Immigration update: China | New entry requirements and quarantine policy
On 11th November, Chinese government published notice on “Further optimising the prevention and control measures of COVID-19”.
Who will be affected?
Foreigners who are entering China.
Background
The 9th edition of the Prevention and Control Scheme of COVID-19 released by China National Health Commission on the 28th June, 2022 in which the quarantine period for inbound travelers was reduced from 14 days to 7 days and self-health condition monitoring period from 7 days to 3 days.
This relaxation has recently motivated the National Development and Reform Commission, Chinese government encouraged local authorities to further look at ways to facilitate the entry and exit of executives, technicians and their families of multinational companies and foreign-invested enterprises on the premise of keeping the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic well under control.
Impact
Two important and exciting changes related to inbound travelers to China:
1. 取消入境航班熔断机制， 并将登机前48小时内2次核酸检测阴性证明调整为登机前48小时内一次核酸检测阴性证明。
The circuit breaker mechanism which is about the cancellation of the flight if certain number of COVID-19 cases are found on the flight will not apply any longer and the boarding requirements for passengers are adjusted from presenting two negative PCR reports sampled within 48 hours before flight departure to one PCR report within 48 hours of flight departure only.
2. 对入境人员， 将“7天集中隔离+3天居家健康监测”调整为“5天集中隔离+3天居家隔离”。
For inbound personnel, “7 days of centralized quarantine + 3 days of health observation at home” will be adjusted to “5 days of centralized quarantine + 3 days of home quarantine”.
Additionally, it has been advised by the Chinese embassy/consulate in many countries since 13th November that only one health code issued by the Chinese embassy/consulate in either the departing country or the transferring country will be required now instead of two health codes issued not only in departing country but also in transferring country.
Implementation date
Principally immediately once the policy was released.
While as this notice is a guideline from Chinese central government, detailed policy and process on implementation and effective date vary from city to city.
Santa Fe analysis
The boarding requirements for flights to China will become much easier now and we anticipate an increase in flights to China will be available given the reduced quarantine period.
Should you have any questions, please contact the following:
Connie Wang
Immigration and Destination Services Manager
Santa Fe Relocation
Shanghai, China
D: + 86 6233 9700 ext. 247
M: + 86 13585759255
E: connie.wang@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
London, UK
D: +44 7990 021125
E: robert.day@santaferelo.com
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