At the time of writing (Jan 2021), China’s borders are still closed to most international travelers. We’ve updated this article for those already in China and, if you’d like to be notified when we know more about the borders reopening, please sign up for our newsletter. We’ll make sure you’re the first to hear when anything changes.To get more news aboutShanghai travel tips, you can visit shine news official website.
As a foreigner in China, you’ll have heard about the green travel Health Code. You’ll know it’s your ticket to traveling around China, to taking a flight or train and staying in a hotel but, if you didn’t leave your city last year, you may not have used it. If you’re considering traveling this Spring, here are our tips for preparing before you leave.
First thing, make sure you’ve got the English version of the Health Code app downloaded (or the WeChat or AliPay alternatives). This app was designed specifically for foreigners living in China and international visitors. Although some of you may be able to use the previously released WeChat and Alipay apps, other foreigners could not, potentially because their English names were too long. The updated system is purpose-built to recognize foreign names and passport information.To download, either in your app store or within WeChat or Alipay, copy (guo-jia–zheng–fu–fu–wu-ping-tai) into the search bar. Once installed, tap ‘Health Code Traveler Version’ (as pictured above) and follow the instructions to register. Once completed, your traveler information should be updated automatically within 12 hours.
The built-in mini-programs are all about tracking where you have been. Upon registering, you will be asked a series of questions, including your whereabouts for the last 14 days and if you’ve had COVID-19 symptoms. Alternatively, if you use the WeChat Health Kit mini-program, you just need to enter your name and passport number, then upload a picture of your ID (all in English!). Based on your answers, and whether you’ve been in a high-risk area or in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you will be given a colored QR code: red, green, or yellow. You’re looking for that magic green code that says it’s ok to travel.
Even though the green code is an officially sanctioned ‘okay to travel,’ different cities and provinces issue their own codes. So, before you travel anywhere outside your region, you need to apply for a green code at your intended destination. Sometimes this is as easy as clicking through a few screens, other times it can take up to 48 hours to be approved. Plan ahead. Additionally, some provinces and cities are requiring travelers to undergo a COVID-19 test before traveling.
We are here to help. While getting the most up-to-date information on regulations in each region isn’t always easy, we can assist and guide you through overcoming any challenges you may encounter traveling domestically. Once you’ve selected your destination(s) it’s generally easiest to ask hotels from those different cities to send you codes for that particular city to scan and complete before you arrive. If you’re traveling with WildChina, we’ll send you everything you need.Regulations and screening can be especially tough on foreigners in some instances, even if you’ve been in China the entire time. But, don’t let that deter you from experiencing this beautiful country. When you’re ready to travel make sure – at a minimum – that you have your health code ready, a valid copy of your ID, and a mask and hand sanitizer to hand. As mentioned, some cities do require a COVID-19 test as well.
As we all know, regulations can change at any time, so we do recommend getting a COVID-19 test before you travel, even if there aren’t specific regulations in place. Please feel free to send us a direct message for up-to-date information at any time.
The Wall