Will China ease its travel restrictions in 2022?

Many countries have declared the COVID-19 pandemic as endemic. Whether it’s easing quarantine requirements for entry or doing away with all pandemic-related measures entirely (as in the case of the UK), these countries offer a glimmer of hope that normality is in sight. But with its ‘zero-COVID’ approach, is China one of these countries? 

Since the outbreak began almost two years ago, the Middle Kingdom has been largely successful in keeping cases low – mainly through travel restrictions and strict lockdowns. So let’s find out in this Pacific Prime China article whether the country is ready for a u-turn in policy in 2022. 

A reduction in flights into China due to the Delta and Omicron variants

The Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) oversees all aspects of civil aviation in the country. In response to the highly contagious Delta and Omicron variants, the CAAC announced on October 29th, 2021, that it would be reducing the number of international passenger flights in and out of China. 

Between October 31st, 2021 and March 26th, 2022, just 408 flights per week were allowed, which is a 21.1% reduction from the same period in 2020/2021. For an updated list of approved flight routes, you’re advised to check the CAAC website and keep a sharp eye on announcements from airlines.

The US retaliates by suspending flights bound for China 

Visiting China as an American has become even more difficult after the US Department of Transportation announced that it would suspend 44 flights bound for mainland China from January 30th, 2022 onwards. This move affects Chinese airlines, including Xiamen Airlines, Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern, and is widely seen as a retaliation for the CAAC’s suspension of numerous China-bound flights operated by US airlines due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Obtaining China travel visas during pandemic-related travel restrictions

When China first imposed travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 28th, 2020, foreigners from most countries were prohibited from entering the country on most types of visas. This was gradually eased in various phases, including easing travel restrictions for foreigners who had received Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines. While China travel restrictions in 2022 are still a thing, foreigners will be glad to know that the suspension of China travel visas isn’t. 

Foreigners who have a valid China travel visa or resident permit that was obtained from March 28th, 2020, can enter. However, this does not include foreigners from certain countries that China deems high-risk as of November 2020, including: the UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Russia, Ukraine, Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, and South Africa. Foreigners from these countries can only enter if they have obtained a visa or residence permit after November 3rd, 2020. 

Note: If in doubt about your eligibility to apply for a China travel visa and/or enter China, please check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. 

Complying with China pre-flight travel rules and on-arrival quarantine measures 

Both Chinese and foreign nationals flying from or transiting in any of these countries must obtain COVID-19 negative certificates or green Health Declaration Certificate (HDC) before entering the country. All passengers arriving from overseas must also undertake a 14-day to 20-day centralized quarantine in a government-designated facility at their own cost at the point of entry in China. That being said, some passengers can apply for an exemption to centralized quarantine and isolate at home instead. These include:

• Those who are over 70
• Those who are under 14
• Those who are pregnant
• Those who have underlying health conditions 

There are also several travel restrictions in place for domestic travelers. For example, it may be necessary to show a green health and travel code either before taking a train, plane, or bus to a different city or upon arrival. What’s more, there can also be quarantine requirements for domestic travelers who enter. These measures can be found by entering the departure and destination city in the travel policy search tool on the State Council app or WeChat mini program.

Understanding how travel codes work in China

To monitor the movement of individuals and ensure pandemic-related safety measures, China has two main health codes that are required for traveling: the health code and the travel code. 

These codes are embedded into the popular messaging app WeChat and payment app Alipay, and the travel code can also be downloaded as a standalone app. Residents are required to input their ID number, home address, health status, contact history, and residence history into the app, which will use this information to generate a green, yellow, or red QR code. 

Secure health insurance via Pacific Prime China today!

Whether you’re traveling to China during pandemic-related travel restrictions or are planning to do so when the country opens up again, it’s highly recommended that you secure a valid travel insurance or short-term health insurance plan. Getting ill abroad is no joke – especially when you’re unfamiliar with the healthcare landscape and don’t speak the local language. Having access to top-notch care without needing to pay out of pocket can be a literal lifesaver. 

Looking for suitable China travel insurance and/or short-term health insurance plans? Pacific Prime China ensures that you get the best plan for your needs and budget, and provide heaps of support and assistance throughout your insurance journey. You’re more than welcome to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable insurance advisors based out of our Beijing and Shanghai offices to get started. 

Contact us today!

Disclaimer: Pacific Prime China solely represents, operates and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.