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Travel to China during Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

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At a glance

TRAFFIC LIGHT STATUS: Green

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Proof of vaccination:

TBC

Test pre-travel/recovery certificate:

TBC

Form pre-travel:

TBC

Test on arrival:

TBC

Screening on arrival:

TBC

Quarantine on arrival:

TBC

Test during stay:

TBC

RETURN REQUIREMENTS

Test pre-return travel:

NO

Test on return:

YES

Quarantine on return:

NO

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Proof of vaccination:

TBC

Test pre-travel/recovery certificate:

TBC

Form pre-travel:

TBC

Test on arrival:

TBC

Screening on arrival:

TBC

Quarantine on arrival:

TBC

Test during stay:

TBC

RETURN REQUIREMENTS

Test pre-return travel:

YES

Test on return:

YES

Quarantine on return:

YES

Vaccinated Requirements
Entry Requirements for Vaccinated Visitors
Proof of vaccination: This requirement is yet to be confirmed by the destination.
Test pre-travel/recovery certificate: Whether a test is required, and the type of test, has yet to be confirmed by the destination
Test time: Acceptable timescales for proof of testing negative for Covid-19 prior to arrival have yet to be confirmed by the destination.
On arrival: This destination has yet to confirm other Covid-19 related requirements for arriving visitors.
Form pre-travel: This destination has not yet confirmed if a Traveller Health Declaration is required and within what timescale.
Return Requirements for Vaccinated Visitors
Test pre-return travel:

Not required
Test on return:

You will be required to take a test on your return back to the United Kingdom.  The details of which will vary as below, depending on the classification of the country you are arriving from. 

Green / Rest of World list countries

If you are arriving into the United Kingdom from a country that is on the green / ROW list, then you will need to book and undergo a Lateral Flow test at your own expense on or before day 2 of your return.  You must ensure that this test is booked before returning back to the United Kingdom and you may need to place the confirmation reference number on your Passenger Locator Form.  This will need to be completed and submitted before your departure home.

If you arriving back into the United Kingdom from 4am on 11th February 2022 from a green / ROW list country, then you will no longer need to book and take a test at your own expense once you return.

If you are arriving before 11th February and are aged between 5 and 17 and reside in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, then you will need to book and pay for a day 2 test on your return to the UK.  If you are aged between 11 and 17 and reside in Scotland, then you will also need to book and pay for a day 2 test on your return to the UK.  Anyone under these ages (10 and under in Scotland and 4 and under everywhere else - will be exempt from these tests)

Red list countries

If you are arriving into the United Kingdom from a country that is on the red list then you will need to ensure you have booked yourself into government approved hotel quarantine for a 10 day period.  You will be required to undergo 2 further COVID-19 PCR tests at your own expense on your return to the country in your quarantine hotel.  These tests will need to be taken on or before day 2 and on day 8 of your 10 day quarantine period.  You must ensure that your hotel quarantine. along with your test package is booked before returning to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.  You will need to place the confirmation reference number on your Passenger Locator Form.  this needs to be completed and submitted before your departure home to the United Kingdom.
Quarantine on return:

Not required
FURTHER INFORMATION
Foreign Office Advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china
Local regulations:

You will need to follow social distancing guidelines and wear a face mask in all public areas.

There will be mandatory health checks, apps or QR codes to check travel history and there are some restrictions on movement within the country.

There is possibility that local authorities can impose sudden changes to guidance very quickly.
Unvaccinated Requirements
Entry Requirements for Unvaccinated Visitors
Proof of vaccination: This requirement is yet to be confirmed by the destination.
Test pre-travel/recovery certificate: Whether a test is required, and the type of test, has yet to be confirmed by the destination
Test time: Acceptable timescales for proof of testing negative for Covid-19 prior to arrival have yet to be confirmed by the destination.
On arrival: This destination has yet to confirm other Covid-19 related requirements for arriving visitors.
Form pre-travel: This destination has not yet confirmed if a Traveller Health Declaration is required and within what timescale.
RETURN REQUIREMENTS FOR UNVACCINATED VISITORS
Test pre-return travel:

If you are arriving back into the United Kingdom then you will need to take either a PCR or Lateral flow test no more than 2 days (48 hours) before you depart for the UK and the result must be negative.  You will need to provide the negative result to board your flight home.

The test must meet the performance standards of above 97% specificity and above 80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies\ml. The test can be a PCR test, a LAMP test or an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device as long as they meet the performance standards

Your test result can be provided as:

  • a printed document
  • an email or text message you can show on your phone - make sure your device is charged.

The result must include the following information:

  • your name, which should match the name on your travel documents
  • your date of birth or age
  • the result of the test
  • the date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider
  • the name of the test provider and their contact details
  • confirmation of the device used for the test, or that the test was a PCR test

Many hotels around the world will be able to assist in arranging the test for you, either by having a doctor to visit the hotel, or directing you to the nearest clinic and booking an appointment for you.

It is advisable to speak with the hotel once you arrive on the options available to ensure you are able to book an appointment for an appropriate time.  There are also companies who will provide you with a test from the UK and arrange a video call in your destination to verify the test and the result.

Children aged 11 or under are exempt from taking this test.
Test on return:

You will be required to take a test on your return back to the United Kingdom.  The details of which will vary as below, depending on the classification of the country you are arriving from. 

Green / Rest of World list countries

If you are arriving into the United Kingdom from a country that is on the green / ROW list, then you will need to book and undergo a PCR test at your own expense on or before day 2 and on day 8 of your return.  You must ensure that these tests are booked before returning to the United Kingdom and you may need to place the confirmation reference number on your Passenger Locator Form.  This will need to be completed and submitted before your departure home.

If you arrive into the United Kingdom from a country that is on the green / ROW list from 4am on the 11th February, you will need to book and undergo a PCR test at your own expense on or before day 2 of your return.  You will need to ensue the test is booked before returning to the United Kingdom and you will need to place the confirmation reference number on your Passenger Locator Form.  This will need to be submitted before departure home. 

If you are aged between 5 and 17 and reside in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, then you will need to book and pay for a day 2 test on your return to the UK.  If you are aged between 11 and 17 and reside in Scotland, then you will also need to book and pay for a day 2 test on your return to the UK.  Anyone under these ages (10 and under in Scotland and 4 and under everywhere else - will be exempt from these tests)

Red list countries

If you are arriving into the United Kingdom from a country that is on the red list then you will need to ensure you have booked yourself into government approved hotel quarantine for a 10 day period whether you are fully vaccinated, or not.  You will be required to undergo 2 further COVID-19 PCR tests at your own expense on your return to the country in your quarantine hotel.  These tests will need to be taken on or before day 2 and on day 8 of your 10 day quarantine period.  You must ensure that your hotel quarantine. along with your test package is booked before returning to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.  You will need to place the confirmation reference number on your Passenger Locator Form.  this needs to be completed and submitted before your departure home to the United Kingdom.
Quarantine on return:

Green / Rest of World List countries

If you are arriving into the United Kingdom from a country on the green / ROW list, then you will need to complete 10 days of quarantine at home once you arrive back into England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.  You may be able to take a test on day 5 which will release you from quarantine early if negative.

If you are arriving back into the United Kingdom from a country on the green / ROW list after 4am on the 11th February, then you will no longer need to self isolate on your return.

Red list countries

If you are arriving into the United Kingdom from a country that is on the Red list, then you will be required to book yourself into a government approved hotel quarantine for a 10 day period.  This must be booked before you travel to the country.  You will also need to follow the testing guidance as above.  The cost of the hotel quarantine is to be covered by the traveller.  This applies to all travellers whether you are fully vaccinated, or not.  Children will also need to follow these rules.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Foreign Office Advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china

Remember to check countries you’re due to transit through as well as your destination.

The Information contained on this page is accurate to the best of our knowledge. It is provided as guidance only and is subject to review and change. Please check with official sources before booking and again regularly prior to travel, as information and requirements can change frequently and with little notice. Please visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice or visit gov.uk/travelaware for country-specific information.

Last updated: 06.01.2022 at 17:31

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