COVID-19 Information
Last updated: [12/08/20]
Country-Specific Information:
- The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
- The Department of State maintains a Travel Advisory for China of Level 3: Reconsider travel due to COVID-19 and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
- COVID-19 precautions and preventative measures vary from location to location. Grocery stores, restaurants, and hospitals are operating. Large gatherings are common.
- The U.S. Embassy in Beijing continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19 in the PRC.
- The PRC government has designated several areas in the Pidu District of Chengdu as medium risk for COVID, making it subject to intensive prevention and control measures, which could include mass testing, closures, transportation disruptions, lockdowns, or other measures. In addition, the Dongshan District, Manzhouli City, Inner Mongolia remains high risk.
More information is available at:
https://new.qq.com/omn/20201208/20201208A01RXY00.html
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes, China currently allows foreign nationals with valid residence permits and visas to enter the country under certain conditions. The U.S. Embassy has no say in these policies, and these are subject to change at any time.
- Beginning November 06, 2020, Chinese authorities have increased the requirements for passengers seeking to enter China from the United States. For the latest requirements on entering China, please refer to the Chinese Embassy’s page at this link.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test required for entry? Yes
- Local officials use the PCR test administered nasally and/or orally.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- All Chinese visa related questions should be directed to the local Chinese Exit-Entry Bureau (EEB).
- U.S. citizens in China on a visa or residence permit may contact the nearest office of the EEB to apply for an extension. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.
- Commercial flights between the U.S. and China are available. Travelers should contact airlines directly for information about flight options and be prepared for the implementation of travel restrictions with little to no advance notice. Flight delays and cancellations are possible; the U.S. Embassy and Consulates hold no discretion over these decisions.
- In the event the local situation deteriorates, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates may have limited availability to provide assistance to U.S. nationals within China. The United States is not offering evacuation flights from China at this time.
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
- Travelers may need to wear a mask, download health tracking apps on their cell phone, or provide personal contact information to take public transportation, travel domestically, or access tourist locations or other public spaces.
- If an area of China has a resurgence of cases, local authorities may restrict intercity and interstate travel.
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- All travelers, including U.S. citizens who enter China, are screened upon arrival and subject to a 14-day quarantine. While restrictions around domestic travel within China have eased, local quarantine requirements can vary significantly between cities, and regulations can change very quickly. All international arrivals should be prepared to complete quarantine at a government-selected facility or hotel at their own expense, with no control over the amenities, even if they maintain a residence in China. Cities and provinces within China may also require quarantine for domestic travelers, regardless of nationality.
- U.S. citizens may also be required to install and use location-tracking software on their phones to access public spaces and businesses. Some private hospitals may refuse admittance to travelers who have been in the United States 14 days prior to entering China. Please consult local authorities on specific quarantine requirements.
- It is unlikely that local authorities will notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate of your quarantine. If you are placed in quarantine, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate with your name, passport number, and location.
- U.S. citizens in China should follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Chinese health authorities’ guidance for prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment.
COVID-19 Testing:
- Besides quarantine testing (described above), COVID-19 testing is available through private healthcare providers in country. Cost of the test may vary. Testing in the Beijing area is around ¥450 (approx. $70).
- The cost of treatment is paid out of pocket and may or may not be reimbursable by a traveler’s medical insurance.
- The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Requirements vary from city to city. People taking public transportation or commercial flights should be prepared to wear a mask and may be required to download health tracking apps or provide personal contact information in order to travel.
Fines for Non-Compliance: (if applicable)
- Given China’s arbitrary enforcement of laws, anyone deemed incompliant with local health regulations may be subject to fines and/or arrest.
Consular Operations:
- The Embassy and Consulates are currently offering routine services for U.S. citizens including:
- Passport renewals
- Assistance with lost passports
- Notarial services
- Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
- The Embassy and Consulates are offering extremely limited visa services at this time. For more information including contact information, visit our visa page.
Local Resources:
- State Council of PRC COVID-19 Webpage
- Other links:
