China, once solidly closed off to travel and foreign influence, over the last two decades has opened its doors to travelers from all over the world. However, right now is not the best time for adventurous travelers to plan trips to China. With travel restrictions in place and the government’s hardline stance to prevent the spread of both the virus and non-Chinese citizens, the question of whether China is still closed to the world is a pertinent one.
Ever since the onset of Coronavirus, China has been extremely cautious while allowing entry to foreign citizens. In order to prevent the spread of the virus in the country, the government put in place certain safety measures, including suspending visas and denying entry to travelers. It also requires a mandatory thirty day quarantine for the citizens who meet the criteria for entry.
Apart from Coronavirus related travel restrictions, multiple Chinese cities have also implemented certain travel restrictions. Some of the most draconian of these rules are in the city of Wuhan due to the fact that the first recorded case of Coronavirus was traced to this city. Tour operators and airlines must also provide relevant documents to the local authorities in order to enter certain cities in China.
Certain cities also require travelers to provide valid visa documents and other relevant documents before their entry to China. For example, travelers who are applying for a business or travel visa must have their documents approved by the Chinese Consulate or Embassy in their home countries. All these restrictions have added to the already difficult entry process for travelers wishing to visit China.
For travelers who are able to meet the entry criteria, there are many cities in China that can be explored. The country has some of the world’s oldest architectural marvels, rich culture, and vibrant cities to explore. Besides the traditional cities in the country, there are also many smaller towns and villages that offer travelers a unique experience. These areas are relatively uncrowded and provide travelers with an interesting insight into the culture and history of the country.
China is a complex country with its own set of rules and regulations. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly research all the restrictions before planning a trip. This research is especially important for travelers from any countries that have recently faced serious outbreaks of Coronavirus in their home countries.
Strict Rules For Air Travel in China
The Chinese aviation industry is one of the most regulated in the world. In order to ensure the safety of the passengers, both commercial and private planes are required to obtain valid permits from the government before they can start their flights. Aviation authorities also levy strict fines on airlines that fail to adhere to the government regulations. In 2018, authorities penalized over two hundred airlines for violating safety regulations, which shows the seriousness with which aviation laws are enforced in the country.
Airlines operating in China must also conform to the Aviation Quality Assurance requirements. This includes ensuring that their airplanes conform to the safety guidelines outlined by the government. The government also mandates that all the aircrafts be equipped with security systems that can detect and report any anomalies during the flight. Furthermore, Chinese airlines are also required to monitor and report any suspicious activity during the flight.
Additionally, the government also monitors the operations of Chinese airlines. All aircrafts arriving in China must comply with the guidelines set by the Chinese Air Security Regulations, which requires the aircrafts to take into account certain security measures, including scanning all the passengers. All the bags are also subjected to additional security checks. Moreover, the aircrafts must have an Emergency Landing Plan in order to ensure the safety of the passengers.
Tourism Industry In China
Although the Chinese government has imposed certain restrictions on travel, the country has seen a significant rise in the number of national and international tourists over the last few years. This growth in the tourism industry has been largely fueled by the rising middle class in China, combined with the country’s rapidly developing infrastructure. The government has also invested heavily in the tourism industry by establishing multiple tourist attractions throughout the country.
The Chinese government has also encouraged the growth of the tourism industry by encouraging the development of hotels, cultural centers, and other tourist facilities across the country. To this end, the government has established a network of tourist services throughout the country, including a comprehensive system of airports and transportation networks that make it easier for tourist to explore the country.
The Chinese government has also taken steps to attract more international tourists. It has established multiple visa exemptions and facilitated simpler visa procedures for travelers going to China. In 2017, the country also lifted the restrictions on tourism to Tibet, which has resulted in a significant rise in the number of tourists visiting the region. The Chinese government has also provided tax relief to travel service providers in order to boost the number of travelers.
China has also taken steps to strengthen its ties with other countries in order to increase tourist arrivals. It has signed bilateral tourism agreements with over twenty-five countries, including the United States, Brazil, and several European nations. These efforts have resulted in an increase in the number of foreign travelers to China.
What Not To Do In China?
Due to its strict laws and regulations, there are certain activities and websites that are not allowed in China. Tourists should refrain from visiting websites related to gambling, pornography, and any content deemed sensitive by the Chinese government. Tourists should also avoid taking photographs of military facilities and other sensitive sites, as this could lead to a hefty fine or even detention.
Similarly, tourists should also avoid participating in political protests. This could land the tourists in serious trouble with the law. Additionally, tourists should also avoid discussing any sensitive topics related to the Chinese government or the Chinese Communist Party. It is also advisable to refrain from taking part in any activities that could be interpreted as inciting public disturbances.
Tourists should also avoid the consumption of illegal drugs in China. Drug trafficking is treated as a serious offence in the country and can lead to imprisonment or even death. It is also advisable for tourists to refrain from carrying high-value items in their luggage to prevent any potential risks of theft.
Similarly, tourists should be wary of participating in any activities that could be construed as scam or fraud. There have been reports of tourists being cheated by fake tour operators or other fraudsters. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when dealing with money or any other activities that involve exchange of goods or services.
What Is The Outlook For Chinese Travelers?
The outlook for Chinese travelers is uncertain at the moment. The Chinese government is taking a very cautious approach to allowing entry to foreign citizens. Despite the travel restrictions, Chinese citizens are still able to travel to certain countries under certain conditions. For example, some countries such as Kazakhstan are allowing entry to Chinese citizens if they meet the requirements for entry such as testing negative for the virus.
To enter other countries, Chinese citizens must go through an arduous list of requirements. Countries such as Japan require Chinese citizens to obtain a valid visa from a Japanese Embasssy, produce a certificate of negative COVID-19 testing, and provide proof of accommodation for their stay. Other countries, such as Indonesia, also require Chinese citizens to meet certain requirements before allowing entry.
The Chinese government is also taking steps to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens who travel abroad. These safety measures include getting regular medical check-ups, avoiding any activities or locations that might increase the risk of exposure to the virus, and ensuring compliance to all the laws and regulations of their destination country.
What Are The New Safety Measures For Travelers?
In order to ensure the safety of both the travelers and the citizens, the Chinese government has implemented a number of safety measures for travelers. These include mandatory masks and temperature checks for all travelers entering the country. In addition, travelers are also required to download the HealthCode app, which will be used to track the health of the traveler. Other measures include a fourteen-day quarantine for arrivals from high-risk countries, and mandatory Covid-19 tests for those who do not have valid health certificates.
The Chinese government is also encouraging travelers to take their personal safety into their own hands by following certain guidelines. These include wearing a face mask at all times, avoiding large crowds, and washing their hands with soap and water every time they enter a public place. Additionally, travelers are also encouraged to practice social distancing, which requires people to keep at least 1 meter of distance between each other in public areas.
Furthermore, the Chinese government also advises travelers to download the HealthCode app before their departure from home. This app allows travelers to check their health status before entering China in order to avoid any potential risks of exposure to the virus. This way, travelers will be more prepared to face any emergencies or potential health risks during their trip to China.
What Is The Difference Between Tourists and Business Visitors?
The Chinese government has placed a strict set of requirements for both visitors and business people who wish to enter China. A tourist visa is granted to travelers who wish to travel to China for leisure or sightseeing purposes. These visas typically have a validity of up to 60 days, and can be applied for online or via Chinese embassies and consulates.
Business visas, on the other hand, are issued to travelers who wish to engage in business activities in China or attend a business event. These visas usually provide a longer validity period than a tourist visa and require additional documentation such as proof of financial documentation, invoices, and other business related details. Business travelers must also adhere to all the local laws and regulations of China.
The Chinese government also requires all visitors to provide proof of medical insurance in order to obtain a visa. This insurance must provide coverage for any treatment expenses related to Coronavirus, should the traveler be unfortunate enough to get infected while in China.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear that China is still closed to travel, albeit to a lesser extent than before. While the Chinese government has relaxed certain restrictions, travelers should remain aware of the safety measures put in place in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Furthermore, travelers should also be aware of the local laws and regulations and adhere to them at all times in order to avoid any potential risks of penalties or punishments.
