Returning to China for the first time in 3 years? Here is what you need to know – UPDATED May 2023
The return of The Canton Fair has brought many business travellers back to China for the first time in over three years. However, as you may have read in our recent review, many people could not join the Canton fair this year due to flight and visa issues. So for those of you still to return, let’s look at the updated situation on travelling back to China.
Flights
As before, every month sees a resumption of more flight paths. Chinese airlines are increasingly confident about the cross-border demand, with many routes restarting, such as Scotland’s direct flight to Beijing with Hainan Airlines.
Flight prices remain much higher than pre-covid and often double. As supply slowly catches up with demand, we hope to see this decrease, but travellers are yet to see savings.
Flights from the US are still particularly tight, so keep your eyes peeled for more flight route announcements.
Here is a list of all current flights in and out of mainland China operated by Chinese airlines. However, Flying to Hong Kong and taking a train or transfer flight remains the most sensible option, as it has greater capacity and flights are generally cheaper.
Covid Testing
Good news! China has scrapped PCR tests upon entry! The official policy is that you should now do a RAT at home and then declare the result at customs. This result is not checked by the airlines or at customs and immigration and is only part of the customs declaration form you must fill in when you arrive.
PCR test requirements for returning to your home country
Thankfully, all countries have also dropped this requirement, so you can rest easy knowing that the governments have consigned cross-border testing requirements to history.
Visas
As mentioned previously, the Chinese government has reinstated visas of all categories have now been reinstated. However, there can still be longer than usual waiting times as the backlog of applications is still significant. Many people could not get their visas in time for the Canton Fair, so if you have plans to come to China, it is best to get your visa early.
The application forms have changed slightly and undoubtedly become much more detailed, so be prepared to fill in more information about your family and employment! Here is an article explaining all the relevant documents you need to support your application. It is also important to note that tourist visas still need to be opened for application.
You may still need an invitation letter from a business in China. Kinyu SCM has a verified template; if you want us to send you a copy – please request one here.
144-hour visa-free transit policy
Need help getting a visa? Fortunately, the government have reinstated 144-hour transit visas in some areas of China. As a result, you can fly to China on a transit visa, which you do not need to apply for in advance. This visa requires an onward flight ticket to a third country, and you apply for it at the airport on arrival. The transit document is valid for 144 hours, with limitations on where you can travel. For example, you can fly into Beijing and travel within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei provinces on this transit visa. You can find more information on how it works can be found here. Kinyu recently met a client in Guangzhou who used this method successfully.
Visa on arrival from Hong Kong
At Shenzhen Luohu border port, you can apply for a visa on arrival if you are from one of the specified countries. Make sure you do your research on this method to avoid disappointment.
Entering via Hong Kong
Since Hong Kong has had a much more extended and gradual opening period, the flights to and from Hong Kong are more flexible and cheaper. Furthermore, the high-speed train from Hong Kong to mainland China reopened on 15th Jan 2023, making travel to regions across China much more accessible. In addition, the train routes have now been fully reinstated to pre-Covid levels so that you can travel to many more cities by train.
To clarify, you do not need a Covid test result to travel to Hong Kong and will not require one to travel from Hong Kong to the mainland.
Customs Health Declaration
When entering or leaving mainland China, you must complete a health declaration form online. You can do this on WeChat or by scanning a QR code. You will then recieve a black code which the authorities will check at the customs entry/exit point. It’s best to fill out in advance and then take a screenshot. Make sure you fill it out the same day you cross borders.
Keep up to date with the latest.
These policies can change quickly, so keep up with the most recent policy announcements. Although we will update this article occasionally to help keep you informed, we will not refresh it daily, so it’s essential to check if this information applies to you. It is also important to note that China may have different requirements depending on the country you come from and for the reason you are travelling. Kinyu wrote this article for our UK, EU and US customers.
Get in touch for more support.
We are happy to hear from people travelling to China, so please feel free to get in touch with any questions.
