As the Government continues to lift Covid restrictions in China, many people feel a range of emotions – relief, excitement, and even a hint of anxiety as they navigate their newfound freedoms. Although it is difficult not to harbour a hint of resentment towards the restrictions for writing off our 2022, China is buzzing to welcome back travellers after a long three years. This excitement is particularly palpable in the city of Guangzhou and the entire Greater Bay Area as they thrive on the hustle and bustle of international traders and importers.
If you’re planning on returning to China for the first time in 3 years, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Flights
With the sudden drop in restrictions, airlines are reopening flight routes as quickly as possible. However, flights may still be more expensive and have fewer direct options than before. British Airways are among the collective airlines that still need to reinstate many flight routes from the UK to China. The war in Ukraine exacerbated this issue, as the Russian government has barred many European carriers from crossing their airspace. This crossing is a crucial segment of the flight path to China. As Chinese carriers can still fly over Russia, you could consider a Chinese airline for your travels. Additionally, you could fly to Hong Kong and then take a train or transfer flight from there.
Covid Testing
You will require a 48-hour PCR test to board a flight to China. There is no specific list of certified testing centres, and any of them will be sufficient. Boots pharmacy is just one example. You will, however, need to ensure you print your test results.
Visas
Immigration suspended or cancelled any visas issued before March 2020. As a result, you will likely need to apply for a new visa. Prepare to fill in more detailed information about your family and employment. Here is an article explaining all the relevant documents you need to support your application. Booking a spot at the visa centre may be difficult due to the demand, and tourist visas still need to be opened for application.
144-hour visa-free transit policy
If you need help getting a visa, the 144-hour transit visa may be an option. You do not need to apply for this visa in advance, allowing you to travel within certain regions for 144 hours. All you will need to qualify is an onward flight ticket to a third country, and you apply for it at the airport on arrival. You can find more information on how it works online, including the limitations on where you can travel.
Entering via Hong Kong.
As Hong Kong has had a more gradual opening period, flights to and from Hong Kong may be more flexible and cheaper. The high-speed train from Hong Kong to mainland China reopened on 15th January 2023, making travel to other regions more accessible. Keep in mind that there is an additional layer of Covid administration when entering mainland China via Hong Kong, including a required Covid test at the airport.
In addition to these tips, it’s essential to stay informed about policy changes and updates in China and Hong Kong- particularly as things can change quickly. Consider reaching out to local chambers of commerce or other resources for more information. For example, mark Clayton, Vice Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Guangdong, gave an informative Q&A on all the details of returning to China via Hong Kong.
PCR test requirements for returning to your home country
As you plan your return home from China, it’s essential to keep in mind the Covid-19 testing requirements for your destination country. Many countries now require travellers from China to have a negative Covid-19 test result upon boarding their flight home.
There are many test centres in Chinese cities, but we advise you to check that centre can print the result out in English. Local foreign media outlets often track this information, and there is a list of Covid test centres for international travel in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Alternatively, you can also contact us for assistance finding a test centre in another city.
Stay informed about changing policies.
It is essential to acknowledge that these policies can change quickly. Although we will update this article periodically, it’s essential to check for the latest information. In addition, please note that China may have different requirements depending on your country of origin. We wrote this article with our UK, EU, and US customers.
Contact us for more support.
We are happy to help with any questions about travelling to China. Please feel free to get in touch for additional support and information.
