China Travel Restrictions: China Expat Travel and Entry Policy (Updated August 10th)

Travel in China is gradually resuming. Cross-province tours are allowed in China.

Foreign nationals currently in China can travel in China as long as they have the required documents (including ID card, passport, green health code, etc.).

On this page written specifically for foreigners in China, you will learn about:

• Where You Can Travel
• What You Need to Visit
• Areas with Medium and High Risks in China.
• Why You Need Us to Arrange a Tour
• Tips for Your 2020 Trip in China
• How to Get a Health QR Code and Record of Travel Itinerary
• FAQ

For expats still abroad, you will learn about:

• China’s Current Entry Policy & Measures

Where You Can Travel

Most cities are open and can be visited by travelers. Some of these destinations and attractions are listed in the table below.

Latest update:

Daocheng (Yading) is open and can be visited by foreign visitors. To visit, you will need to provide nucleic acid test results and a record of your 14-day travel itinerary.

Jiuzhaigou is expected to open after National Day (October 1 to October 8).

The Yangtze River Cruise is expected to open in August with boats departing once or twice a week. The reopening of the 'New Century Cruises' (accepting foreign visitors) will be on August 17th and 'Victoria Cruises' (to confirm whether it will accept foreign visitors) will open on August 7th. Feel free to contact us for more detailed schedules, information and promotions.

Visitors from areas with medium or high risk cannot travel to Zhangjiajie.

Areas that remained Closed:

• Tibet
• Xinjiang
• Parts of Ganzi Autonomous Prefectures
• Parts of Aba Autonomous Prefectures

The reopening dates for these locations are not yet known.

What You Need to Visit

Every city has different requirements. If you are planning a trip and want to know more specifically about what needs to be prepared, please feel free to contact us.

Necessary Items for All Cities:

• Green health codes of your location and destination
• Mask
• Passport

Others Requirements:

Every city in China has slightly different requirements for foreign travelers, but our travel advisors will tell you the documents you need according to your specific destinations. Here are some items you may be required to provide:

• 14-day record of travel itinerary
• Health inquiry form provided by hotels
• Passport and most recent China entry stamps
• Nucleic acid test results
• Entry and exit certificate
• Accommodation registration form for foreign nationals
• Certificate of employment

Here is a simple table for a quick look at what you need to visit some of China's top destinations. This is for reference only. Feel free to contact us for more specific requirements.

Areas with Medium and High Risks in China (Updated on 3rd August)

If you are traveling from areas with medium or high risk, you may not be allowed to visit other cities. If you are allowed to enter other cities or provinces, you will need to show negative nucleic acid test results upon arrival.

• Areas with Medium Risk: Urumqi (Xinshi District, Shuimogou District and Toutunhe District), Dalian (Xigang District and Jinpu New District)
• Areas with High Risk: Urumqi (Tianshan District and Saybagh District), Dalian (Ganjingzi District)

Except the above areas, all other areas are low risk.

Why You Need Us to Arrange a Tour

Although domestic travel in China is allowed, there are many regulations in place for expats in China.

With the frequent changing of regulations as different regions react to the epidemic situation, having a professional local tour company, like us, in charge of your itinerary and transportation can be a safeguard for your trip.

Ensure a Smooth Check in

Because of COVID-19, some hotels are not allowed to receive foreign guests and others will have special requirements for foreign guests.

In order to avoid being unable to check in after arriving because of an information mix up between you and the hotel, we recommend booking with us to ensure clear communication.

We will handpick a hotel that meets your requirements and inform you exactly what documents you need for check-in to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

When booking by yourself, we suggest you inquire carefully about whether the hotel accepts foreigners and ask what documents are required for check-in.

Timely Handling of Emergencies

During these uncertain times, you are more likely to encounter some emergencies during your trip. Without professional guidance, it will be difficult to quickly change your travel plans in accordance to changing situations or regulations.

When booking with us, your private travel advisor will keep you up to date on all regulations and help you navigate what you need to do for each destination. He/she will also be online 24/7 to help you in case you encounter an emergency.

Book Tickets in Advance

To ensure safe tourism, most attractions have a daily limit on the number of people allowed to enter. Usually, capacity is capped at 30%-50% and all visitors are required to make an appointment or purchase tickets in advance. Your travel advisor will make preparations for you and will book your tickets for you whenever possible.

Some attractions require visitors to buy tickets on-site in person. Your travel advisor will tell you in advance which spots you need to buy tickets in person and your guide will be on hand to help you purchase the ticket when you arrive.

Private and Safe Transportation

We will provide a private vehicle that is disinfected daily and a local driver to ensure a safe, comfortable and convenient trip.

Tips for Your 2020 Trip in China

• Some indoor attractions remain closed.
• Some hotels have not yet opened or are not allowed to receive foreigners.
• Many attractions have a requirement to make an appointment before your visit or purchase tickets in advance.
• Most attractions also have a daily limit on the number of people permitted to enter (fewer people enable a better experience).
• It is required that everyone wears a mask during their visit.
• Some routes at outdoor attractions are only partially opened.
• You may be required to scan QR code when going in and out of public places such as supermarkets and some attractions.
• Hard-shell suitcases or waterproof bags are recommended as your check-in luggage may be sprayed with disinfectant in transit.
• Always pay attention to the epidemic situation of your location and destination.
• Choose services that can be changed or canceled at any time.
• Be prepared to make changes to your itinerary and travel plans.

How Can I Get a Health QR Code?

The Health QR code system has been implemented throughout the country and shows your health condition. These codes are required to move around the city.

Getting green health QR codes of your location and destination is necessary for traveling in China.

Getting Health Codes

Different provinces or cities have launched their own health code programs. You can scan QR the codes below for different destinations with WeChat or Alipay to get a local health code.

Getting a Record of Travel Itinerary

Some cities and attractions will require you to provide your record of travel itinerary.

You can get this record by scanning the QR code on the right with Alipay or WeChat.

After that, input your phone number and tap '查询 (inquire)', and you will get your record of travel itinerary.

FAQ

1. Can I travel in China?

Yes, if you meet the following conditions:

• Have entered China more than 3 months ago
• Have the required documents as listed in the 'What You Need to Visit' section

2. Do hotels have some restrictions on foreigners?

Yes. Hotel requirements for foreigners vary from city to city.

Some hotels have not yet opened or are not allowed to receive foreign guests.

We suggest you inquire carefully about whether the hotel accepts foreigners and ask what documents are required before you make a reservation.

If you have trouble booking hotels, feel free to contact us.

3. Are foreigners allowed to see all the attractions?

Some indoor attractions remain closed. For those attractions that are open, you are allowed to visit only if have the required documents (ID card, passport, green health code, etc.)

For safe tourism, many attractions have a daily limit on the number of people allowed to enter. Usually, capacity is capped at 30%-50% and all visitors are required to make an appointment or purchase tickets in advance.

4. What is a green code?

A color-coded health system has been implemented throughout China and shows your health risk based on where you have been and who you have contacted. Having this code is required to move around.

A green code (or a green health QR code) can be obtained when your health information is submitted in the system is approved.

Getting a green health QR code is necessary for traveling. For more information on how to apply, please review on the 'How to Get a Health QR Code' section, also our travel advisors are here to help.

Different cities have their own green code which can be found in different mini-programs or apps. You are required to obtain the green codes of both your current location and your destination.

It is necessary to apply for the green code of your travel destination in advance because you are required to show it upon arrival.

5. Do I need to quarantine?

You don’t need to quarantine if you come from a low-risk area.

For visitors coming from medium or high-risk areas, the requirements vary from city to city.

Some cities, such as Xi'an and Zhangjiajie won’t allow visitors from medium or high-risk areas. Other cities, like Huangshan will allow visitors from medium and high-risk areas and won’t require you to quarantine on the condition that you show a negative nucleic acid test result upon arrival.

6. Can I make changes to the itinerary or cancel it after booking?

Yes. There will be no charges from us for making changes to the itinerary or rescheduling your trip after booking, however, alteration fees from tour suppliers may still apply.

Send your deposit before August 31st to be eligible to get a full refund if you cancel your trip. (This offer only applies if you cancel at least 24 hours before your departure day)

7. What should I do if there is a local outbreak during my trip?

If you encounter an outbreak during your trip, please don’t panic. Your private travel advisor and local guide are there to help.

In this situation, your travel itinerary might be changed or canceled. If the situation is serious, you might need to leave as soon as possible. Your private travel advisor will be online for 24/7 and assist you.

8. How can I extend the validity of my Chinese visa?

During the outbreak, foreigners in China can automatically extend their stay for two months if their current visa has expired.

What if my extended visa is about to expire?

If you need to stay in China, you should apply for a visa or residence permit at the Entry & Exit Administration Office of Public Security in your residence city before the expiration of the extended date.

If you do not need to stay in China, you can leave the country normally.

China’s Current Entry Policy and Measures

China’s Current Entry Policy

To fight the continuing spread of COVID-19, China has decided to temporarily suspend entry into the country for all foreigners.

From March 28th, foreigners who hold the following visas, even valid ones, are not allowed to enter China:

• Chinese visa
• Residence permits
• APEC business travel card
• Port visa

The ban also applies to the following visa-free policies:

• 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy
• Hainan 30-day visa-free policy
• 15-day visa free policy for foreign cruise group tours through Shanghai Port
• Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign group tours from Hong Kong or Macao SAR
• Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tour groups from ASEAN countries

However, those who hold the following visas can enter China:

• Diplomatic visa
• Service visa
• Courtesy visa
• C visa
• New visa successfully applied for from Chinese embassies or consulates overseas after March 28th

How to get a nucleic acid test overseas that meets China's requirements

From July 20th, China's Civil Aviation Administration announced that all persons (including Chinese nationals) must have proof of a negative test result for COVID-19 issued no more than 5 days before departure. This proof must be a nucleic acid test performed by a provider that is recognized by the local Chinese embassy or consulate.

Chinese embassies in each country will announce specific implementation after evaluating the nucleic acid testing capability of their host country.

After you get your negative result, you should then apply for a statement of health condition from your Chinese embassy based on your nucleic acid test results. You need to show this statement when you board the plane.

Currently (as of August 6th), the Chinese embassies in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia haven’t announced the assigned nucleic acid testing hospitals or organizations. We will update you as soon as this information is released.

We recommend you pay attention to the latest news posted on the website of your Chinese embassy or make a telephone inquiry.

Entry Procedures

When you pass through customs, you will go through the health quarantine section and will need to fill out a Health and Quarantine Declaration Form and have your temperature checked.

After that, you will be sent to a hotel for a 14-day quarantine or self-isolate at home. The type of quarantine required will depend on your destination’s regulations. During the quarantine, you will not be allowed to go outside and will go through temperature monitoring and some medical tests.

We suggest you prepare your luggage and pack well for the 14-day quarantine.

Feel free to contact us if you are not sure about whether you can travel in China. Our professional travel advisors are there to help.

Tour China with Us

We have been in the China travel industry for over 20 years and we have lots of experience with handling situations such as viral outbreaks and natural disasters. It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe during your visit and we will respect any requests or decisions you make regarding your travels.

After staying at home for a time, you might want to break out of the city and escape to the places that you have never been to. We make it possible with our China tours for expats.

Recommended Tours on the Less-Traveled Road

These are recommended for the people who have finished the popular destinations of China and would like to explore some hidden beauties for foreigners.

• 3-Day Xiamen Essence and In-Depth Fujian Tulou Tour
• 6-Day Silk Road Photography Tour in Zhangye and Dunhuang
• 8-Day Guilin, Yangshuo and Guizhou Relaxation Tour