australian travel advice to china

Exploring China Safely: A Travel Guide for Australians

As Australia and China continue to have a strong trade and tourism relationship, an increasing number of Australians are visiting China for business or leisure. However, with any international travel, it is important to be aware of potential safety concerns. The Australian government has issued some travel advice for China, and in this article, we will discuss the key points of this advice and offer some tips for staying safe while traveling in China.

One of the main concerns for Australian travelers is the risk of terrorism. The Australian government advises Australians to be vigilant and to be aware of potential terrorist activities in China. This includes avoiding crowded areas, especially during major public events or holidays, and being aware of any suspicious activities or individuals.

Another concern is the risk of civil unrest or protests. Tensions between China and some other countries have risen in recent years, and there have been instances of protests and demonstrations in China. Australian citizens are advised to avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place, and to be aware of any local news and developments.

The Australian government also advises Australians to be aware of the risk of crime, especially in larger cities. Australian citizens are advised to take precautions such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Despite these warnings, many Australians still choose to visit China. If you decide to travel to China, it is important to take some basic precautions. For example, it is a good idea to keep your passport and other important documents in a safe place and to stay in touch with the Australian embassy in China.

Another important thing to consider while traveling in China is to be respectful of local customs and traditions. China has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to be aware of cultural norms and customs, especially when it comes to things like dress and behavior.

In conclusion, the Australian government has issued some travel advice for China, and it is important for Australian travelers to be aware of potential safety concerns. However, with some basic precautions and an understanding of local customs and traditions, many Australians still choose to visit China and enjoy all the country has to offer.

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Australia says no change to rules regarding travellers from China

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Chinese Australians' travel plans up in the air as COVID-19 surge grips China ahead of Lunar New Year

Chinese Australian Emma Wei was evacuated from Wuhan with her two kids three years ago, but she has booked tickets to return and see her ailing grandfather as China eases travel restrictions.

For her upcoming trip to China, Ms Wei will have to do several COVID tests and doesn't mind the additional steps required to re-enter Australia, which were recently announced by the health minister.

"The Chinese government requires a 48-hour pre-departure PCR test en-route to China," she told the ABC.

"On my return, I will be required to take another 48-hours pre-departure PCR test by the Australian government."

China has skyrocketing case numbers and from 12:01am on Thursday, travellers like Ms Wei will have to show Australian authorities evidence of a negative result from a COVID test before she returns.

"I think it is fair enough unless requirements escalate to forced quarantines … I don't think it is discriminative as it is really due to the severe nature of the COVID-19 situation in China."

She had thought about taking the whole family back with her initially, but the high cost of air travel deterred her.

"I cannot afford the air tickets for the whole family to go as it would easily be over $10,000 — too expensive for me," she said.

Another Chinese Australian citizen keen to make the trip to China is Sydney businessman Jeff Suo.

He booked a flight to China as soon as he heard quarantine requirements for travellers arriving in the country had been scrapped.

"Both of my parents are old, and it's a Chinese tradition to go home at the Chinese New Year to reunite with your family," Mr Suo said.

"There is an old Chinese saying that when your parents are alive, there is always a place to come.

"I want to cherish every reunion with them at home."

When he arrives in China, Mr Suo will join hundreds of millions of people visiting family across the country as the spring festival travel season, also called Chunyun, gets underway on January 7.

The world's largest human migration comes as Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 22, welcoming in the Year of the Rabbit and marking the first time in three years there have been no COVID-19 restrictions on people travelling at this time in China.

But the new year holiday period comes at a difficult time in the pandemic, when positive cases in China are soaring and the Chinese government has relaxed quarantine measures for overseas travellers from January 8.

Bobo Law moved to Melbourne from Hong Kong and has plans to travel back there in a few months.

She said she understood the requirements imposed by Canberra, and didn't want a new variants coming to Australia.

"I think the government wants to do it because it wants to protect people in Australia. Why not?"

Ms Law also said she believed there was an issue with a lack of accurate statistics on cases numbers and deaths coming out of China.

The World Health Organization has asked Chinese officials to provide real-time information on the COVID wave in China to the international community, including genomic sequencing that identifies new variants.

Analysts estimate 9,000 people a day are dying with COVID in China, but official government information show very low figures .

China says restrictions on travellers 'unnecessary'

With a lack of data from China, governments around the world including the US, UK, Japan, France, Israel, Spain, Italy, Taiwan and South Korea have implemented new restrictions on travellers from China.

In Australia, from January 5, people arriving from China will be required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test and show evidence of a negative result.

"There are concerns, in an environment of cases spreading so quickly, about the possibility of the emergence of a new variant," Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said on Sunday.

But on Monday night it was revealed that Australia's Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly told Mr Butler there was not a "sufficient public health rationale" for the move .

Professor Kelly advised in the absence of any "specific threat" from a COVID-19 variant, and with high vaccination rates in the country, any restrictions or additional requirements on China were unnecessary. 

When asked repeatedly about the new travel requirements some countries were imposing, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin said in the past few days "medical experts from different countries have said that entry restrictions on travellers arriving from China are unnecessary".

"For all countries, COVID response measures need to be science-based and proportionate and apply equally to people of all countries without affecting normal travel and people-to-people exchange and cooperation," he said.

"We hope that all parties will follow a science-based response approach, and work together to ensure safe cross-border travel, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and contribute to global solidarity against COVID and the world economic recovery."

'I want to wait and see'

As infections surge and the international community reacts, many Chinese Australians are not sure if now is the best time to travel back to China.

Bing Liu, who has lived in Australia for more than 20 years, is one of them.

"The current COVID situation in China is still rather unstable, so I want to wait and see," Ms Bing said.

The restrictions for people travelling from China back to Australia have also made her think twice about visiting China now.

Ms Bing caught the virus in Australia and her two elderly parents also got COVID at a nursing home in China.

"Currently, nursing homes in China are managed under a closed-loop, so even if I manage to go back to China, I probably won't be able to see my parents."

After many years working from home, Ms Bing has now decided to take her long service leave this year to travel around Australia and Asia instead.

'Hasn't crossed my mind'

Yan Wei's daughter passed her Year 12 exams this year with flying colours, and if it were not for the pandemic, Mrs Yan said she would definitely consider taking her family back to China for a visit.

Mrs Yan was in Shanghai at the end of 2019 and early 2020 when the first COVID outbreak emerged in Wuhan.

Three years on, she is not so sure about travelling to China.

"Honestly, it hasn't crossed my mind."

Mrs Yan said almost all of her extended family in China have been infected with COVID since early December when restrictions in China were eased.

"Thankfully they are in the process of recovering," she said.

China's abrupt COVID-19 policy change

The opening up of travel to and from China this spring holiday season came as a surprise to many Chinese Australians.

For nearly three years, China had maintained a strict COVID-zero policy, a suite of harsh restrictions including lockdowns, mass testings and limited travel designed to keep infections under control.

But in December, after a series of lockdown-related protests, Beijing abruptly began easing COVID rules , then announced it would resume issuing passports for tourism .

In late December, President Xi Jinping made his first public comments on COVID since his government changed course.

In a televised speech to mark the New Year, Mr Xi said China had overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges in the battle against COVID, and that its policies were "optimised".

"Since the outbreak of the epidemic … the majority of cadres and masses, especially medical personnel, grassroots workers, braved hardships and courageously persevered," he said. 

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Australia imposed Covid checks on travellers from China against advice of top health official

Prof Paul Kelly told Albanese government there was not ‘sufficient public health rationale’ for additional requirements targeting China

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The Albanese government imposed pre-flight Covid checks on travellers from China against the advice of the chief medical officer, Prof Paul Kelly.

The 31 December advice, published by the health department , stated that Kelly did “not believe that there is sufficient public health rationale” for any additional requirements, labelling any restriction on travel from China “disproportionate to the risk”.

Announcing the federal government’s response on Sunday , the health minister, Mark Butler, sidestepped a question about the content of health advice, saying that it confirmed Australia was “well positioned in the fight against Covid” but the pre-flight checks were being imposed “out of an abundance of caution”.

The Coalition criticised the decision on Tuesday, with the Nationals leader, David Littleproud, calling on Butler to clarify “confusion” about the advice and “make it transparently clear about what are the trigger points moving forward”.

“That’s what builds confidence,” he told Channel Nine’s Today program.

The shadow assistant minister for mental health, Melissa McIntosh, said it was “quite perplexing” that Butler had “gone against the health advice of the chief medical officer of this country”.

“One of the reasons why Australia got through the pandemic was one of the best countries in the world to do so was because we followed Australia’s medical advice,” she told ABC News Breakfast. “Not following other countries’ [advice].”

In the advice published on Sunday, Kelly states he consulted chief health officers on the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee on 30 December 2022, and there was “strong consensus that implementation of any restrictions to travel from China at this time would be inconsistent with the current national approach to the management of Covid-19 and disproportionate to the risk”.

“I do not believe that there is sufficient public health rationale to impose any restriction or additional requirements on travellers from China,” he stated.

Kelly cited Australia’s high levels of vaccination, immunity from prior infection, ready access to testing, strong surveillance mechanisms in Australia and that “the BF.7 Omicron sub-variant that appears to be a key driver to the outbreak in China has been present in Australia for some time”.

The written advice echoes comments made by Kelly on Thursday that “the variant that’s circulating mostly and driving the rising cases in China is a variant that we’ve already seen in Australia”.

Kelly also cited in the advice the fact it “is currently summer in Australia (as distinct from those countries who have chosen to implement enhanced border measures in recent days), which reduces the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses”.

“Notwithstanding, should you wish to explore in further detail the powers available to you as health minister under the Biosecurity Act 2015, I will ask that formal legal [advice] be prepared for your consideration.”

Kelly recommended greater surveillance including that the government “explore the feasibility of implementing an aircraft wastewater testing program”, a measure Butler gave the green light to on Monday.

Butler said on Sunday that he had “received written and verbal briefings from the commonwealth chief medical officer Prof Paul Kelly, about the emerging situation in China”.

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“There is a broad consensus among all of the jurisdictional chief health officers … that the resumption of travel between China and Australia poses no immediate public health threat to Australians,” he said.

Butler said the pre-flight checks were being imposed out of an “abundance of caution”, citing the concerns of the World Health Organization about a lack of detailed information regarding the Covid wave in China.

“That lack of comprehensive information has led a number of countries in recent days to put in place various measures, not to restrict travel from China, it’s important to say, but to gather better information about what is happening epidemiologically in that country,” the health minister said.

On Tuesday, Butler acknowledged on FiveAA Radio that chief health officers had advised that “the resumption of travel between China and Australia poses no public health threat to Australians” – without referring to advice against changing settings.

Butler claimed that since Kelly’s advice “we started to see a number of countries move, England and France I think within 24 hours of my announcement just as one example”, despite the fact these countries’ settings were already accounted for in Kelly’s advice.

Further details about the pre-flight testing regime, released on Monday, reveal that rapid antigen tests will be accepted but must be administered or supervised by a medical practitioner.

Travellers on flights transiting through China – including Hong Kong and Macau – but originating in other countries do not need to undertake pre-departure testing. The new regime starts on Thursday .

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Travellers from China required to undertake COVID-19 testing before travel

The Australian Government will introduce pre-departure testing for COVID-19 for people travelling to Australia from the People’s Republic of China.

The Australian Government will introduce pre-departure testing for COVID-19 for people travelling to Australia from the People’s Republic of China including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

This measure is in response to the significant wave of COVID-19 infections in China and the potential for emerging viral variants in that country.

From 12:01am on Thursday 5 January 2023, travellers will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test within the 48hrs prior to travel and show evidence of a negative test result when travelling to Australia.

While we are no longer in the emergency phase of the pandemic response in Australia, this decision has been made to safeguard Australia from the risk of potential new emerging variants, and in recognition of the rapidly evolving situation in China and uncertainty about emerging viral variants.

In making this decision, I have been briefed extensively by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Australia now joins other countries across the world including France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Spain, the Republic of Korea, England and the United States of America in implementing similar measures.

These arrangements are precautionary and temporary and will remain under review based on the health advice and available information.

My department is working with states and territories to monitor the situation in Australia very closely. In addition, the Government continues to work closely with state and territory governments to improve our capacity to detect and rapidly respond to any new emerging variants of concern.

There is no advice to change our current approach to managing this phase of the pandemic in Australia. Fortunately, in Australia we have readily available access to vaccines and treatments, and high underlying population immunity.

Every single person eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should make an appointment as soon as they are eligible. Staying up to date with vaccinations is one of the simplest actions people can take to help protect themselves from becoming severely unwell from COVID-19. Additionally, anyone who is eligible for oral anti-viral treatments should have a plan to access those if they test positive for COVID-19.

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

“The decision to implement these temporary measures has been made out of an abundance of caution, taking into account the dynamic and evolving situation in China and the potential for new variants to emerge in an environment of high transmission."

“Australia is well positioned in its pandemic response. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Australia and internationally, in collaboration with medical experts. Our absolute priority is keeping our community safe and continuing to be a world leader when it comes to responding to the global COVID-19 pandemic."

“This small but sensible move will help to protect people who are at risk of severe illness and safeguard our healthcare system.”

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Australia set to welcome back Chinese group tours

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Today Australia has been reincluded on China’s list of approved outgoing group travel destinations.

Australia’s return to China’s Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme, for the first time since borders re-opened, is welcome news for our nation’s tourism operators, and will provide a boost for the visitor economy, further supporting the sector’s ongoing recovery.

This is another positive step towards the stabilisation of our relationship with China.

Prior to the pandemic, China was the largest and most valuable inbound traveller market for the Australian visitor economy.

In 2019, more than 1.4 million holiday makers from China spent $2.1 billion in Australia, including about $581 million spent by ADS group travel participants.

Australia remains a premium tourism destination for Chinese travellers, and we are looking forward to welcoming back group tours.

Today’s announcement follows the recent launch in China of Tourism Australia’s successful $125 million Come and Say G’Day campaign.

The campaign kicked off on 29 June in China, and is already proving to be a success, with the television commercial receiving over 66 million views across all channels.

We know millions of prospective Chinese visitors are being inspired to Come and Say G’day and we look forward to welcoming more of them to Australia as the ADS resumes.

The Australian Government will now work with Chinese counterparts to facilitate ADS travel.

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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

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Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

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Rival airlines’ surprise move after Bonza collapse

Not long after Bonza announced it had gone into voluntary administration, three of the country’s biggest carriers all did the same thing.

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Three of the country’s biggest airlines have sprung into action to help passengers and affected staff from the Bonza collapse.

On Tuesday, the 14-month old budget airline announced it has entered into voluntary administration after it suddenly slashed flights across the country leaving many stranded .

“Bonza has temporarily suspended services due to be operated today, as discussions are currently underway regarding the ongoing viability of the business,” CEO Tim Jordan said.

In a further statement sent to news.com.au, Mr Burton apologised to customers impacted by the airline’s sudden wave of cancellations.

“We apologise to our customers who are impacted by this and we are working as quickly as possible to determine a way forward that ensures there is ongoing competition in the Australian aviation market.”

Tracy Hilbert booked a flight from Melbourne to Gladstone to be with her family following the passing of her father on Monday. In a state of shock, she arrived at Melbourne Airport to find out her early morning flight on Tuesday had been cancelled.

Rival budget airline Jetstar and Virgin Australia stepped in to help her get to her destination without charging Ms Hilbert for a ticket.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Jetstar, which is owned by Qantas, said: “We understand today’s news about Bonza will have a significant impact on many people’s travel plans.”

“For Bonza customers who are due to travel today or who are stuck away from home, Jetstar and Qantas will assist by providing flights at no cost where there are seats available.”

Qantas also released a statement offering employment support to Bonza staff affected by the airline’s collapse.

“We extend our thoughts to our aviation industry colleagues and their families – from pilots and cabin crew to flight planners and operations controllers,” it read.

“If Bonza employees would like to discuss recruitment opportunities within Jetstar and Qantas, particularly in specialised fields which are unique to aviation, we’ve set up a dedicated page on the Jetstar careers website.

“For any customers with a cancelled Bonza flight on a route we operate, to make sure you’re not further out of pocket, you can fly with us at no cost where we have seats available.”

Virgin Australia also extended its hand to staff seeking employment, describing the airline’s collapse as “sad”.

“When Bonza started in Australia, we welcomed its launch because competition makes us all better and benefits consumers. We are saddened to hear of Bonza’s current situation and the impacts on its people, customers and partners,” the statement read.

“We will do what we can to support Bonza’s employees by prioritising them for any current and future roles at Virgin Australia, and encourage them to contact our careers team at [email protected] if they wish.”

The airline also offered support to any passengers stranded mid-journey with complimentary seats, where available.

The three airlines’ quick response has been applauded by the aviation industry and Aussies alike with many branding it “the spirit of Australia”.

It comes as Bonza was forced to cancel multiple flights across both Queensland and Melbourne on Tuesday with the carrier’s CEO in discussions around the “viability” of the business, before announcing it has gone into voluntary administration.

Prior to Tuesday’s public downfall, there has been mounting speculation surrounding the airline’s financial position and possible repossession of leased aircraft.

According to reports, it is understood that Bonza’s financial backer, Miami-based firm 777 Partners, have called restructuring specialists KordaMentha for financial advice about its ongoing operations in Australia.

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However cabin crew members claim the writing has been on the wall for some time now , with staff cost-cutting measures and “bandaid” solutions present for months.

The administrators have established a hotline for customers for any queries they may have on 03 8678 1600 .

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As passengers scramble to find alternative flights, major news has emerged about the airline’s future.

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Continuing travel ban to protect Australians from the coronavirus

The protection and safety of Australians is our highest priority.

The National Security Committee of Cabinet has today decided that the continuing coronavirus infections in mainland China make it necessary to continue the travel restrictions on foreign nationals entering Australia for a further week to 29 February.

Media release: Continuing travel ban to protect Australians from the coronavirus