic product in 2019.

China’s tourism businesses will also face challenges amid the reopening, as they must now rehire the millions of employees they laid off during the pandemic.

“We are not prepared to serve a rising number of tourists since we are short of employees,” says Zheng Honggang, CEO of Shanghai-based Kate Travel, to the South China Morning Post ’s Daniel Ren. “The pace of recovery will turn out to be slow.”

Travel to China from the United States may also be slow to rebound due to increasingly strained relations between the two nations. In a March 10 travel advisory , the U.S. State Department encouraged citizens to reconsider travel to China, citing “arbitrary enforcement of local laws” and a “risk of wrongful detentions.” Those who do decide to visit should keep a low profile, stay away from demonstrations and avoid taking photographs of police or protesters without permission, the State Department warned.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong—which is a special administrative region in China—is also trying to find innovative strategies to boost its travel industry, which had been in decline since before the pandemic. Last month, the government announced that it will be giving away 500,000 free flights over the course of several months.

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Sarah Kuta | READ MORE

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

China Travel Restrictions & Travel Advisory (Updated April 25, 2024)

Amazing News for Selected Country Travelers!

Visa-Free Access to China

Great news for our esteemed customers from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Malaysia! You can enjoy China's beautiful culture and scenery visa-free for 15 days until December 31st, 2025. No extended waiting, less hassle, and more time for planning your perfect China adventure.

And for our fortunate travelers from Singapore—you can relish visa-free access to China for up to 30 days, indefinitely!

Seeking a Longer Stay or Arriving from Other Countries? Try China Highlights' Port Visa Service

If your home country isn't listed above or if you aim to discover China for more than two weeks, no worries — we offer our Port Visa Service! Once your tour booking is confirmed with us, we can arrange your visa for just US$50 (valid until June 30th, 2024). Forget the stress of embassy visits and visa interviews.

Start booking your dream Chinese vacation with us .

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What Ways to Enter China
Do I Still Need a PCR Test to Enter China
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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, a port 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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Everything you need to know about traveling to China

China is finally reopening to foreign tourists after ending its ‘zero covid’ policies

Three years after shutting down to outsiders, China is finally beginning to issue visas to foreign tourists.

As of March 15 , the country will begin issuing all categories of visas, including those for tourism. China will allow visa-free entry to areas such as the island of Hainan and for cruise ships visiting Shanghai. Multiyear, multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, will be accepted by Chinese visa authorities as long as they’re still valid.

The country dropped its severe mandatory quarantine on arrival on Jan. 8 , and now only requires travelers to show negative results from a coronavirus test (PCR or rapid, depending on their country of origin) taken within 48 hours of departure.

It’s an exciting move for many American travelers.

“As soon as China relaxed its covid restrictions and started allowing their own citizens to travel, we had a huge influx of people wanting to start planning their trip,” John Rose, chief risk and security officer of the travel agency Altour , said in January.

Angela Hughes, owner of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel , has seen similar interest from clients, and is anticipating the country to become a “sizzling hot” destination once the doors fully open.

If you’re considering planning a trip to China, here’s what you need to know before you go.

The top travel destinations for 2023, according to experts

When can you start planning a trip to China?

Travelers interested in visiting China may apply for entry visas and start planning trips now.

Tourism experts started getting trips on the schedule even before the return of China’s tourist visas. The small-group tour company Intrepid Travel plans to host its first trip in mainland China since January 2020 by June. The company’s partners on the ground in China are actively preparing for the return of tourism, says Natalie Kidd, Intrepid’s Asia division managing director.

How to get refunds if your flight is canceled

Going as soon as China allows won’t be for everybody. Hughes says first-time visitors, families or more risk-averse travelers may want to wait until 2024, when the situation becomes more stable. More adventurous travelers are another story. “I’m definitely going to go right when it opens,” Hughes said in January.

Although China is open for tourism, Catherine Heald, CEO of the luxury travel company Remote Lands , is bracing for more complications.

Citing concerns like limited international commercial flights into China and remaining pandemic restrictions, “we think it will be a slower process than what we witnessed in Japan, Thailand and other parts of Asia,” she said in an email.

What to know about coronavirus protocols in China

With the end of its “zero covid” strategy, China has dropped significant measures like its frequent coronavirus testing and digital health codes for locals, or presenting negative covid tests or health certificates to travel within the country. China is also easing restrictions on the number of flights allowed in.

However, the U.S. Embassy in China warns the country’s policies are subject to change at any time.

For now, the main pandemic restriction in place is for travelers. According to a March 14 news conference from China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, China has begun accepting negative results from rapid tests (depending on your country of origin — at this time, Americans should default to PCR testing ). Tests must be taken within 48 hours of departure to China. Kidd says masks are still recommended in China, but not mandated in public areas (except for places like hospitals and clinics) and no quarantines or isolation are required if someone does get covid-19.

This airline booking hack is dividing the internet

What are the risks of visiting as soon as possible?

As of March, the U.S. State Department has a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for China (along with Hong Kong and Macao) due to the “arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” its website reads . Travelers considering a trip to China should refer to the State Department’s entire travel information page for updates on travel advisories and country information.

Neil Slabbert, World Travel Protection ’s chief medical officer for the Asia-Pacific region, says travelers need to be aware of the potential of lockdowns by local authorities that can make accessing health care difficult. There were also reports last spring of parents and children being separated if one or the other tested positive for covid. Travelers should prepare accordingly, and have emergency plans in place (like where they’ll get food, water and medicine) in case of lockdowns or infection.

Rose says those considering a trip should keep an eye on the information we have available at the time of booking, throughout your planning and just before you travel. Don’t forget what reopening looked like for other regions in 2021 and 2022. Countries implemented and removed restrictions “very, very quickly” in reaction to covid cases, and China may be no different.

Hughes says such risks make travel insurance a nonnegotiable for anyone going to China. “Every single person traveling internationally right now needs to have a complete policy above and beyond their credit card’s,” she said, recommending the companies she uses, Allianz and AIG .

What I learned on a two-week trip to Vietnam and Cambodia

What travel will be like once you get there

Like every place in the infancy of its pandemic reopening, China won’t be back to “normal” for the first returning travelers.

Kidd says China is still the same amazing destination with iconic sites and fantastic food, but tourism won’t immediately be the well-oiled machine it once was. Intrepid’s vendors have noted that, as in the rest of the world, many people left China’s tourism industry, and there will be lot of new people entering the field as businesses staff up again.

“We’re having the dialogue that we had two years ago when Europe opened up now with China,” Hughes said.

No matter the method, Kidd says there’s one big perk of returning early: being able to see the country’s highlights with fewer visitors.

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China Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for China.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to China.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to China.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in China. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in China, rabies treatment is often available.

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to China.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found.

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers with itineraries limited to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) or Macao SAR are exempt from this requirement.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

Mosquito bite
Avoid Bug Bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

Tick bite
Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
Avoid domestic and wild poultry
Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
Bite from an infected rodent
Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
Avoid rodents and areas where they live
Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in China, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Tap water is not drinkable in China, even in major cities. Bottled water is easily available.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in China. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in China—such as dengue and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in China include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in China. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

Use latex condoms correctly.
Do not inject drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call China’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of China. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of China may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in China, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in China, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for China .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in China, dial 999 (Beijing) or 120 (Shanghai) for an ambulance, 119 for the fire department, and 110 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about China before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on China from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for China for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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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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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

China travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: May 23, 2024 08:00 ET

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Local authorities have put in place invasive security measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Chinese authorities are increasingly detaining ethnic and Muslim minorities in the region without due process. There are reports of extrajudicial internment and forced labour camps. Family members of Canadian citizens with Chinese citizenship have been detained. You may be at risk of arbitrary detention if you have familial or ethnic ties to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

The situation in the region is tense and accurate information is hard to obtain. Authorities may impose curfews and restrictions on short notice.

Avoid gatherings and demonstrations
Always carry ID
Expect a heightened security presence and frequent security checks
Expect significant travel delays
Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Tibet and Tibetan autonomous prefectures

You must obtain a permit and be taking part in an organized tour to travel to Tibet. Chinese authorities occasionally suspend issuing permits to foreigners and can arbitrarily deny tourist entry to certain districts and communes of the Tibetan autonomous prefectures in Sichuan and Qinghai, despite not having proactively published notification of these changes. If you enter a restricted area without the requisite permit, you could be fined, taken into custody, and deported for illegal entry. Local authorities may also impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice, even if you have a permit.

Where possible, make full payment for travel conditional upon a travel permit being secured while noting that changes in Tibet's security situation can affect travel and related government policies at any time.

In these regions, expect:

increased security measures and police presence
surveillance measures
that unauthorised gatherings may be dispersed by force
that some places of worship or cultural sites of interest may be off-limits to foreigners

If you travel to these regions despite the risks:

contact a reputable travel agency and the Chinese Embassy or a consulate before you leave to learn about entry requirements
be aware of your surroundings
exercise caution due to increased scrutiny on foreigners
follow the instructions of security forces if you are stopped
if you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the Canadian Embassy or the nearest consulate immediately
don’t film or photograph unauthorised gatherings or outbreaks of violence

Our ability to provide consular support in the Tibet Autonomous Region is limited.

Check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to know about the specific entry requirements for Tibet and other restricted areas.

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of mobile phones and other electronic devices occurs, even during the day. Criminals target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

Be vigilant in all crowded locations
Don’t carry large sums of money
Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Petty crime and sexual harassment can occur on buses and overnight trains.

Ensure that the train compartment contains packages belonging only to you and other occupants
Store personal belongings in a safe place, and don’t leave the compartment unattended
You should securely lock the doors

Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but incidents do occur.

There is a risk of armed bandit attacks in remote parts of China.

Police presence may be poor around border areas.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Counterfeit currency

Counterfeit currency is a significant problem in China. Counterfeit bills are widely distributed in local stores, restaurants and taxis. If you use cash, avoid moneychangers on the street and use small bills or exact change.

Exercise caution in popular tourist areas (particularly in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and Shanghai’s the Bund, East Nanjing Road and People’s Square), where scammers target foreigners.

Scammers may invite you to a nearby establishment for a drink (usually tea or alcohol), a massage or other services. They will then ask you to pay an exorbitant bill (up to thousands of dollars), sometimes under threat of injury. In some cases, foreigners were harmed.

Be cautious of unsolicited requests from strangers to “practice English” or to accompany them to an art gallery, teahouse or an unknown location.

If you’ve been scammed:

get to a safe location immediately
take note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; this information is required by police to identify the persons involved and issue a report
notify the police and obtain a report
call your credit card company to report the scam; they will likely request a copy of the police report to cancel the transaction

Telephone scams

Foreigners have received calls from scammers claiming to be the police. The caller says that local authorities are investigating them for identity theft or money-laundering operation and requests a fund transfer to resolve the issue.

Don’t send any money in this type of situation.

Since most Chinese use their mobile device as payment method, digital and mobile phone scams are a common issue. You should be vigilant if you use your smartphone to scan, transfer funds or make payments.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Internet censorship and cyber security

China blocks access to several websites, social media, search engines and online services within its territory.

You shouldn’t expect internet privacy. Your communications may be monitored at any time, and authorities may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices.

Cyber security while travelling.

Journalism and research

Foreign journalists and other media workers in China face considerable restrictions in the context of their work. The Chinese government may employ measures such as:

movement controls
physical and electronic surveillance
public smear campaigns
delaying or refusing renewals of press cards and visas
intimidation and harassment.

There are cases of foreign journalist arrests on national security violations.

You should be particularly vigilant if researching or reporting on subjects critical of or sensitive to the government and in areas such as Tibet or Xinjiang.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are illegal without prior approval from the Chinese government. Authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists.

If you participate in or are witness to a demonstration, you may be subject to scrutiny and severe legal action. Foreign journalists have experienced intimidation and detention for reporting on demonstrations.

The security situation around large gatherings could change quickly. Be vigilant about your safety.

You should be particularly vigilant in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Don’t film or take pictures of demonstrations
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
Follow the instructions of local authorities

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Drivers often don’t respect the rules of the road, and traffic laws are not consistently enforced.

Be cautious when crossing streets, as drivers don’t always give pedestrians and cyclists the right of way.

Public transportation

China has an extensive passenger train system, including high-speed trains. You must present a passport to purchase a ticket and to board the train.

Taxis are available in major cities and are easier to obtain at hotels or taxi stands. Self-drive (rental), chauffeur-driven cars and ride-sharing services are also available in major cities.

Most taxi drivers don’t speak English nor French and will sometimes avoid picking up foreigners to avoid the inconvenience of clients who don’t speak Chinese. You should arrange for a person to write out your destination in Chinese characters before you go.

Taxi, motorcycle and pedicab drivers sometimes overcharge clients, especially at airports. They may also attempt to give you counterfeit currency.

To minimize the risk of being overcharged:

use only reputable taxis
avoid unlicensed “black taxis”
do not agree to multiple passengers
negotiate fares before entering the taxi, and/or request that the taxi driver use the meter
request that the driver provides you with a receipt or “fapiao”
request that the driver removes your luggage from the trunk before paying the fare

Marine transportation

Ferry accidents have occurred in China.

Exercise caution when using marine transportation
Always use available safety equipment, such as life jackets and seatbelts
Don’t board ferries that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

If you intend on engaging in trekking activities:

never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, and in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Tensions on Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice, and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly.

Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border.

Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that you register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists.If you participate in or are witness to a demonstration, you may be subject to scrutiny and severe legal action. Foreign journalists have also been intimidated and detained for reporting on demonstrations.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Chinese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry into China.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Foreign Representatives in Canada
Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required Working visa: required

Ensure that you apply for the proper type of visa for the specific purpose of your trip.

Thoroughly review all information available regarding the visa-issuance process.

Pay particular attention to the length of stay permitted after each entry on your Chinese visa. Overstaying can lead to fines and administrative detention.

Transit without visa and visa-free stays

While you may be eligible for a visa on arrival, there is no guarantee that it will be granted. You should obtain a visa before travelling to China.

You may be eligible for a visa on arrival if you are:

transiting between two international destinations
visiting certain areas for short periods
visiting certain areas as part of an organized tour or travelling in a group

Contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular office for more information on visa exemptions.

Visa application outside of Canada

If you apply for a visa outside of Canada, check with the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you to make sure that it issues visas to Canadians.

If you are already travelling or living in China, contact the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) for visa information.

Visiting Hong Kong and Macao

Obtain a visa allowing multiple entries if you plan to travel between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China.

Applying for visas for mainland China in Hong Kong - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong

Proof of onward travel

Be prepared to show proof of onward travel, including all of the documents you need to enter your next destination.

Fingerprints

Chinese immigration officials will take and retain the fingerprints of Canadians between 14 and 70 years old upon their entry into the country. Some exceptions may apply.

Screening of digital devices

Border officials may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices, particularly at border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Residency registration

All foreigners (tourists, visitors and long-term residents) must register their place of residence with the local public security bureau within 24 hours of arrival.

If you’re staying in a hotel, registration is normally done as part of the check-in process. Those staying with family or friends in a private home must register themselves. Failure to do so can result in fines and or detention. Carry proof of your registration.

Foreigners holding Z, X or J-1 visas must also apply for a residence permit, within 30 days of entry, from the Exit and Entry Department of the local public security bureau.

Health entry requirements

Medical tests, including a test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, might be required to register and renew residency permits for stays of more than 6 months. Local authorities may not approve your work/residence permit application if you obtain an HIV-positive test result. You may also be subject to termination of employment and deportation.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Chinese authorities may place an exit ban on specific individuals to prevent them from leaving the country. An exit ban can relate to investigations into an individual, their family or an employer, and in criminal and civil matters, including business disputes.

You may not be aware that authorities have placed an exit ban on you until you try to leave the country. It is difficult to obtain information on bans from Chinese authorities.

If you’re unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Avian influenza - 20 December, 2023
Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.
Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
making multiple trips to endemic areas
staying for extended periods in rural areas
visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin. In some cases, it can be fatal. It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock. There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those:

visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical care is widely available in urban areas but not in remote areas. Ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment. Medical care in clinics offering international standard services to foreigners is much more expensive. Payment is expected at the time of service.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Altitude sickness

Tibet, Qinghai, western Sichuan and parts of Xinjiang are situated at altitudes exceeding 3,000 metres. Acute mountain sickness may occur at high altitudes.

Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Criminal proceedings

If you are suspected of a crime, Chinese authorities can prevent you from leaving China (by withholding your passport or applying an exit ban) or may detain you for up to 37 days without charges.

Detention during the investigative period before charges are laid is common and can be lengthy. Some defence lawyers may be reluctant to accept cases involving foreigners.

Consult a Canadian government office in China if you experience such difficulty.

Consult our Arrest and detention page and our Overview of the criminal law system in China for more information.

Death penalty

Chinese authorities apply, sometimes arbitrarily, the death penalty for both violent and non-violent crimes, including for serious drug offences.

Penalties for possession, use, production or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, jail sentences or the death penalty. These laws are strictly enforced and apply to persons 14 years and older. Penalties can be assigned arbitrarily.

Local authorities conduct random drug tests (urine or hair). Police have raided nightclubs and bars and subjected patrons to on-the-spot drug testing.

Based on positive drug test results, authorities can prosecute drugs crimes regardless of where or when drugs were consumed. This applies to drugs consumed legally in a foreign country before entering China.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Police carry out random checks, and failure to produce proper identification could potentially lead to fines or detention.

Carry adequate identification, such as a passport and valid visa or residence permit, at all times
Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of its loss or seizure

If your passport is lost or stolen, visit the nearest police station or Public Security Bureau to report the incident and obtain information on the visa replacement process.

If you renew your passport while you are in China, you must register your new passport with the authorities promptly. If you fail to do so, you may be fined.

National security, social order, and public interest

Chinese authorities may define certain behaviours and activities as “endangering national security,” upsetting social order, or damaging the public interest, that would not be considered as such in Canada. This could include activities that occurred outside of China. National security, and "state secrets", are broadly defined and interpreted. "State secrets" could be interpreted to include documents, data, materials, or other items. If you are suspected of endangering national security, upsetting social order, or damaging the public interest you will be subject to questioning.

Chinese authorities may detain you for up to 6 months before you are formally arrested. Note that access to legal representation is frequently denied in the initial stages of a national security case, and trials often take place in closed court.

If you are detained, you should immediately request access to a lawyer and request notification of the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission. Canadian diplomatic missions can provide you or your family with a list of lawyers.

If you previously occupied a position that was in any way affiliated with the government of China and left your position without receiving authorization or without following formal procedures, you may be considered a defector by Chinese authorities.

This can be the case regardless of the seniority of the position you occupied, even if you left this position a long time ago and you did not handle sensitive or classified materials. Authorities may detain you even if you have previously travelled to or resided in China without issue.

Consult a Chinese criminal lawyer to understand how this may apply to you.

Bans and Sanctions

The Chinese government may ban or sanction entities or individuals for actions, including oral or written statements, and associations with entities that are critical of:

the Communist Party of China
the Chinese government
Chinese leaders and policies

The Government of the People's Republic of China does not publicize a list of banned or sanctioned entities or individuals, and the implementation of bans or sanctions remains vague. The effect on individuals associated with banned or sanctioned entities is unknown.

It could include:

a ban on travel to Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau
freezing of assets
prohibition of business or association with Chinese citizens and organizations

If you believe you may be subject of a ban or sanctions, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

Consult entry and exit requirements for information on exit bans

Political activities

China has imposed severe restrictions on political activities, including advocating for causes, participating in public protests or sending private electronic messages critical of the government.

Chinese authorities may detain you if you participate in political activities and restrict your future travel to China.

Non-Governmental Organization activities

Activities conducted by foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are strictly regulated and scrutinized in China.

If you plan to work or volunteer for an NGO in China, ensure the organization is properly registered and that you possess the right visa for the activities you plan to perform.

Religious activities

There are restrictions on certain religious activities, such as preaching, distributing literature and associating with unapproved religious groups, including some Christian, Buddhist and Muslim organizations.

Chinese law also prohibits overseas non-governmental organizations from engaging in or sponsoring religious activities.

The Falun Gong movement is banned in China. Participants in Falun Gong activities or Falun Gong-related demonstrations are subject to legal action that may include detention, arrest, imprisonment and deportation.

Be cautious about visiting certain places of worship, which may have been, explicitly or not, declared off-limits to foreigners by local authorities. If you are not prompted to buy a ticket to visit the site, it could be an indication that the site is off-limits to foreigners.

Facial recognition and use of video surveillance (CCTV)

Law enforcement agencies in China widely rely on facial recognition technology and video surveillance to police, monitor and control illegal or restricted activities, including participation in demonstrations.

Privacy rights may differ substantially from Canadian standards. You should assume that local authorities have access to your biometrics as soon as you enter the country.

Military installations

Travel near military installations is restricted. Photography of military installations or government buildings is prohibited, and offenders may be detained, arrested and imprisoned.

Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

Gambling and the promotion of gambling activities are illegal in mainland China.

Commercial surrogacy is illegal in China, and surrogacy arrangements are not legally recognized.

If you're planning to visit China for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek specialist legal advice on Chinese and Canadian laws prior to making any arrangements.

The Embassy of Canada to China can't provide recommendations on surrogacy arrangements.

Prohibited or controlled items

There are absolute prohibitions against the importation of arms, drugs and plant or animal products that could carry disease or pests. There are also restrictions on the entry of printed material, film, photos, videotapes, and CDs considered detrimental to China's interests.

Importation and use of drones are subject to strict regulation. Contact the Civil Aviation Administration of China to consult the rules regarding registration and use of drones.

Importing pets

If you intend to reside in China, be advised that you can only import one pet (dog or cat) per person.

A Canadian animal health inspection certificate and vaccination certificate should be stamped by your local Animal Health Office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Animals without the proper documentation will be held in quarantine at the port of arrival and could be euthanized if the proper documentation is not provided.

Animal Health Office - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Getting married in China

Marriages that are legally performed in China are usually valid in Canada. Chinese civil authorities don't perform marriages between two foreigners. If you plan to get married in China, you should contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic representative in Canada to confirm the requirements.

Marriage overseas

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Chinese law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, some prejudice still exists against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and authorities sometimes censor social media content on 2SLGBTQI+ related topics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Canadian and international driving licences are not recognized in China. You must hold a foreigner residence permit and meet local requirements to obtain a Chinese driver's licence.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02%. If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If you're convicted, you can expect heavy fines and jail.

Foreign drivers involved in an accident face harsh penalties. If you're suspected of being responsible for road accidents, police officers can detain you until their case is closed, which can take years.

Carefully consider the implications of driving in China.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in China.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of China, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the Chinese government will usually not permit the Embassy of Canada to provide you with consular assistance.

If you're a Canadian of Chinese origin travelling to China, you may be asked to provide your Chinese name by border authorities. Ensure that you are well informed about Chinese law and practices relating to the determination and loss of Chinese citizenship, including cancelling a household register (hukou) and applying to renounce Chinese citizenship. Contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular office for more details.

Canadian children born to at least one parent who is a Chinese citizen may be deemed Chinese citizens under China's Nationality Law. Chinese authorities may not recognize the child's Canadian citizenship, and the family may be subject to family planning regulations.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and China.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in China by an abducting parent:

act as quickly as you can
consult a lawyer in Canada and in China to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
Travelling with children
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Doing business in China

Canadian business travellers have been detained and had their passport confiscated as a result of business disputes with their Chinese counterparts.

Seek legal advice from professionals in China, as well as in Canada, before proceeding with business agreements or arrangements. Ensure that all documents are translated so that conditions, terms and limitations are understood. Disputes are often costly and prolonged, and you may be subject to a travel ban restricting you from leaving the country until the matter is resolved.

There have been incidents involving foreigners being held against their will at their workplace. These incidents, which can be accompanied by threats of violence, are often the result of other companies or disgruntled employees attempting to resolve business and employment disputes.

There are many teaching opportunities in China. However, make sure you are well informed before signing a contract. Ensure that the contract specifies the maximum number of classroom hours per day and per week, maximum workdays per week, and vacation periods.

Canadians teaching in China, particularly at newly established private secondary schools and private English training centres, have often found their employers unable or unwilling to honour contract terms or assist in obtaining Chinese employment visas and other permits required for foreigners to teach lawfully in China.

If you're travelling to China to work or study, you may be required to possess medical insurance (coverage of 400,000 renminbi). Verify this stipulation with the school or employer before arriving in China.

It is illegal to work on a tourist (L) visa or a working (Z) visa linked to a company other than your employer. Canadian citizens have been detained and forced to leave the country for working illegally.

Learn about studying abroad if you plan to study or conduct research in China.

Studying abroad

The currency is the renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of currency is the yuan.

Counterfeit renminbi are relatively common. It is illegal to use foreign currency. Exchange foreign currency at officially approved facilities only.

Generally, only international hotels and some larger shops accept international credit cards. Some Chinese banks will provide cash advances using credit card accounts, but they may charge for the service. It is possible to use bank cards to draw on your Canadian bank account at an increasing number of ATMs, especially in urban areas. Credit cards are not always accepted, and the availability of ATMs is limited outside major cities.

Upon entering or leaving China, you must make a declaration to customs if you travel with or more than USD 5 000, 20 000 RMB or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques or any other convertible assets.

A permit issued by a local bank may also be required to exit China with sums superior to USD 5 000. Make sure you comply with cash control regulations.

Typhoons and monsoons

The typhoon and monsoon (rainy) season extends from April to October. Typhoons usually occur along the southern and eastern coasts. During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major typhoons.

Flooding is common in central, western and southern China, particularly areas bordering the Yangtze River. Seasonal flooding and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

If you decide to travel to China during the typhoon and monsoon season:

know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
China Meteorological Administration
Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
Large-scale emergencies abroad

Air pollution

Air pollution can be severe across much of China.

Some cities maintain air pollution alert systems. During periods of severe air pollution, expect school closures, outdoor event cancellations, car usage limitations and transportation disruptions.

Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly.

During periods of high pollution:

limit your activities outdoors
monitor local media
follow the instructions of local authorities.

Air pollution in China – World Air Quality Index

Seismic activity

China is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes.

Familiarize yourself with the security measures in place at your accommodations while in China. In the event of an earthquake, pay careful attention to all official warnings and follow evacuation orders issued by the Government of China. Aftershocks could occur.

What to do during an earthquake

Avalanches and landslides

In mountainous regions, avalanches and landslides present a risk and have resulted in fatalities.

The Karakoram and Khunjerab Pass routes in Xinjiang can be hazardous due to landslides.

Monitor local media and weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

police: 110
medical assistance: 120
firefighters: 119
roadside assistance: 112

Consular assistance

Beijing, Tianjin, Gansu, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Xizang (Tibet), Henan and Hebei.

Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou.

Guangdong, Guangxi, Guangzhou, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan and Hainan.

Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hubei and the city of Shanghai.

For emergency consular assistance, call the nearest Canadian government office and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad
Foreign travel advice

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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Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in China overall.

China (PDF 1.07 MB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Exercise a high degree of caution in China overall.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Tibet and Xinjiang.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Tibet and Xinjiang due to the security situation and associated measures.

Petty crime occurs. Criminals target travellers in crowded areas, including on public transport. Resisting can lead to violence.
Scams targeting travellers can lead to loss of money, violence and serious assault. Report scams to the nearest police station.
Armed attacks are a risk in remote border regions. Be careful if travelling in these areas.
The Chinese Government strictly controls demonstrations. Authorities may arrest protesters. Avoid protests and large gatherings. Don't photograph or video protests.
Increased security measures are in place in Xinjiang. Be ready to show photo ID if asked.
There's civil unrest and political tension in Tibet. Get permission from Chinese authorities before you go. You can only travel to Tibet as part of an organised tour.

Full travel advice: Safety

Tap water in China may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals.
People have died from bird flu in China. Stay away from live poultry. When preparing food, handle poultry properly and ensure it's thoroughly cooked.
HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in China. Take precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to the risk of infection. Ask for sterilised equipment when receiving medical treatment.
Animal and human rabies and hand, foot and mouth disease are common. Be careful with both wild and domestic animals in China. Wash your hands carefully and regularly. Take other hygiene precautions.
High pollution levels are a problem in major cities. Follow the advice from local authorities on days with harmful pollution.

Full travel advice: Health

The Australian Government can't intervene in the Chinese justice process. We also can't help if you're a dual national and don't enter China on your Australian passport.
Chinese law treats a person aged 12 years and older as an adult. China has strict laws and severe criminal punishments including the death penalty and life imprisonment.
You must always carry identification and show it to the police if they ask.
Chinese authorities undertake random drug testing on foreign nationals and can prosecute individuals who return a positive test result regardless of when or where the drugs were taken.
Many business and employment issues may be considered criminal matters in China. Penalties are severe. Get professional legal advice before entering into any employment or commercial contract in China.
If you're a former Chinese citizen, authorities may treat you as a citizen and refuse access to Australian consular services. Get legal advice if you're unsure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.

Full travel advice: Local laws

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of China for the latest details.
China is gradually reintroducing visas on arrival, including transit visas. You may be permitted to enter China if you’re a foreign national holding a valid residence permit for work, personal matters or reunion. Australians should also contact the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate to confirm visa validity and eligibility, and other travel requirements.

Flights between China and Australia have increased but are less frequent than pre-COVID-19.

China has implemented random COVID-19 testing for inbound travellers arriving at airports. Authorities have advised that no follow-up action will be taken if travellers test positive on arrival, but they may be advised to seek medical treatment.
You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau. This will be part of the standard check-in process if you stay at a hotel.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
For consular services in China, contact the Australian Embassy in Beijing or our Consulates-General in Shanghai , Guangzhou, Chengdu , and Shenyang .
To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Petty crime.

Petty crime occurs, including:

pickpocketing
bag-snatching
theft of laptops, passports and mobile phones

If you resist, you can be injured if criminals turn violent.

Criminals target travellers in crowded areas, including on transport.

People have reported assaults and robberies , particularly in areas popular with expats. This includes bar and shopping precincts in major cities.

There are scams that target travellers.

Scammers invite travellers for a massage, teahouse service, or nearby cafes and bars. They offer various reasons and may say they wish 'to practise their English'.

Afterwards, they present travellers with an inflated bill. They won't let the traveller leave until they pay the bill by credit card.

Sometimes travellers are asked to carry concealed drugs out of China.

Never carry parcels or luggage for others.

Always pack your own bags.

ATM scams occur. Sometimes scammers set up fake ATMs that take the user's card.

Only use ATMs inside a secure place such as a bank or shopping centre. Do this during daylight hours.

If you're the victim of a crime or scam, report it to the nearest police station immediately.

Always obtain a police report when reporting a crime.

Fake money scams

Be careful of scams if paying a taxi fare with a RMB100 note. The taxi driver may swap the note for a fake note. They will then return the fake note and refuse to accept it as payment because it’s counterfeit.

Armed bandit attacks are a risk in remote areas bordering:

Be careful if travelling in these areas.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Civil unrest and political tension

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

The Chinese Government prohibits demonstrations they haven't approved. Authorities may arrest protesters.

Avoid protests, demonstrations and large gatherings.

Don't photograph, film or participate in protests or other acts that authorities may consider provocative.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang)

Increased security measures are in place in Xinjiang.

People of Uyghur descent are particularly affected.

Security checks in major cities in Xinjiang are common. Be ready to show photo ID if asked.

Violent incidents causing deaths and injuries have occurred across Xinjiang.

The government may restrict movement and communications in Xinjiang with little warning.

Tibet Autonomous Region (Tibet)

In the past, protests have turned violent, and people have been killed or injured.

If you're travelling to Tibet, get permission from Chinese authorities first.

You must also apply for a Tibet Entry Permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

You can only lodge applications for Tibet Entry Permits through specialised travel agents in China.

You can only travel as part of an organised tour.

See Travel

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Attacks could be targeted or random. They may include places travellers and expats visit.

In recent years, terrorist and other violent attacks have caused injuries and deaths in public places. Targets include railway stations and markets.

You could become the victim of violence directed at others.

Climate and natural disasters

China experiences natural disasters and severe weather , including:

earthquakes

Typhoons can happen along the southern and eastern coasts between May and November.

The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning.

If there's a typhoon:

you may get stuck in the area
flights and other transport could be delayed or suspended
access to seaports may be affected
adequate shelter may not be available
available transport may fill quickly

If a typhoon is approaching:

know the evacuation plan for your accommodation or cruise ship
identify your local shelter
secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
closely monitor alerts and advice from authorities such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
keep in contact with your friends and family

If you plan to travel, contact your airline for the latest flight information.

World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
China Meteorological Administration

Earthquakes and tsunamis

China can experience earthquakes and large, destructive tsunamis.

If there's an earthquake or tsunami:

follow the advice of local authorities
monitor the media for updates

Check with the Tsunami Warning Centre for updates on seismic activity and tsunamis.

If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised, or if you:

feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you travel.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

General health advice
Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in China. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is
your required dosage
that it's for personal use

Health risks

Depending on your location, tap water in China may be unsafe to drink.

Drink only bottled water with sealed lids.

Bird flu (avian influenza)

People have died from avian influenza in China. Avian influenza virus strains continue to circulate in poultry in China.

The primary source of infection seems to be poultry handled in poultry markets.

To protect yourself from avian influenza:

stay away from live poultry
don't visit live bird and animal markets, including 'wet' markets and poultry farms
practise good personal hygiene

When preparing food, handle poultry properly. Thoroughly cook all parts of the poultry.

Avian influenza (WHO)
Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in China.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.

If you need medical treatment, you could be exposed to unsafe blood and blood products. This is a particular risk in regional China.

Ask for sterilised equipment. You may need to pay for new syringes in hospitals or clinics.

Insect-borne illnesses

Japanese encephalitis is widespread in rural southern China from June to August. The disease is also known as encephalitis B. A vaccine is available.

The risk of malaria increases during warm weather and is more significant in rural areas, particularly in the provinces of:

Tibet (Zanbo Valley areas only)

Dengue cases have risen sharply, especially in Guangdong and Guangzhou. Risks increase during the wet season.

To protect yourself from disease:

make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis

Animal and human rabies are common. Health authorities report many cases each year.

Be careful with both wild and domestic animals in China.

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Sometimes serious outbreaks happen.

Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May. However, outbreaks can continue until October each year.

The disease mainly affects children under the age of 10 years. Adult cases, particularly in young adults, are not unusual.

People with HFMD experience fever, blisters and rashes on the hands, feet and buttocks.

The disease is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges and faeces of infected people.

To protect yourself from illness:

wash your hands carefully and regularly
take other hygiene precautions

High pollution levels are a problem.

Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions may be especially affected by pollution.

Authorities issue red alerts when pollution is expected to be especially bad.

When a red alert is in place, authorities:

close schools
limit car use
suspend construction activity

Flights are regularly delayed in China because of smog.

Dust storms occur across the north of China. They can:

cause eye, nose, mouth and throat irritations
make heart and lung problems worse

Get medical advice if you're worried about air pollution.

Follow the advice from local authorities about days with bad pollution and how to reduce your exposure.

Air Quality Index
US Embassy, Beijing
Air pollution

Altitude sickness

Parts of China are at altitudes of over 3,000m, including:

parts of Xinjiang
Western Sichuan

If you travel to those areas, you may get altitude sickness .

People with lung, heart or chest problems should take extra care. Even if you're healthy, you can still be affected.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include:

coordination problems

In severe cases, fluid can build up in your lungs, brain or both, which can be fatal.

To protect yourself from altitude sickness:

ascend slowly, especially above an altitude of 2500m
rest when needed and don't push your body
avoid alcohol and cigarettes

If you're affected by severe altitude sickness, get to lower ground as soon as possible.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

International standard medical services in China are expensive.

If you plan on staying in China for a while:

find out about local health insurance
ask your employer if they provide health cover

Some hospitals in major cities have special departments for treating foreigners.

However, the standard of medical care and the range of medications is often limited, especially outside major cities.

Medical staff in rural areas may not be adequately trained.

Hospitals and doctors may ask for an up-front cash payment before treating you. This includes emergency care.

Medical evacuation from China can be very expensive.

Medical tourism

Travel to China for medical treatment is increasing.

Research and choose your medical service providers carefully. Ask health professionals and former patients about the quality.

Avoid uncertified medical service providers. Their standards may be poor, and they may be unable to provide the advertised medical care.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

The Australian Government can't intervene in the Chinese justice process.

In China, authorities treat a person aged 12 years and above as an adult under the law.

If detained, a person of this age will be:

held with adults
subject to the same conditions and legal processes as adults

The Australian Government can't help you if you're a dual national and you travel on your:

Chinese passport
Hong Kong or Macau Mainland Travel Permit
identity card issued by Taiwan
any non-Australian foreign passport
Death penalty

China has the death penalty for drug offences and other serious crimes. Under Chinese criminal law, it's possible for espionage and other national security offences to attract serious penalties, from lengthy custodial sentences to the death penalty.

If you're sentenced to death, it's unlikely that Chinese authorities will grant you leniency.

Penalties for all types of drug offences including use, possession, manufacturing, selling or trafficking are severe and include life in prison or the death penalty.

Authorities strictly enforce these laws, even for small quantities of 'soft' drugs, such as marijuana. Laws apply to people aged 12 years and older.

Authorities conduct random drug tests. Police raids on nightclubs and bars frequented by foreigners have increased, with patrons subjected to urine and / or hair tests. A positive drug test can result in fines, detention and deportation, regardless of when or where the drugs were used.

Authorities have executed foreigners for drug offences.

Carrying or using drugs

Legal proceedings and investigations

Authorities may not allow you to leave China if you're involved in a:

criminal matter or investigation
civil or commercial dispute

Sometimes people are only aware of an exit ban on them once they try to leave China.

Exit bans can affect you even if you're not directly involved in the legal proceedings. Authorities have stopped some Australians from leaving China because of a dispute involving family members. Sometimes it is years before authorities allow people to leave China.

If you're involved in local legal matters:

get professional advice
be aware of your rights and responsibilities

China has strict laws on national security, which it updates from time to time. These laws can be interpreted broadly and applied expansively and harshly. Chinese authorities may define certain behaviours and activities as endangering national security that would not be considered as such in Australia. This could include activities that occurred outside of China.

Authorities have detained foreigners on allegations of 'endangering national security'. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws, including broadly defined National Security Laws. Under Chinese criminal law, it's possible for espionage and other national security offences to attract serious penalties, from lengthy custodial sentences to the death penalty.

In China, it's illegal to:

test positive for drugs (even if you used drugs before you arrived in China)
demonstrate without prior approval from the government
preach, distribute religious literature and associate with unapproved religious groups
take part in any Falun Gong activities
gamble or promote gambling activities
engage in prostitution
take photos of military or government buildings without official approval.

If you break these laws, you could be:

Registration and identification

Under Chinese law, you must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau. You must do this within 24 hours of arriving and each time you change your residential location.

Staff do this as part of the standard check-in process if you stay at a hotel.

If you're staying elsewhere, such as with family or friends, visit the nearest police station. Present your passport and a valid Chinese visa.

You must always carry identification and show it to the police if they ask for it.

Authorities will accept your passport or a Chinese residence card as forms of identity.

If you don't register your place of residence or carry identification, authorities can fine or detain you.

LGBTQIA+ laws

Homosexuality is not illegal in China but be aware of local sensitivities.

Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law
Doing business in China

China has experienced higher numbers of commercial disputes involving Australians in recent years.

Before starting business relationships:

investigate the market
conduct appropriate due diligence

Get professional legal advice before entering into any contract in China. This includes residential leases and business contracts.

Business versus criminal matters

Many business issues Australians consider civil or commercial are classified as criminal matters in China. This is especially the case if state enterprises or state assets are involved.

Penalties for commercial and economic crimes are often severe.

Cases of Australians and other foreigners being held against their will at their workplace have increased. These incidents involved other companies or employees trying to resolve business and employment disputes. They do this through protests, and often with threats of violence.

Doing business
Living or working overseas

Employment in China

Disputes over working and living conditions for Australians working in China are common. This is particularly the case for those teaching English.

If you’re considering travel to China for work:

verify the true nature of the work on offer
make sure you have the correct visa before you arrive

Authorities can fine or detain you if you don't maintain a valid visa.

Get professional legal advice before signing any contract in Australia or China.

Carefully check local laws about business or other activities you wish to undertake in China.

Employment contracts may contain conditions that disadvantage you. For example, if your contract is terminated early, conditions may state that:

you give up your right to a return air ticket
your employer may withhold your pay

Don't surrender your passport to your employer for 'safe-keeping.' Businesses with a good reputation won't ask you to do this.

Dual citizenship

The Chinese Government doesn't recognise dual nationality. It won't let us provide consular help to Chinese-Australian dual nationals who travel on their:

If you're a Chinese-Australian dual national:

travel on your Australian passport
get a visa to China
always present yourself as an Australian citizen

If you're a former Chinese citizen, Chinese authorities may:

treat you as a Chinese citizen
refuse you access to Australian consular services

This can happen even if you entered China on an Australian or other foreign passport and you:

haven't renounced your citizenship according to Chinese law
haven't formally advised the Chinese authorities of your Australian citizenship
continue to maintain a Chinese passport or household registration

Authorities may not allow certain categories of Chinese citizens, such as state officials, to renounce their Chinese nationality under Chinese law.

Get professional legal advice if you're unsure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.

If your child is born in China and you plan to get Australian citizenship by descent, contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs for advice.

If one parent is from mainland China, authorities will consider a child born in China to be a Chinese national.

Local authorities may not recognise the child's Australian citizenship and passport.

Contact the local Entry and Exit Administration Bureau for details.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Australians intending to travel to China should contact the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate to confirm visa eligibility and other travel requirements.

China is gradually reintroducing visas on arrival, including transit visas. You may need a full visa to travel to China, even as a tourist.

If you need a full visa, you must get this before you travel.

See the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for eligibility requirements and visa types.

Foreigners holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters and reunion may be able to enter China without applying for new visas. Contact your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate to confirm your visa remains valid or to apply for a new visa.

If you're already travelling or living in China, contact the Foreigner's Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) for visa information.

Authorities will scan your fingerprints when you arrive if you're aged between 14 and 70 years.

Authorities have strict penalties for visa violations. Penalties include:

fines imposed for each day overstayed, including if you’re in detention
detention from 5 to 30 days

Make sure you leave China before your visa expires.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of China for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

You no longer require a negative COVID-19 test to enter China.

China has implemented random COVID-19 testing for inbound travellers arriving at airports. Authorities have advised that no follow-up action would be taken if travellers test positive on arrival, but they may be advised to seek medical treatment.

Travel to Hong Kong and Macau

Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions (SAR). They have separate visa and entry rules to mainland China.

If you plan to leave mainland China to visit Hong Kong or Macau, you may need a new Chinese visa to re-enter mainland China. Get the correct visa before you leave Australia.

You may be asked to present your previous passport and Chinese visa if you:

intend to apply for a visa at the border of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, or Zhuhai and Macau, and
you held a Chinese visa in a recently replaced passport

If you've visited China before, authorities may deny you a visa-on-arrival if you can't show your previous China visa.

Some visas issued in Hong Kong or at Hong Kong-Macau-Chinese mainland border crossings are valid for limited travel to designated areas only, such as:

other areas in Guangdong Province

Using these permits to travel to other parts of China is illegal. Carefully check your visa limitations.

Hong Kong travel advice
Macau travel advice

Other formalities

If you’re a parent of a newborn baby born in China, you must register the child with the local Public Security Bureau. You must do this within 30 days of the child's birth and will require the child’s birth certificate for registration .

Apply for a Chinese visa in the child's passport. The child will need a valid visa to leave China.

For the registration process you need:

the child's birth certificate
parents' passports
child's passport

For citizenship issues, see the 'Dual citizenship' section under Laws .

Some countries will only let you enter if your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passports

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate .

If you get a new passport while in China, you must get a new Chinese visa. Otherwise, you won't be able to leave China.

Chinese authorities can take up to 10 working days to issue a visa. It can take longer during Chinese holiday periods.

Authorities won't speed up the process to meet your travel or flight schedule.

To replace your passport and visa:

get an official report from the local police
get a replacement passport from the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
apply at the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau for a replacement Chinese visa in your new passport

You can use the police report when checking in to a hotel.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTQIA+ travellers

The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB).

Chinese law limits the amount of foreign currency you can carry in and out of China.

If you're carrying more than $US5,000 cash or the same amount in another currency, you must declare it when you arrive in China.

Keep the declaration. You need to show it to customs officials when you leave.

If you plan to leave China carrying more than $US5,000 or the same amount in another currency, you need permission from a Chinese bank.

You can't leave China with more than $US10,000 or the same amount in foreign currency.

ATMs are widely available in major Chinese cities. They accept all major credit cards.

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, especially in international hotels and restaurants.

In smaller cities, you may find it harder to use international cards.

Local travel

Authorities restrict travel by foreigners in China.

If you plan to travel outside major tourist areas, check that the area is 'open to foreigners'. For example, restrictions apply near military installations and some border areas.

Travel and living conditions vary greatly between cities and less developed rural areas.

In rural areas, you may have trouble accessing these services:

landline phone
mobile phone

Driving permit

All drivers must hold a valid Chinese driver's licence.

Foreign driver's licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) aren't valid in mainland China.

Long-term residents can apply for a Chinese driver's licence at their local Vehicle Management Office.

If you're going to China on a visa with less than 90 days validity, you may be able to get a provisional driver's licence. This will be valid for the length of your visa.

If you're hiring a car in China, check driving licence requirements with your car hire company.

Age and health restrictions apply and vary depending on the class of driver's licence.

Road travel

Travel by road is dangerous because of the following:

poorly maintained roads
aggressive driving

You're more likely to be killed in a car accident in China than in Australia.

Driving or riding

Motorcycles

To ride a motorcycle, you must hold a valid Chinese motorcycle licence.

Australian motorcycle licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) issued for motorcycles aren't valid in mainland China.

Rules for applying for a motorbike licence, including a provisional motorcycle licence, are similar to those for cars. Contact your local Vehicle Management Office.

You don't need a licence to ride an electric bike.

Check your insurance covers you for riding all types of motorised bikes.

Always wear a helmet.

Use only licensed taxis or limousine services with a good reputation, preferably those arranged through your hotel.

Always insist that the meter is used.

Most taxis in China don't have seatbelts.

Taxi drivers may swap legitimate RMB100 notes for fake notes. They will then return the fake note and refuse to accept it as payment because it’s counterfeit.

Ridesharing apps are widely used in major Chinese cities.

Public transport

Tour operators, public buses and ferries might not meet safety standards, especially in rural areas.

Transport operators may not:

provide adequate safety equipment
maintain vehicles and equipment
have safety precautions in place

Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts.

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Transport and getting around safely
Travelling by boat

Many airlines have temporarily reduced or stopped flights to China. Further travel restrictions can come into effect at short notice.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check China's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Contact your airline or travel agent for up-to-date information on domestic and international flights and transport options.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular services in China, contact the Australian Embassy in Beijing or our Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shenyang.

Check the relevant website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Embassy, Beijing

21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 Phone: (+86 10) 5140 4111 Fax: (+86 10) 5140 4292 Website: china.embassy.gov.au Social media: WeChat , X (formerly Twitter)

Australian Consulate General, Chengdu

27th Floor, Square One 18 Dongyu Street, Jinjiang District Chengdu 610016 Phone: (+86 28) 6268 5200 Fax: (+86 28) 6268 5222 Email: [email protected] Website: chengdu.china.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate General, Guangzhou

12th Floor, Development Centre No. 3 Linjiang Road, Zhujiang New City Guangzhou 510623 Phone: (+86 20) 3814 0111 Fax: (+86 20) 3814 0112 Website: guangzhou.china.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate General, Shanghai

Level 22, CITIC Square 1168 Nanjing Xi Lu Shanghai 200041 Phone: (+86 21) 2215 5200 Fax: (+86 21) 2215 5252 Website: shanghai.china.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General, Shenyang

Level 19, China Resources Building, Tower A 286 Qingnian Avenue, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004 Phone: (+86 24) 8610 6100 Fax: (+86 24) 8163 0288 Email: [email protected] Website: shenyang.consulate.gov.au

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to China?

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

China faces a new Covid wave that could peak at 65 million cases a week

BEIJING — China is bracing for a new wave of Covid infections that could see as many as 65 million cases per week by the time the surge peaks at the end of June.

It’s a startling prediction in a country, where the pandemic originated in late 2019, that only months ago had enforced some of the harshest Covid control protocols on the planet. Now, with the latest omicron variant, XBB , fueling a resurgence in cases, the response from China’s government and the public is muted at best.

The surge comes about six months after the country dismantled its sprawling infrastructure for dealing with Covid, including harsh lockdowns, mass testing, stifling quarantines and strict mask requirements.

“People feel differently about this wave,” said Qi Zhang, 30, who works at a finance company in the northern city of Tianjin. “The last time, everyone was terrified, but now they don’t think it’s a big deal,” she told NBC News on Thursday.

The new wave’s data was revealed by respiratory disease specialist Zhong Nanshan at a medical conference this week in the southern city of Guangzhou. According to state media, he told the audience that the wave that started in late April was “anticipated,” and that his modeling suggested China could be approaching 40 million infections per week. By the end of June, he said, the weekly number of infections will peak at 65 million.

The United States, by comparison, was reporting more than 5 million cases a week at its peak last January. Like the U.S., China stopped providing weekly case updates this month, making it difficult to know the true extent of the current outbreak.

The State Department said the U.S., which imposed a testing requirement on travelers from China in January before lifting it in March , was discussing China’s second Covid wave with allies and partners but declined to say whether travel restrictions were under consideration. Spokesperson Matt Miller said the department would monitor the situation in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before updating travel guidelines.

“We don’t want to see people anywhere, obviously, suffering from Covid-19,” Miller said Wednesday. The U.S. government remains committed to working with China “on transnational challenges, including on global health matters and maintaining open lines of communication,” he added.

Various versions of the omicron subvariants, including XBB 1.5, XBB.1.16, also known as “Arcturus,” and XBB.1.9.1, have been circulating in the U.S. since December and make up nearly all of the current infections in the country. Although the CDC isn’t regularly tracking new cases and the majority of new infections are likely going uncounted, hospitalizations and deaths are continuing to decline in the U.S.

Experts suggest the U.S. already has a strong level of immunity against the highly transmissible form of the virus.

During China’s first o micron wave in December and January, a different omicron variant was infecting millions of people every day, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums in cities across the country. Store shelves were emptied of fever medications and schools were shut down.

About 80% of China’s 1.4 billion people were infected during that wave, Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in January. But immunity may have waned in the months since, raising the risk of reinfection.

Zhong said at the medical conference that the government had given preliminary approval to two vaccines aimed at the XBB subvariants and that others could be approved soon.

Though China’s current wave will not equal the “tsunami” of cases it experienced in December and January, older people and those with underlying diseases are still relatively under-vaccinated and are at high risk for developing severe disease, said Jin Dong-yan, a virologist at the University of Hong Kong.

“But the number is smaller and so the good thing is that the hospitals then can take care of them in a better way,” he said.

Joey Wang, 24, a student in Hebei province, said many people were finding Covid symptoms less severe this time around. But public fears also seem to have been eased by the change in government messaging.

“No more media coming out trying to terrify the public, no more ‘fight the pandemic’ type of short videos to alert people, and no more hardcore measures like the lockdown,” he said.

The Chinese government’s subdued response comes as it is trying to revive the economy and reassure U.S. and other foreign businesses, which would react negatively to the return of restrictions.

“Covid-zero enforcement was very interruptive to business,” said Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, “and so we said again and again to the Chinese government, what companies need is stability, clarity, so they can plan.”

Zhang, the finance employee, said colleagues who recently tested positive were choosing to come to work anyway, contrasting it with the first wave when everyone spent long periods working from home.

“When I look back to such strict Covid measures, it feels like a dream,” she said. “It makes me doubt if all those strict lockdowns were right if we ended up here anyway.”

Janis Mackey Frayer reported from Beijing, and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong.

Janis Mackey Frayer is a Beijing-based correspondent for NBC News.

Jennifer Jett is the Asia Digital Editor for NBC News, based in Hong Kong.

Take the Quiz: Find the Best State for You »

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South Korean, Chinese and Japanese Leaders Discuss Thorny Topics and Ways to Boost Cooperation

The Japanese and South Korean leaders have raised sensitive topics like Taiwan, North Korea and the South China Sea as well as ways to boost cooperation, when they individually met China’s premier

Lee Jin-man

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, left, waves to media members before getting into a car as Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice minister, follows behind at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The Japanese and South Korean leaders raised sensitive topics like Taiwan, North Korea and the South China Sea as well as ways to boost cooperation when they individually met China's premier Sunday on the eve of a fuller trilateral meeting.

It was unclear how serious discussions the three leaders had on those thorny issues, which are not among the official agenda items for Monday's three-way gathering in Seoul, the first of its kind in more than four years.

No major announcement is expected from the meeting, but observers say that just resuming the highest-level talks among the three Northeast Asian neighbors is a good sign and suggests they are intent on improving relations. Their trilateral meeting was supposed to happen annually but it had stalled since the last one in December 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and complex ties among the three countries.

After meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that he expressed serious concerns about the situations in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and China's northwestern Xinjiang region. He said Japan is closely monitoring developments on self-governed Taiwan.

He referred to China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea, clampdowns of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and human rights abuses against minorities in Xinjiang. Last week, China also launched a large military exercise around Taiwan to show its anger over the inauguration of the island's new president who refuses to accept its insistence that Taiwan is part of China.

During a separate meeting with Li, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, on his part, asked China, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, to contribute to promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, while speaking about North Korea’s nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia, according to Yoon's office.

Yoon’s office said Yoon and Kishida in their separate meeting expressed worries about North Korea’s nuclear program and agreed to strengthen their cooperation with the United States.

South Korea, Japan and the U.S. have long urged China — North Korea’s major ally and economic pipeline — to use its leverage to persuade the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But China is suspected of avoiding fully enforcing U.N. sanctions on North Korea and sending clandestine aid shipments to help its impoverished neighbor stay afloat.

The three leaders also discussed how to bolster economic and other cooperation.

Yoon and Li agreed to launch a new South Korean-Chinese dialogue channel involving senior diplomats and defense officials in mid-June. They also agreed to restart negotiations to expand the free trade agreement and reactivate dormant bodies on personnel exchanges, investments and other issues, according to Yoon’s office.

Chinese state media reported Li told Yoon that the two countries should safeguard the stability of their deeply intertwined industrial and supply chains and resist turning economic and trade issues into political and security-related issues.

Kishida said he and Li reaffirmed Japan and China will seek progress on various areas to promote mutually beneficial relations. Kishida and Yoon also said they agreed to further strengthen ties, which have warmed significantly since last year following an earlier setback over issues related to Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean officials said that a joint statement after Monday’s trilateral meeting will cover the leaders’ discussion on cooperation in areas like people-to-people exchanges, climate change, trade, health issues, technology and disaster responses.

The three Asian nations are important trading partners and their cooperation is key to promoting regional peace and prosperity. They together make up about 25% of global gross domestic product. But the three countries have been repeatedly embroiled in bitter disputes over a range of historical and diplomatic issues originating from Japan’s wartime atrocities. China’s rise and a U.S. push reinforce its Asian alliances have also significantly impacted their three-way ties in recent years.

Experts say South Korea, China and Japan now share a need to improve ties. South Korea and Japan want better ties with China because it is their biggest trading partner. China, for its part, likely believes a further strengthening of the South Korea-Japan-U.S. cooperation would hurt its national interests.

China, meanwhile, has always sent its premier, the country’s No. 2 official, to the trilateral leaders’ meeting since its first session in 2008. Observers say China earlier argued that under then-collective leadership, its premier was chiefly in charge of economic affairs and best suited to attend the meeting, which largely focuses on economic issues.

But they say China may face more demands for President Xi Jinping to attend because he has concentrated power in his hands and defied the norms of collective leadership.

Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report.

Photos You Should See - May 2024

TOPSHOT - A woman poses next to French soldiers of the Sentinelle security operation on the sidelines of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival at the Boulevard de la Croisette, in Cannes, southern France, on May 22, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

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Qantas Cuts Shanghai-Sydney Route, Citing Slow China Recovery

Qantas has suspended its route to Shanghai as part of multiple changes to its Asia network, in what is another sign of the slow rebound in the China international market.

The Australian flag-carrier plans to halt its Sydney-Shanghai service on July 28. Qantas had previously suspended this route during the pandemic, but reinstated it in October 2023. This is its only flight to mainland China, although it does operate service to Hong Kong.

“Since COVID, the demand for travel between Australia and China has not recovered as strongly as expected … in some months, our flights to and from Shanghai have been operating around half full,” said Cam Wallace, head of the Qantas international operation.

The carrier said it will “continue to monitor the Australia-China market closely and will look to return to Shanghai when demand has recovered.” In the meantime, the airline intends to switch capacity from this route to other Asia-Pacific markets with stronger demand.

Many other carriers have also reported a slower-than-expected recovery on their China routes since border restrictions were lifted. Overall international capacity in the China market is at 71% of 2019 levels for the week of May 13, according to data from CAPA – Centre for Aviation and OAG Schedules Analyser.

Competition is probably also a factor. There are currently nine carriers based in mainland China that are serving Australia, CAPA data shows.

China Eastern is the only other airline with a Sydney-Shanghai service, and it accounts for a 68% share of weekly seats on this route. Qantas and China Eastern previously had a partnership on Australia-China services, but in November 2023 Australian regulators rejected their application to extend the joint venture relationship.

In other changes announced by Qantas, the airline will begin a route between Brisbane and Manila, Philippines, on Oct. 28. It will start at four times per week using Airbus A330s.

The carrier last served the Brisbane-Manila route more than 10 years ago. Qantas already operates flights to Manila from Sydney.

Qantas plans to boost its Sydney-Singapore flights to 17 per week from Dec. 11, an increase of three per week. Brisbane-Singapore flights will increase from seven to nine per week from Oct. 27.

Frequency on the service connecting Sydney with Bengaluru, India, will rise from five to seven per week between mid-December and late March.

Adrian is a senior air transport editor for Aviation Week, based in New Zealand. He covers commercial aviation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Qantas Airways
Shanghai Pudong International Airport

6 Best Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Coverage in Singapore (May 2024)

COVID-19 might be the last thing on your mind…but it could be the first thing to ruin your next trip. Whether you end up quarantined overseas or have to cancel the holiday entirely, there are plenty of ways COVID-19 could make a vacation go awry. And that’s before you consider things like lost luggage, flight delays , getting pickpocketed, and more.

Good news—there’s an easy way out. Before you jet off to your dream travel destination , don’t forget to buy travel insurance . Covering you for your potential travel disruptions, travel insurance is the next most important thing besides your flight ticket!

Most insurance providers have added COVID-19 coverage to their travel insurance plans, but to varying extents. Some have COVID-19 as an optional add-0n that you have to purchase. Coverage wise, some providers offer far better COVID-19 protection than others.

Find out how to choose, what to look out for, and the cheapest travel insurance you can buy with our comparison of the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage in Singapore and their ongoing promotions.

Promotions are generous this May 2024— you could even win a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) or a Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP (worth S$550)—we’re giving away 1 every week!

Best Travel Insurance in Singapore with COVID-19 Coverage (2024)

Best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage

Bubblegum Travel Insurance

FWD travel insurance
Starr travel insurance
MSIG travel insurance
Singlife travel insurance
Etiqa travel insurance
Cheapest travel insurance in Singapore
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
How do I choose the best travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage?
What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19 during or after travelling?

1. Best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage

With the sheer number of travel insurance providers out there, it can be overwhelming to compare everything against everything else. We know that pain, because that’s exactly what we’ve just done. Wipe away those tears of exasperation— we’ve done the legwork for you and picked out the top 6 travel insurance plans in Singapore:

Why are these the top 6? We’ve compared them based on affordability, COVID-19 cover inclusion, emergency medical coverage, and trip cancellation coverage. (If you’re an adventure seeker, that’s more niche—refer to this article for all the best travel insurance for extreme sports and outdoor adventure instead.)

Ready to dive into the deets? We compared the coverage and prices of most popular travel insurance plans with COVID-19 coverage in Singapore. So if you’re looking for a specific type of coverage for your travel needs, e.g. high trip cancellation coverage, this is a better summary table for you to work with:

Note: All travel insurance options above are before promotional discounts are applied. Unless otherwise stated, all include COVID-19 coverage.

2. Bubblegum Travel Insurance

Bubblegum travel insurance is a great option if you’re looking for fuss-free, essential coverage at affordable rates. Bubblegum’s travel insurance model is simple, offering just 1 travel insurance plan. Here are its pricing and coverage benefits:

If fuss-free, essential travel insurance is your top priority, we think Bubblegum is a good option for you. Their travel insurance is all-inclusive with coverage for travel inconveniences like cancellations and delays, and also gives you coverage for COVID-19 related expenses at no additional cost.

If you’re a thrill-seeker looking at adventurous activities, Bubblegum Travel Insurance will also cover you for hot air ballooning, scuba diving and skiing, with no restriction on height or depth.

Bubblegum travel insurance promotion

Total Premium

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*] • Enjoy 10% off your policy premium • Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$25 via PayNow and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.

Key Features

Bubblegum offers just 1 affordable plan to suit all your travel needs to maximise your savings

Overseas medical expenses up to $150,000 SGD (Covid-19 sub-limit of $65,000 included)

24-Hour global Emergency Assistance services including Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Covid-19 trip related cancellation/curtailment up to $600 SGD included

Adventurous activities like scuba diving and hot air ballooning are covered with no limit on depth or height.

Bubblegum is currently offering a 10% discount on all their travel insurance plans. That means you can cover a 7-day trip to ASEAN with just $38—about $5+ a day !

Truth is, the discount is even greater when you consider the fact that Bubblegum will also give you an eSIM and iShopChangi vouchers when you purchase Bubblegum travel insurance:

Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased.
Up to S$25 via PayNow and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.

Promotion valid till 31 May 2024.

3. FWD Travel Insurance

FWD travel insurance offers some of the cheapest travel insurance plans in Singapore, so this is a budget-friendly option which still offers you great value for every dollar. I like that coverage for emergency medical evacuation is unlimited for all tiers, and overseas medical expenses go up to a generous $1,000,000.

Here’s a quick run-through of the price and benefits offered by FWD travel insurance plans:

When you’re purchasing FWD travel insurance, the COVID-19 benefits are an add-on. The price of the COVID-19 add-on costs between $11 to $22 depending on the part of the world you’re travelling to. If you choose to add it on, it’ll give you comprehensive coverage of the following:

Trip disruption
Trip cancellation
Overseas hospital cash
Hospital cash while in Singapore
Medical expenses
Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

The plan reimburses your travel-related expenses if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 no more than 30 days before your scheduled departure date, or if you have to change your itinerary because of a COVID-19 diagnosis while overseas. You also get to claim medical expenses and a hospital cash benefit if you get hospitalised overseas or for up to 14 days in Singapore upon your return.

On top of that, there’s also an automatic policy extension of up to 21 days should you be prevented from travel as per foreign government regulations due to:

You contracting COVID-19; or
You or your travel companion needing to be self-isolated due to being in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19

Read the full T&Cs of FWD’s COVID-19 coverage .

FWD travel insurance promotion

[ Win a Rolex, Samsonite Luggage & More! | MoneySmart Exclusive] • Enjoy 25% off your policy premium • Get S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher and Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply. BONUS: For a limited time only, there are over S$11,000 worth of prizes to be given away in our Grand Draw . Stand a chance to score: • 1x Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • 1x Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP (worth S$550) weekly Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends today. T&Cs apply

Enjoy cashless medical outpatient treatment in Singapore, access to emergency assistance and your travel policy documents through the FWD SG app!

Add on coverage for COVID-19 available for both Single & Annual Trips for travel period of 90 days or less.

Optional add on coverage available when your trip is cancelled for any reason for Single Trips. (To be purchased within 7 days of your initial trip deposit for your trip).

Optional add on coverage available for pre-existing Medical Conditions for Single Trips plans (up to 30 days) with S$150,000 coverage for medical expenses incurred overseas and 50% co-payment for trip cancellation, postponement and more!

Plan Highlights

Covid-19 protection, leisure activities.

Currently, you can take 25% off the prices for all FWD travel insurance tiers. That brings the rate for a 7-day ASEAN trip down to $25 to $43, or just $3+ to $6 a day !

Plus, receive S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher and an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased.

We haven’t gotten to the really good part yet. Purchase FWD Premium , FWD Business , or FWD First travel insurance and stand a chance to win over $11,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw ! Prizes include:

1x Rolex Oyster Perpetual – 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000)
1x Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP (worth S$550) weekly

Increase your chances of winning by referring your friends.

Valid till 31 May 2024.

4. Starr Travel Insurance

Starr’s travel insurance Starr TraveLead Comprehensive is a leader in terms of how customisable their insurance is. When signing up, medical coverage (including COVID-19 coverage) is automatically included in all plans, but you can choose whether or not you want to add trip coverage (e.g. document loss, travel delay) and baggage coverage (e.g. baggage delay). Then, you can also easily add riders for Golf Protection, Cruise Vacation, Scuba Diving, and Snow Sports.

Starr TraveLead Comprehensive comes in 3 tiers: Gold , Silver and Bronze . While all are pretty comprehensive (as the name suggests), we advise you go for at least Silver . This affords you $500,000 overseas medical coverage, as well as $30,000 medical coverage for COVID-19 and $250 coverage for COVID-19 related trip curtailments and cancellations. You won’t get the COVID-19 trip curtailment/cancellation coverage in the Bronze plan, which only offers $15,000 for COVID-19 medical coverage. Better be safe and go for Silver or Gold.

Here are the prices and coverage amounts for each tier. Prices are given with trip coverage included in the plan.

Note: Starr also has a travel insurance called Starr TraveLead Essential, which also comes in Bronze , Silver and Gold tiers. They look very attractive because of their low prices—for example, Starr TraveLead Essential Bronze costs just $20 for a 7-day trip to an ASEAN destination.

However, unless you’re on a really tight budget, I wouldn’t recommend these plans because of their more limited coverage. For example, while the Starr TraveLead Essential Bronze plan does cover you for $200,000 worth of overseas medical expenses (which is already the bare minimum), it doesn’t cover you at all for trip cancellation and loss/damage of baggage. Neither do the Silver or Gold tier plans.

Starr Travel Insurance promotion

Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Silver

[ Win a Rolex, Samsonite Luggage & More! | FLASH DEAL] • Enjoy 50% off your policy premium • Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$50 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply. BONUS: For a limited time only, there are over S$11,000 worth of prizes to be given away in our Grand Draw . Stand a chance to score: • 1x Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • 1x Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP (worth S$550) weekly Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends today. T&Cs apply

For Cruise to nowhere insurance: Find out more here

Flexible coverage allows you to create a travel insurance plan with different types of coverage and add-ons that can adapt to your needs

Overseas Covid-19 related medical expenses of up to $30,000 SGD included (Excluding China).

Covid 19 Trip related cancellation/curtailment up to $250 SGD included (Excluding China).

Covers Travel Expenses for return of Child(ren) during the hospitalisation of the insured person.

No sublimit or restriction on outpatient expenses and number of visits

24 hours Global Emergency Assistance Services help you when you need it most, connecting you with medical treatment and transportation

Seamless and Cashless claims via PayNow

Please note that travelling to Russia and Ukraine is not covered in Starr’s insurance with immediate effect.

With the ongoing 50% discount promotion on Starr travel insurance, prices are very affordable. Coverage for a week-long ASEAN trip is just $27 (under $4 a day), while a trip of the same duration to countries like USA costs $33 (under $5 a day).

Plus, you’ll receive attractive gifts when you buy Starr travel insurance on MoneySmart:

Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased.
Additionally, receive up to S$50 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.

The best part? Purchase Starr TraveLead travel insurance of any tier and stand a chance to win over $11,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw ! Prizes include:

5. MSIG Travel Insurance

MSIG travel insurance is categorised into 3 plans— Standard , Elite , and Premier . The cheapest, basic plan still offers pretty adequate coverage in medical emergencies and trip cancellations or delays.

Here’s a quick run-down of the plan’s key benefits:

One more unusual area of coverage that MSIG includes is emergency dental expenses. You get $5,000 to $15,000 in coverage, depending on the travel insurance tier you select.

MSIG’s Areas A and B refer, roughly speaking, to ASEAN and Asia respectively. Here’s a more comprehensive list of the countries in each category:

Area A : Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam
Area B : Australia, China (excluding Inner Mongolia and Tibet), Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and including countries in Area A
Area C : Worldwide

MSIG Travel Insurance’s COVID-19 coverage is an automatic inclusion to its travel insurance plans and offers the following coverage:

Trip cancellation, postponement, shortening, disruption
Replacement of traveller
Overseas medical expenses
Emergency medical evacuation
Overseas quarantine daily cash allowance

This is quite a decent list of benefits, but do note that daily hospital cash allowance is missing from the list.

MSIG travel insurance promotion

MSIG TravelEasy Standard

[ Win a Rolex, Samsonite Luggage & More! | MoneySmart Exclusive] • Enjoy up to 40% off your policy premium • Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply. BONUS: For a limited time only, there are over S$11,000 worth of prizes to be given away in our Grand Draw . Stand a chance to score: • 1x Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • 1x Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP (worth S$550) weekly Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends today. T&Cs apply

COVID-19 coverage of up to $150,000 medical cover and up to $1,500 travel inconvenience benefit for your trip protection.

Packaged tour coverage for insolvency of licensed travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies).

Get covered across all TravelEasy Plan types with a high limit of S$1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation & repatriation

MSIG provides cover for insolvency of licensed travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies)

Currently, you can take 40% off all MSIG travel insurance plans with their ongoing promotion. That means your 7-day ASEAN trip now costs just $37 to $70 to cover compared to $62 to $116.

On top of the 40% discount, you’ll receive these goodies with your MSIG travel insurance purchase:

Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased.
Additionally, receive up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.

You’ll also stand a chance to win big in our Grand Draw , which has over $11,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. These include:

6. Singlife Travel Insurance

Singlife travel insurance comes in 3 tiers— Lite , Plus , and Prestige . The price you pay and the coverage you’ll get increase with each plan.

Here are Singlife travel insurance’s key prices and benefits:

On top of the coverage above, Singlife also covers you for chiropractor and/or Chinese physician treatment : $250 ($50 per visit) for Lite, $500 ($75 per visit) for Plus, and $1000 ($100 per visit) for Prestige.

As far as COVID-19 coverage goes, here’s a quick run-down:

Emergency medical evacuation, repatriation
Overseas quarantine allowance
Trip cancellation, postponement, interruption

While Singlife travel insurance’s coverage for non-COVID medical expenses, travel delay and trip cancellation is comprehensive, we have to dock some points for the lack of overseas hospital cash allowance and pretty low COVID-19 trip cancellation coverage.

Also, do note that the lowest tier, Lite, doesn’t come with certain coverage, such as trip cancellation or postponement for any reason and COVID-19 overseas quarantine allowance.

Singlife travel insurance promotion

Singlife Travel Plus

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*] • Enjoy 25% off your policy premium • Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$30 via PayNow and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.

Covers trip cancellation and trip curtailment for any reason, T&Cs apply.

Covers trip interruptions or cancellations due to COVID-19 and cover your medical treatment should you contract COVID-19 whilst overseas and in Singapore.

Coverage for loss of frequent flyers points, hotel points & credit card points.

Payout of S$100** should your trip be affected by excessive rainfall.

**For single trips (minimum 3 days) where more than 50% of trip duration is affected by rainfall levels of >6.4mm in a 24-hour period.

Seamless claims experience with PayNow

It’s a win-win situation—get 25% off your Singlife travel insurance premiums with these goodies thrown in:

Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased.
Additionally, receive up to S$30 via PayNow and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.

7. Etiqa Travel Insurance

Do you hate making travel insurance claims? I do. That’s why when a friend of mine told me that you don’t need to make any claim on Etiqa to receive compensation for your flight delay, I was very intrigued.

I’ve been fortunate—all my recent flights have left on time. But from what I’ve heard from friends who weren’t as lucky on their recent travels, it’s true that Etiqa has the most seamless claim process for flight delays . All you need to do is enter your flight details when purchasing your insurance. Etiqa will monitor your flight and know if your flight is delayed (to count as a delay, it needs to be pushed back at least 3 consecutive hours). If that happens, they’ll transfer money into your Etiqa TiqConnect eWallet—even if you don’t submit a claim! You can then encash that sum via PayNow.

On top of this travel delay claim benefit, Etiqa also provides flight check-in reminders and baggage belt collection details via SMS when you land. I experienced this myself when I bought Etiqa’s travel insurance for my trip to the UK this year. Now that’s what I call service.

Etiqa’s travel insurance is called Tiq Travel Insurance and comes in 3 tiers: Tiq Entry , Tiq Savvy , and Tiq Luxury . Here are their costs and coverage components:

Tiq Entry is sufficient to give you essential coverage for travel disruptions. But if you’ve just a little more to spend, go for Tiq Savvy . This will more than double your coverage limit for overseas medical expenses from $200,000 to $500,000 for just an additional $5 a week—that’s less than $1 a day.

[MoneySmart Exclusive | FLASH SALE] • Enjoy 40% off your Single Trip policy premium and 60% off Covid-19 add-on for Annual Plans. T&Cs apply • Get S$10 iShopChangi e-voucher with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply. [Etiqa's 10th Year 2024 Grand Draw] Stand a chance to win S$10,000 cash or a Singapore Mint Lunar Dragon 1 gram 999.9 fine gold medallion (worth S$173) with eligible Etiqa/Tiq by Etiqa plans purchased. T&Cs apply.

Comprehensive COVID-19 add-on, protecting you before, during and after your trip

Covers Cruise to Nowhere

Get paid upon a 3-hour flight delay, even without submitting a claim

Instant claims encashment via PayNow

24-hour worldwide emergency travel support

The only disadvantage to Tiq travel insurance is that COVID-19 coverage is not included in the base price and you’ll have to pay for their optional COVID-19 Add-On to be covered. Some people might say this is an advantage—it gives you a greater degree of flexibility to decide if you want to have COVID-19 coverage or not, especially as COVID-19 becomes less and less prevalent. However, the fact remains that you need to pay extra for it compared to travel insurance plans where COVID-19 coverage is already included.

Here’s how much the COVID-19 Add-On will cost for a 7-day trip:

Costs are based on quotes generated on Etiqa at time of publishing.

To be covered for travel disruptions and medical expenses related to COVID-19, you’ll need to add the costs above to the base Tiq travel insurance prices.

Etiqa travel insurance promotion

Comprehensive Covid-19 add-on, protecting you before, during and after your trip

Enjoy 40% off Tiq Single Trip Travel Insurance plans —that means your week-long ASEAN trip now costs just $23 instead of $39 under Tiq Entry.

Getting annual travel insurance instead? Get 60% off the COVID-19 add-on for Annual Plans!

From now till 15 Aug 2024, purchase Tiq travel insurance to enter Etiqa’s 10th Year 2024 Grand Draw . 5 lucky winners will walk away with $10,000 cash , and 150 will receive a S ingapore Mint Lunar Dragon 1 gram 999.9 fine gold medallion (worth $173)!

8. Cheapest travel insurance in Singapore

When I buy travel insurance, I don’t really care whether the insurer has 900 years of experience or if the plan comes with extra coverage for Chanel bags. Just give me the cheapest travel insurance plan can l iao !

If that sounds like you too, you’ll be glad to know we’ve done the legwork for you. After assessing the most popular travel insurers in Singapore, the honour of cheapest travel insurance in Singapore goes to… FWD travel insurance .

FWD Premium

Optional add on coverage available for pre-existing Medical Conditions for Single Trips plans (up to 30 days) with S$50,000 coverage for medical expenses incurred overseas and 50% co-payment for trip cancellation, postponement and more!

But as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Will you regret being a cheapskate and lose out on important coverage if the only number you look at is the price?

In a way, yes. Because FWD travel insurance is only the cheapest option with 2 caveats.

Firstly, travel insurers have limited-time discounts all the time. This is no secret. It does, however, make it difficult to compare prices when an expensive plan is on 40% off but a cheaper one is on 10% off. That’s why for the table above, we compared base prices without discounts .

But when you take into account promotional prices, which plan is the cheapest? There’s no need to open a million tabs to compare every travel insurance plan out there. Just use our travel insurance comparison tool with the “Lowest Price” filter on. You’re welcome!

The second caveat is this: FWD came out the cheapest when we looked at its price without its COVID-19 add-on. If you’re looking for a travel insurance plan that includes coverage for disruptions due to COVID-19 (which you should!), the real winners are Amex travel insurance and Singlife travel insurance .

Singlife Travel Lite

Covers trip interruptions or cancellations due to COVID-19 and cover your medical treatment should you contract COVID-19 whilst overseas.

Covers rental vehicle excess up to S$500.

Payout of S$50** should your trip be affected by excessive rainfall.

At the end of the day, ask yourself what specific travel insurance coverage you want to have, and assess the travel insurance options to find one that suits your needs.

Need some help? Read our travel insurance guide to understand all you need to know about choosing the best travel insurance. Don’t forget to use our travel insurance comparison tool to seamlessly compare plans across different providers in Singapore. We also have a comparison tool for travel insurance in Hong Kong !

9. Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, most insurers did not extend their coverage to COVID-19-related mishaps. (Read more here .) The pandemic was quickly considered a “known event”, which insurers usually do not offer compensation for. So, if your flight got cancelled because of COVID-19, you’d be out of luck trying to get your insurance claims approved.

Now that practically all travel restrictions are lifted, insurance companies are rushing for a slice of the pie. Since the virus looks like it’s here to stay, most insurers are offering coverage that includes specific benefits for COVID-19. Where COVID-19 benefits aren’t already included in the policy, insurers offer an optional COVID-19 rider you can pay for to add on to the existing regular coverage.

Read your policy documents carefully to see if COVID-19 is covered, and add it on if you need to.

10. How do I choose the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage?

COVID-19 coverage can vary quite a bit from insurer to insurer . When you’re shopping for the best insurance policy, there are 4 things you want to look out for when it comes to choosing the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage:

Medical expenses coverage

Do note that the plans still exclude travelling against a travel advisory put in place by the Singapore government or by the local authority at your trip destination. Meaning, if your destination country goes on red alert for COVID-19, visitors are highly likely to come into contact with the virus and your insurance is highly likely to reject any COVID-19 claims. So be sure to check announcements on both ends before you depart.

Another common exclusion is failing to take precautions against COVID-19. This is worded kinda vaguely in those lengthy insurance policies, but could include not following any COVID-19 regulations at your destination or on the plane. So make sure you wear your mask whenever it’s required (or even when it’s not, if you want to play extra safe) and don’t attend any illegal raves.

11. What do I do if I get COVID-19 during or after my travels?

First of all, when booking your trip, you should retain all receipts, tickets and itineraries in case your trip has to be cancelled or altered.

At the first sign of a COVID-19 infection or related travel disruption, you should call your insurer and ask for guidance. Many insurers maintain a 24-hour hotline for travel claims. Save that number before you depart Singapore so that you aren’t stuck somewhere without wi-fi or 4G to Google the hotline.

To make a claim , you will usually have to submit your insurer’s form with supporting documents by the deadline mentioned in your contract (usually 30 days). Don’t wait until you’re back in Singapore to check which documents you need.

If you catch COVID-19 while you’re in Singapore , you will likely have to submit the results of a PCR Swab Test or Antigen Rapid Test conducted at a clinic or hospital.

It gets a bit more complicated if you’re overseas . The insurer will likely require documentation from the hospital as well as a doctor’s letter stating that you are unfit to travel and/or recommending treatment.

If you need to be quarantined overseas , you should make sure you have a quarantine order from the government, otherwise you may not be able to claim for quarantine allowance. Remember to ask for this as not all countries automatically issue such documentation.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 Travel Insurance Claim Guide

Planning to get travel insurance for your next trip? Learn how to claim for COVID-19 here!

About the author

Vanessa Nah is a personal finance content writer who pens articles on the ins and outs of travel insurance, the T&Cs of credit cards, and the ups and downs of alternative investments. She’s a researcher at heart and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to breaking down complex finance concepts and making them easy to understand for the everyday Singaporean. When Vanessa’s not debunking finance myths, you’ll find her attending dance classes, fingerpicking a guitar, or (most im paw tently) fulfilling her life mission to make her one-eyed cat the most spoiled and loved kitty in the world.

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No change to Covid-19 SOP in M’sia

Thursday, 23 May 2024

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Beware of the new wave: An average of 350,000 travellers cross the border from Malaysia to Singapore daily, mostly for work. — Filepic

JOHOR BARU: Cross-border travel for Malaysians working in Singapore will not be affected by the recent wave of Covid-19 infections in the island republic for now, says Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.

However, he advised those with comorbidities or from high-risks groups to mask up when heading out.

“Although a fresh Covid-19 wave has hit Singapore, we are keeping to the same standard operating procedure (SOP) for now.

“I advise the public, especially senior citizens, children and those with pre-existing illnesses, to wear a face mask when going to crowded or public areas,” he told reporters after attending a Wesak Day celebration at the Fo Guang Shan Hsingmasi temple here yesterday.Ling said the situation in the state was still manageable, with 154 Covid-19 cases reported in epidemiological week 20 (May 12-18).

This was a slight increase from 138 cases recorded in the previous week and 95 in week 18.

Asked whether a new SOP would be introduced for cross-border travellers, especially with thousands of Malaysians commuting to and from the city-state for work daily, Ling said he would discuss the matter with the Health Ministry.

“If need be, the ministry will issue a new SOP. For now, the existing SOP remains for all, including cross-border travellers, to mask up if you are in the high-risk groups and continue maintaining good personal hygiene.

“Those experiencing symptoms such as flu and cough should seek medical attention immediately and wear a face mask to prevent infecting others,” he said.

He added that Covid-19 test kits are readily available at pharmacies and retail outlets for residents who want to perform self-tests.

Last Saturday, Singapore’s Health Ministry said the estimated number of Covid-19 cases in the week of May 5 to 11 had risen to 25,900 cases, compared with 13,700 cases in the previous week.

It also said the average daily Covid-19 hospitalisations had increased to about 250, from 181 the week before.

The ministry added that the combined proportion of subvariants KP.1 and KP.2 accounted for over two-thirds of Covid-19 cases in the republic then.

Tags / Keywords: Covid-19 Variant , Singapore , Health Ministry , Ling Tian Soon , Johor

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South Korean, Chinese and Japanese leaders discuss thorny topics and ways to boost cooperation

Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet in Seoul on Monday for their first trilateral talks in more than four years. (AP video shot by Yong-ho Kim)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, left, waves to media members before getting into a car as Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice foreign minister, follows behind at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang waves as he arrives for a trilateral meeting at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, second right, is welcomed by Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice minister, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting, at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang before their meeting in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, center left, is welcomed by Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice foreign minister, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives for a trilateral meeting, at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, second from right, speaks to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, second from left, during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang waves to media members upon his arrival for trilateral meetings at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, third left, holds a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, third right, in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang waves to media members before getting into a car as Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice foreign minister, follows behind at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gesture during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida move their positions during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The Japanese and South Korean leaders raised sensitive topics like Taiwan, North Korea and the South China Sea as well as ways to boost cooperation when they individually met China’s premier Sunday on the eve of a fuller trilateral meeting.

It was unclear how serious discussions the three leaders had on those thorny issues, which are not among the official agenda items for Monday’s three-way gathering in Seoul, the first of its kind in more than four years.

After meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that he expressed serious concerns about the situations in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and China’s northwestern Xinjiang region. He said Japan is closely monitoring developments on self-governed Taiwan.

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, right, puts on a cowboy hat given by Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas during a meeting in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, May 27, 2024. A U.S. congressional delegation met Taiwan's new leader on Monday in a show of support shortly after China held drills around the self-governing island in response to his inauguration speech. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

He referred to China’s military assertiveness in the South China Sea, clampdowns of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and human rights abuses against minorities in Xinjiang. Last week, China also launched a large military exercise around Taiwan to show its anger over the inauguration of the island’s new president who refuses to accept its insistence that Taiwan is part of China.

Yoon’s office said Yoon and Kishida in their separate meeting expressed worries about North Korea’s nuclear program and agreed to strengthen their cooperation with the United States.

The three leaders also discussed how to bolster economic and other cooperation.

But they say China may face more demands for President Xi Jinping to attend because he has concentrated power in his hands and defied the norms of collective leadership.

Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report.

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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.
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