What business travelers need to know now

Corona test for travelers in Guangzhou, China

Beijing’s new policy has only slightly improved the situation for foreign business travelers.

(Photo: dpa)

Dusseldorf China has been relaxing its rigid corona policy since the beginning of the month. After restrictions for the Chinese population were initially lifted, Beijing announced on Monday that the quarantine requirements for travelers will also be largely lifted from January 8th. What that means for business travelers from German companies.

Will the end of the zero-Covid policy expand the circle of those who are allowed to enter China?

The country’s National Health Commission announced relaxations for business travelers on Monday, but specific directives are still pending. In principle, entry has so far only been possible for holders of diplomatic, service and C visas, which Beijing issues for example for trade delegations, scientific, sports or cultural envoys. Explicitly invited foreigners who receive a so-called “courtesy visa” are also allowed to enter the country.

Will tourist trips be possible again?

There are no signs of this even after the easing decisions. According to the Foreign Office, foreign vacationers are denied entry. In the foreseeable future, no trips to China will be offered, according to the long-distance travel expert Studiosus in Munich.

Is the obligation to quarantine remain?

Improvement is in sight here. All people entering the People’s Republic are first tested for Covid-19 at the point of arrival. Vaccination or recovery status is irrelevant. So far, a quarantine has been imposed for a further eight days, of which at least five days have had to be spent in a central facility. The authorities have now announced that this general quarantine obligation will no longer apply from January 8th.

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How strong are the travel restrictions in the country?

The measures and restrictions for foreigners in China differ significantly within provinces, cities, urban and residential districts, the Foreign Ministry reports. In addition, they are regularly subject to short-term changes and adjustments. This includes the temporary opening of international border crossings or even complete closures. In addition, negative PCR tests are still required to enter public buildings such as restaurants, authorities, schools or hospitals.

Quarantine hotel for flight passengers

From January 8th, general accommodation in such accommodations will no longer apply.

(Photo: AP)

What corona tests does China require foreign business travelers to enter?

According to the Federal Foreign Office, air travelers must present a negative PCR test that is not older than 48 hours before departure. The result must be uploaded via the Health Declaration Certificate website together with a passport, flight ticket and a valid visa or residence permit. In return, the Chinese mission abroad sends a QR code, without which entry is not possible. A health declaration must also be submitted on the Chinese customs website.

>> Also read: Drosten: “If nothing had been done, there would have been a million deaths or more in Germany”

What about the flight capacities to and from China?

There are direct flights between China and Germany, which are offered by Air China, China Eastern, but also Lufthansa including Swiss and Austrian – but mostly only to Shanghai and Beijing. Business travel agencies such as Travelperk point out that the number of direct flight connections is currently extremely limited.

However, that could change soon. A Lufthansa spokeswoman said on Monday that they were examining how the flight schedule to mainland China could be adjusted.

Travelers at Beijing Airport

Airlines like Lufthansa could soon offer more connections.

(Photo: Reuters)

With the end of the quarantine, it can be expected that flight capacities will be expanded quickly and air traffic to China will normalize, says Markus Orth, member of the board of the German Travel Association (DRV) and managing director of Lufthansa City Center. However, the further development of the corona situation in China is unclear, which continues to lead to uncertainty and is likely to dampen demand, at least in the short term.

Are transit flights via third countries possible?

Yes. However, the Federal Foreign Office refers to the still applicable requirement that the PCR test created before departure may not be more than 48 hours old.

What is the point of entering Hong Kong?

A negative quick test, proof of a double corona vaccination and an online registration via app are sufficient before the outbound flight. After entering the special administrative zone, however, a PCR test is due at the airport, which must be followed by another two days later. If both tests are negative, the onward journey to mainland China can begin.

More: China continues to relax corona measures and ends the quarantine requirement for travelers

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