china travel to nz

China Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from New Zealand to China

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended on public transportation.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to china, find stays in china, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, cook islands, philippines, united kingdom, united states, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to China from New Zealand?

Most visitors from New Zealand, regardless of vaccination status, can enter China.

Can I travel to China if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from New Zealand can enter China without restrictions.

Can I travel to China without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from New Zealand can enter China without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter China?

Visitors from New Zealand are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering China.

Can I travel to China without quarantine?

Travellers from New Zealand are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in China?

Mask usage in China is recommended on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in China?

Restaurants in China are open. Bars in China are .

News & Activity

Friday, February 03, 2023

Return of Chinese visitors marks a positive step in recovery

Kaikoura Dolphins, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Miles Holden

The return of Chinese international visitors to New Zealand marks an important milestone in New Zealand’s continued recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic says Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive René de Monchy.

“We are excited to welcome Chinese visitors back to New Zealand, although we anticipate the return to be gradual. The first arrivals will likely be visiting friends and relatives with leisure travel picking up in the coming months,” says de Monchy.

“Tourism New Zealand is continuing to work hard to encourage high quality visitation to support the sector and New Zealand’s recovery. 

High quality visitors are those that who travel across seasons and regions, their environmental consciousness and engagement with our local culture and communities.  

Prior to COVID-19, China was New Zealand’s second largest market. Chinese visitors are high-quality, often travelling in off peak seasons, engaging in a range of activities and cultural experiences, and have contributed over $1.7 billion to New Zealand’s economy.

Consumer research shows that New Zealand can offer the kind of holiday that Chinese visitors are looking for; stunning landscapes, wildlife experiences, cultural experiences and adventure activities such as skiing and hiking.

“Throughout the pandemic, Tourism New Zealand maintained a brand presence in China to ensure New Zealand was still top of mind for Chinese visitors once they were able to travel again,” says de Monchy.

“We’re now focussed on ramping up our trade and marketing activity to convert demand into bookings as airline connectivity resumes and grows.”

Direct airline connectivity out of China is expected to return to greater than 50% of 2019 by April 2023.

Trade and media famil programmes and events will also start back up again in 2023.

The changes to China’s border have also reinstated group travel to New Zealand. Group tours are run via the Approved Destination Status (ADS) (opens in new window) . 

Pre-COVID group tour travellers accounted for approximately one third of Chinese visitor arrivals in New Zealand. In recent years consumer research has shown a noticeable shift in the Chinese market from group travel to free and independent travel. 

Let us show you the best of New Zealand on other platforms by selecting 'On' and allowing us to share data from your visit(s) with our partners.

Our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy explain how we use your data and who our partners are.

Your current setting:

In addition to above, we use other cookies and analytics to provide a better site experience. To view cookie details and how to opt-out, please see our Cookie Policy

We use cookies to provide you with a better experience on this site. Keep browsing if you're happy with this.

We also use cookies to show you the best of New Zealand on other platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to understand how you can manage cookies.

View all Ministers

View all Portfolios

New Zealand to restrict travel from China to protect against coronavirus

• Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
• Rt Hon Winston Peters

The Government is placing temporary entry restrictions into New Zealand on all foreign nationals travelling from, or transiting through mainland China to assist with the containment of the novel coronavirus and to protect New Zealand and the Pacific Islands from the disease.

This will take effect from tomorrow and will be in place for up to 14 days. This position will be reviewed every 48 hours.

Any foreign travellers who leave or transit through mainland China after 2 February 2020 (NZ time) will be refused entry to New Zealand.

Any foreign travellers in transit to New Zealand on 2 February 2020 will be subject to enhanced screening on arrival but, pending clearance, will be granted entry to New Zealand.

New Zealand citizens and permanent residents returning to New Zealand will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival back in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also raised its travel advice to New Zealanders for all of mainland China to “Do not travel”, the highest level.

“Cabinet convened last night to discuss the most up to date public health advice and recent developments in the spread of the virus. We have been advised by health officials that while there are still a range of unknowns in the way the virus is being transmitted, we should take a precautionary approach and temporarily stop travel into New Zealand from mainland China, and of people who have recently been in China,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

“It is critically important that we both protect New Zealanders from the virus and play our part in the global effort to contain it.

“I am particularly mindful that we are a gateway to the Pacific, and must factor that into our decision making.

“We have been in close contact with our partners in the past 24 hours, and I have spoken on multiple occasions with Prime Minister Morrison to ensure we are each aware of any changes to our systems, and the wider impacts given the frequent travel between our two nations.

“The decision of the US to put in place similar restrictions to those decided by Cabinet has had a knock on effect in terms of travel, leading Air New Zealand and other airlines to stop their flights from China.

“The Cabinet is acutely aware of the economic impact of the virus, including on tourism, the primary sector and education. I have asked Ministers to make contact with industry leaders to mitigate some of these impacts as much as possible,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters stressed this is not a decision that has been taken lightly.

“Ultimately, this is a public health decision. The outbreak has been well managed by China, and these temporary measures are to reinforce work being done to try and reduce human to human transmission.

“New Zealand has not had a confirmed case of the virus and the risk of outbreak is low and we want to keep it that way.  The health and safety of New Zealanders is our main priority.

“I have been in close contact with my Chinese counterpart on New Zealand’s decision and have conveyed New Zealand’s willingness to assist with China’s efforts to control and defeat the virus,” Mr Peters said.

Quality worth making room for

A Chinese tourism revolution heading for NZ

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Tourism Holdings chief executive Grant Webster hasn’t historically been super-motivated by the Chinese market. While Chinese visitors might go to Waitomo Caves, they mostly haven’t been in the market for the company’s main business, camper vans. 

That could be changing. Camping – or at least glamping – took off big time in China during the pandemic, and as Chinese visitors return to New Zealand, pundits are anticipating many will be looking to the great outdoors.

“China is looking to open up 10,000 more campgrounds,” Webster told the China Business Summit in Auckland on Monday. “We’ll be taking the opportunity for sure. We have motor homes lined up and ready to go.” 

New Zealand was one of only 20 countries granted ‘approved destination status’ when China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism suddenly and unexpectedly relaxed travel restrictions earlier this year. 

The first stage saw tour groups allowed to travel, but soon after the market opened fully – as long as you could get a New Zealand visa.

It gave New Zealand a head start in the market, and things since then have moving quickly – at “China speed”, as the expression goes. 

Chinese visitors are returning to New Zealand faster than those from other countries, says Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui. It’s taken only four months for arrivals to go back to 84 percent of pre-Covid numbers. She expects that figure to be 93 percent by September. 

But once free independent traveller numbers grow, tourism operators should be gearing up to market different experiences. The numbers of ‘free independent travellers’ are likely to lift, Hurihanganui says, and many of them will be looking outside the cities and the traditional tourism destinations. 

“There’s a growing trend away from the major attractions, towards nature-based destinations like hiking. It was starting before Covid and we expect it to continue.” 

International research published in December 2022 suggested Chinese tourists in 2023 would be looking to do nature trips, and visit beautiful beaches and islands, says Anne Casey , chief executive of Marketing Minds, a local company working in the Chinese market. 

New Zealand is well positioned to meet these needs, provided Chinese tourists are informed, she said.

Whether camping is a step too far remains to be seen, but it has boomed in China since 2020, driven by nationwide fitness policies and the impact of the pandemic, according to research published in June by the Asia Briefing group.

“China currently has a participation rate of around 10 percent in outdoor activities, which is significantly lower than the rates of over 50 percent observed in countries like the US, but the revival of the outdoor industry in China has led to the growing popularity of camping,” the paper says. 

“The core market size of the camping economy in 2022 reached US$15.92 billion ($25 billion), with a notable year-on-year growth rate of 51.8 percent. Projections indicate that by 2025 the core market size of the camping industry will rise to US$34.83bn ($55bn)”

While Tourism New Zealand does a good job marketing the entire country in China, Casey says, individual tourism businesses should be developing ways to promote themselves to different sorts of tourists.

“It’s advisable to learn how to influence decisions by using online platforms that are popular in China. This will include digital platforms like WeChat, Red or Weibo, which are unique to the Chinese.”

‘Red’ is social media and e-commerce site Xiaohongshu (literally ‘Little Red Book’). Particularly popular with women consumers, many of them Gen Z, Red has up to 200 million active users in China and among the Chinese diaspora elsewhere.

Lisa Li, managing director of NZ-based China Travel Service says getting up to speed with the different social media platforms used in China was one of the things she and her team worked on during the pandemic. 

“Red is increasingly popular and users are very picky; the quality of the content has become increasingly important.” she says.  

Casey says Covid has changed things in other ways too. “Now most Chinese put their health ahead of personal freedom. They will want visibly higher standards in hygiene, for example.”

“Marketing to Chinese tourists requires calibrating a message that resonates with this audience rather than dusting off a previous campaign and repurposing it for a new crowd,” she says.

Trans-national education

It’s not just in the tourism market where change is afoot around Chinese visitors post-pandemic. University of Auckland vice chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater told the summit Chinese students were still keen to come to New Zealand to study, but they didn’t necessarily want to commit to a full-blown Kiwi experience.

“Some students are not keen at the moment to leave the country for long periods, so we are thinking about trans-national courses.” 

Freshwater says the university is looking at adapting the ‘asynchronous’ teaching model it adopted during the pandemic, where students forced to return to their own countries could access their weekly classes at a time which suited them. 

“It was highly successful in maintaining our student base during Covid,” she says. And even though China’s recent opening up of its borders means students can once again enrol in New Zealand, and the University of Auckland is back to its 2019 numbers, asynchronous learning is one option it is looking at to recruit more students,.

“Someone might start their [University of Auckland] course in China, but do some semesters with us.

“It’s an opportunity to re-tool ourselves – to rethink our model.”

Leave a comment

Join the Conversation Subscribe to Newsroom Pro to unlock commenting on articles. Start your 14-day free trial now or sign in . Please note: All commenters must display their full name to have comments approved. Click here for our full community rules.

Start your day with a curation of our top stories in your inbox.

We've recently sent you an authentication link. Please, check your inbox!

Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email .

Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password .

Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password .

Subscribe to our newsletters:

Sign in with your email

Lost your password?

Try a different email

Send another code

Sign in with a password

I agree to Newsroom's Terms and Conditions

CTS Tours | Travel to Asia, New Zealand and Australia

09 3751 719.

Experience The Real Asia

A tri-city adventure awaits – where the present meets the past, from $4399 per person, view the breathtaking beauty of china's jiangnan region, from $1988 per person, a beautiful tour of ancient & modern wonders, from $8888 per person, cts new zealand is one of 21 overseas branches of china travel service group with an unrivaled reputation since 1928..

Learn More About CTS

Lantern Festival Special

Now accepting bookings for these unforgettable tours.

Golden China

From $4399 pp – Embark on an unforgettable journey! Explore the modern marvels of Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an

Shanghai & Beyond!

From $1988 pp – Join us for an incredible journey through China’s picturesque Jiangnan region

Colours of Japan

From $8,888 pp – Embark on an unforgettable journey with the “Colours of Japan” autumn tour, where you‘ll witness Japan’s breathtaking autumn colours

More Tours Soon

We’re thrilled to announce our fantastic range of tours to Asia. Destinations include China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Japan and Korea.

Register your interest to be first to hear when new tours are announced (and get a very special offer)

Register Now

Customer Reviews

Worldwide leaders in travel since 1928..

Admin Login   Agents Login   Facebook   Instagram   中文   Contact

© 2024 China Travel Services (NZ) Ltd.

• aid.govt.nz
• mfat.govt.nz
• NZ Embassies

Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

• Before you go
• Quick checklist and tips
• Disability information
• Dual Citizenship
• Going to Australia?
• LGBTQIA+ travellers
• Staying healthy while travelling
• Passports and visas
• Solo travellers
• Travel insurance
• Travelling with a criminal conviction
• Work and income benefits
• Travel advisories
• By destination
• Central Asia
• Central/South America
• Travel tips - travel to Europe
• Middle East
• North America
• Travel tips - travel to the United States
• South East Asia
• About our advisories
• Travel advisory risk levels
• News features

When things go wrong

• Arrest and detention
• Contingency planning for New Zealanders overseas
• Financial difficulties
• Hostage taking and kidnapping
• Illness and injury
• Internet dating scams
• Internet fraud and international scams
• Large-scale emergency
• Lost, stolen or damaged passport
• Missing persons
• Nuclear incident
• Victims of crime
• Family issues
• Child abductions
• Combating sex crimes against children
• Inter-country adoptions
• Travelling with children
• Our services
• New Zealand embassy locator

Register with us

• Subscribe to travel advisories

Privacy Statement

• Receive RSS feeds
• Travel advisory updates

Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon: Security Situation

Reviewed: 19 April 2024, 16:31 NZST

On 7 October 2023, rockets were fired from Gaza across southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There is currently a large-scale ongoing conflict occurring in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza and within Gaza. Israel has expanded its ground operations in Gaza and military operations are expected to continue. Regional tensions in the Middle East are high and could escalate quickly, and the security situation could deteriorate with little or no notice. In ...Read More

Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games 2024

Posted: 17 April 2024, 09:26 NZST

Advice for travellers to France for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic GamesNew Zealanders heading to France for this year’s Olympic Games (26 July - 11 August) and Paralympic Games (28 August - 8 September) are advised to read the following information, in conjunction with the travel advisory for France. Before you goOver 15 million visitors from all over the world will be heading to France for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. New Zealanders travelling to the Games are strongly enc ...Read More

Outbreaks of Polio

Reviewed: 19 February 2024, 13:30 NZDT

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that can spread from person to person or through contaminated water or food. Many people who are infected don’t feel sick or have symptoms.  Some people have only minor symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs.  A small proportion of those with symptoms develop paralysis. The World Health Organization has advised of an increase in polio activit ...Read More

Pacific Cyclone Season: 1 November to 30 April

Reviewed: 26 October 2023, 14:45 NZDT

The Pacific cyclone season runs from 1 November until 30 April. New Zealanders travelling to the Pacific are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major cyclone approaches and given advice on precautions to take. If you are in an area affected by a cyclone, you should follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek suitable shelter. New Zealanders shou ...Read More

Viet Nam: Motorcycle Travel

Posted: 20 September 2023, 13:25 NZST

For adventurous New Zealanders, motorcycle travel can seem like a great way to see Viet Nam and travel around the country.  But travellers are reminded of the significant risks associated with motor cycle travel in Viet Nam.  Accidents are common and can result in serious injury and even fatalities.  Rental motorcycles are often poorly maintained and the helmets provided do not meet New Zealand safety standards. Roading conditions also bring additional risks and the riding habits you are use ...Read More

Reviewed: 12 June 2023, 15:50 NZST

The Ministry of Health is advising people travelling overseas (to any destination) to make sure they are fully immunised against measles before they go. While cases in New Zealand are rare because endemic measles has been eliminated here, the disease is regularly brought into the country through international travel. There are currently significant measles outbreaks overseas including in India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Somalia. For c ...Read More

Monkeypox outbreak

Reviewed: 12 June 2023, 15:32 NZST

About Monkeypox Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox and MPX) is a viral infection that is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has Mpox.  Current situationWhile anyone can get mpox, the current global outbreak has disproportionately impacted: -    men who have sex with men (MSM) -    people who have sex with MSM (this may include people of any gender or sexual identity, whether they are transgender, cisgender or non-binary). Men who have sex with men and their sexual ...Read More

Pacific Typhoon and Atlantic Hurricane Season

Reviewed: 24 May 2023, 08:34 NZST

Typhoons and hurricanes are currently affecting areas of Asia and the Americas. New Zealanders travelling to Asia and the Americas are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major storm approaches and given advice on precautions to take. If you are in an area affected by a typhoon or hurricane, you should follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek s ...Read More

Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania: Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)

Posted: 17 April 2023, 10:49 NZST

The Governments of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania declared their first outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD), on 13 February 2023 and 21 March 2023, respectively. The virus is transmitted from fruit bats to humans. Human-to-human transmission is possible through contact with body fluids (such as blood, saliva, urine, vomit, or faeces) of an infected person and contaminated surfaces or materials (such as bedding and clothing). MVD symptoms can be very sim ...Read More

Ukraine: Security Situation

Reviewed: 11 April 2023, 10:44 NZST

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks and heavy fighting occurring in several areas of Ukraine, including in and around Kyiv and other major cities. There are ongoing reports of gunfire, artillery bombardments, explosions and missile strikes. Civilians are being impacted. There is a real risk to life. There is also concern about military activity and shelling around Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. We advise New Zealanders in ...Read More

Top travel tips as Kiwis reconnect with the world

Updated: 5 March 2022, 00:25 NZDT

Kiwis will be excited to be able to travel again after the New Zealand Government announced the next steps to reconnect New Zealanders to the world. This includes removal of the need for vaccinated New Zealanders to self-isolate on return from any country, and dropping the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s global “do not travel” advisory which has been in place since March 2020. But before they go, travellers will need to make sure they have thought through the complexity of the n ...Read More

Brexit: New Zealanders in the United Kingdom

Reviewed: 5 February 2020, 15:15 NZDT

New Zealand citizens who continue to live in the UK now that it has left the EU can: use the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website tool to seek guidance on visa status and rights to stay.  find more information in the UK's Department for Exiting the European Union: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-exiting-the-european-union. If you are a New Zealander who holds a European passport, or who has a European spouse you should refer to guidance from the UK Governm ...Read More

Travelling as a Dual Citizen

Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:58 NZDT

What is dual citizenship or dual nationality?If you are a citizen of more than one country you are a dual citizen or dual national. This means you are a citizen of both New Zealand and another country at the same time. New Zealand allows dual citizenship and multiple citizenship but some other countries do not. A country could still consider you to be one of their citizens even if you don't accept that nationality if you: have a parent, or in some cases a grandparent, who is a citizen of that ...Read More

India: Severe Air Pollution

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:46 NZDT

Major cities in India have recently been experiencing severe levels of air pollution. Some of the most common health effects of air pollution include irritation of eyes, throat and lungs. For people with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis, breathing in air pollution can make these conditions worse.  New Zealanders in areas affected by the air pollution are advised to monitor pollution readings, such as those provided by the Air Quality Index website. If you have conc ...Read More

Drug Crime Overseas: Don't Risk It

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:44 NZDT

Every year New Zealanders put themselves at risk of arrest or detention for drug-related offences overseas. Remember that when you are overseas you are subject to that country's laws and penalties - no matter how harsh they may appear by New Zealand standards. In many countries, penalties for drug-related offences are severe. Possession, use or trafficking of even very small quantities of drugs can lead to lengthy imprisonment thousands of miles away from family and friends. New Zealand does not ...Read More

Mosquito-borne Illnesses

Reviewed: 10 September 2018, 09:05 NZST

Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses are common in the tropical and sub-tropical climates in many Pacific Islands, in North Queensland (Australia), Asia (including India), tropical Africa and Latin/South America. West Nile virus is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia. Dengue fever, chikungunya virus and Zika virus are spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito and cannot be spread directly from person to person. Malaria is caused by a parasite s ...Read More

Fiji: Meningococcal Outbreak

Posted: 29 March 2018, 17:03 NZDT

The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services has issued a public notice advising of an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Fiji. Though the risk for travellers to Fiji is low, people staying in local communities or for longer periods of time should be vigilant and aware of the symptoms of meningitis following an outbreak of meningococcal disease.Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes two very serious illnesses: meningitis (an infection of the membranes that cover the b ...Read More

• View all news

Other news features

• Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon: Security Situation Reviewed: 19 April 2024, 16:31 NZST
• Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games 2024 Posted: 17 April 2024, 09:26 NZST
• Outbreaks of Polio Reviewed: 19 February 2024, 13:30 NZDT
• Need a visa for travelling overseas? Reviewed: 6 December 2023, 14:35 NZDT
• Pacific Cyclone Season: 1 November to 30 April Reviewed: 26 October 2023, 14:45 NZDT
• Viet Nam: Motorcycle Travel Posted: 20 September 2023, 13:25 NZST

Travel Advisory Updates

• View all advisories

Travelling or living overseas? Register with us so we can send you important information following an emergency.

• Create registration

If you access consular assistance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or register on SafeTravel we will collect and use your personal information for the purpose of providing consular services to you. Read More

Health & travel

Health alerts and general travel health tips.... read more

This page provides information on how you can help yourself, and how we can help you, when things go wrong overseas... read more

Passports & visas

Information on passports and visas for your next trip overseas.... read more

Information on travel insurance and why it's important.... read more

Emergency? 24/7 assistance

Please note, only consular emergencies, for example death, arrest, illness or injury to New Zealand citizens will be handled outside office hours.

Find a New Zealand embassy

Location and contact details for New Zealand Embassies around the world.

Connect with us

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade 195 Lambton Quay Private Bag 18 901 Wellington 5045 New Zealand

• About this site
• Accessibility

Navigation for News Categories

Mandatory covid-19 testing for china travellers overreaction, nz officials reported saying.

Travellers from China will be required to prove a negative Covid-19 test prior to visiting Australia. Photo: HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP

New Zealand health officials agreed with their Australian counterparts that introducing mandatory Covid-19 testing for travellers from China was an overreaction, official correspondence suggests.

Australia is implementing the measure anyway, while officials here are yet to announce a decision.

It comes as Covid-19 case numbers in China are thought to be surging, and the World Health Organisation urges Beijing to provide more data.

In a letter addressed to the Australian health minister, seen by RNZ, the chief medical officer of Australia, Paul Kelly wrote there was not "sufficient public health rationale" to tighten restrictions.

He said he had discussed the situation with New Zealand public health officials via a health protection committee on 30 December. The officials involved were not named in the letter, but Kelly wrote that the parties were of the same view.

"There is strong consensus that implementation of any restrictions to travel from China at this time would be inconsistent with the current national approach to the management of Covid-19 and disproportionate to the risk."

A public health risk assessment was completed here after Australia changed its travel requirements, and ministers received advice on the matter last night, but there is no word on when a decision might be announced.

Duty Minister Stuart Nash earlier said the situation in China was unfolding rapidly.

"Our response will remain proportionate to the potential risks posed by travellers and in the context of the international situation."

Copyright © 2023 , Radio New Zealand

• Full coverage

Related Stories

Covid-19: nz 'assessing health risk' after australia announces china traveller testing.

From 5 January, travellers from China to Australia will be required to have a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test, and New Zealand says it is now assessing the health risks as several countries move…

Covid-19: Expert says NZ should impose China pre-departure test rule

Epidemiologist Michael Baker says New Zealand should follow Australia and other countries in implementing a requirement for negative Covid-19 predeparture tests for travellers from China.

Covid control entering 'new phase' in China as cases surge - president

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for more effort and unity as the country enters a "new phase" in its approach to combating the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Zealand

• Number of dogs that can be walked in packs under review after fatal mauling
• Senior judges' perks revealed, including Crown limos, free flights for partners
• Costumes full of memories go out the door as iconic shop closes
• Wellington woman takes on mission of cleaning entire coastline
• Grand Chateau Tongariro deteriorating despite $2m govt bailout
• Replacement for unsafe East Christchurch playground raises ire

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

Top News stories

• Hainault: Police and public hurt in London car and sword attack
• National first introduced piece of Oranga Tamariki Act legislation it now seeks to repeal - Willie Jackson

New Zealand RSS

Follow RNZ News

Boeing worried as China’s Comac lands major aircraft orders

Thomas Bywater

Share this article

A Comac C919 in service for China Eastern. Photo / Public Transport, Beijing Bureau Beijing Section

Your next overseas trip might be on a Chinese-built plane after a competitor of Boeing and Airbus announced major contracts for 200 aircraft to be delivered in the next six years.

China Southern is the latest airliner to order 100 aircraft from Comac, a Shanghai-based aircraft manufacturer. The relatively new aerospace company, founded in 2008, now has several major orders for aircraft to be delivered between 2024 and 2031, with a further 100 set to be delivered to Air China last week.

The C919 narrow-body jets are designed to be competitive with the current duopoly held by European company Airbus and American rivals Boeing.

The aircraft have been rolling out of the factories in Pudong at an alarming rate since being granted airworthiness certification by the CAA of China at the end of 2022.

Though seemingly very similar in cost, performance - and appearance - to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, the main advantage of the C919 is remarkable speed with regard to manufacture and fulfilment.

With Seattle-based Boeing hit by substantial delays to production and a worldwide parts shortage, it seems Comac is quickly becoming a serious competitor.

Aircraft are already in service, with the first Comac aircraft carrying paying passengers for the China Eastern airline last May.

The aerospace company reportedly had over 1000 C919s on order and has been able to offer a “substantial discount”, according to a Reuters report last year.

Despite having a listing price of $165 million, which is slightly higher than a new 737-800, Reuters suggested the state-owned China Eastern airline could be paying as little as around $90m per unit.

However, there is one thing that might slow the takeoff of the exciting new aircraft variant - its reliance on imported parts.

Chinese newspaper the Global Times challenged whether the planes could be considered “domestically manufactured” when Comac relies on international suppliers for 40 per cent of its components.

The aircraft engines especially, Leap jets sourced from General Electric, are in short supply.

However, these are tailwinds faced by all airline manufacturers at the moment. With Boeing’s quality control issues causing delays to delivery on aircraft, it is an increasingly attractive option for airlines.

Boeing’s Asia-Pacific division is forecasting competition from the C919 on its future orders, according to a CNBC interview with managing director Dave Schulte.

“It’s a similar sized airplane [to what] both Boeing and Airbus produce,” said Schute. “But for sure, it’s an airplane that is included in our long-term forecast.”

C919 aircraft head-to-head with Boeing and Airbus

Passengers: 158 to 192 seats - compared to 162 to 189 on a 737-800 or 140 to 170 on an A320

Range: 4075 to 5555km - compared to 3585 to 5445km on a 737-800 or 4800 to 6150km on an A320 or A320neo

Cost: $165m listing price - compared to $170 to $187 for a 737-800 or $168 to $180 for an A320

Latest from Travel

5 European train journeys that'll make you rethink air travel

Take the train not a plane for a more enjoyable journey.

Big payout for couple who suffered non-reclining seats in business class

NZ is getting a new Great Walk but booking a spot comes with a catch

Buy a remote Scottish island (with pub) for less money than an Auckland home

‘Dark delights’ of Great Barrier Island

• Media and resources

Language English

New Zealand Embassy to China

• Accredited to:

On this page

Contact details

Physical address No. 1 Ritan Dongerjie (1 Ritan East 2nd Street) Chaoyang District 100600 Beijing China

• Office hours Mon-Fri 0830-1200 hrs; 1300-1700 hrs. We provide notarial services by appointment only, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 2pm to 3:30pm.
• Head of Mission Ambassador Grahame Morton

Postal address No. 1 Ritan Dongerjie Chaoyang District 100600 Beijing China

Other consular contacts

Physical address Suite 3006, TaiKoo Hui Tower 1 385 Tianhe Road Tianhe District 510620 Guangzhou China

• Office hours Mon–Fri 0830–1200, 1300–1700 hrs. We provide notarial services by appointment only.
• Consular Contact Rachel Crump

Postal address 385 Tianhe Road Tianhe District 510620 Guangzhou China

Physical address 2801-2802A & 2806B-2810, Corporate Avenue 5 150 Hu Bin Road Huangpu District 200021 Shanghai China

• Office hours Mon-Fri 0830-1200, 1300-1700 hrs. We provide notarial services by appointment only, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.
• Consular Contact Ardi Barnard

Postal address 2801-2802A & 2806B-2810, Corporate Avenue 5 150 Hu Bin Road Huangpu District 200021 Shanghai China

Physical address Monnis Building, 8th Floor Orgil Stadium 22 Great Mongolian State Street, Khan-Uul District 15khoroo Ulaanbaatar 17011 Mongolia

• Consular Contact Munkhbat Chuluun

Career opportunities

Visit  Careers at MFAT  for opportunities in New Zealand and overseas.

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our website, to analyze our website traffic, and to understand where our visitors are coming from. You can find out more information on our Privacy Page .

China Tours & Holidays

Welcome to China – one of the world's oldest and most enduring cultures; all yours to explore.

The Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, the giant panda and the flowing Yangzi – China is home to some of the world's most remarkable places. Venture deep into the cityscapes from  Shanghai to Beijing.  Float past Yangshuo's limestone karsts and explore the tranquil monasteries in  Emei Shan  and Lhasa. You will be struck by how diverse this land can be. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestries of history and the charm of local villagers. The diversity of  culinary traditions  and natural beauty combine to create an experience like nothing else. Come for the Great Wall and stay for the dim sum. This is China, loud and proud.

Our China trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

China tour reviews

Filter by rating

China Highlights

Explore China

Articles of China

Japan or China: Where to travel next?

6 unique places you can stay on an Intrepid Premium trip

Hey kids! 10 awesome family travel experiences that you AND your parents will love

An introductory guide to snacks and street food in China

How to avoid cultural faux pas in Beijing

What to expect when you’re travelling by train in China (and why you should definitely do it!)

Why you should definitely consider a winter adventure in China

7 festival trips that should definitely be on your radar

China at a glance

Capital city.

Beijing (population approximately 21.5 million)

Approximately 1.4 billion

Renminbi (CNY)

Mandarin, Cantonese and many other dialects

(GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about China

Culture and customs, from ancient cultures....

As one of the world's oldest cultures, China has so much history to observe, taste, admire and learn about. Ancient mythology and spirituality are infused throughout the traditional dance, art, music and literature of China, with many contemporary customs directly attributed to centuries-old traditions.

Much of Chinese philosophy is interwoven with interactions and relationships between people and things – the Five Elements theory of wood, fire, earth, metal and water; the yin and the yang; the Chinese Lunar Calendar and Zodiac – and underpin many rituals and customs still present in China.

Ancient cultures and ruling dynasties of China in times’ past are present in philosophy, religion (Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism) and customs (tai chi, fengshui, fortune-telling and tea ceremonies). Culturally, China has gifted the world everything from martial arts to mah-jong, and we all continue to enjoy the rich cuisine, delicate art and evocative dance.

...to modern times...

China’s cultural identity is dominated by the Han – the largest ethnic group in mainland China, accounting for approximately 92 per cent of Chinese citizens. There are, however, another 105 million people who identify as one of over 50 other ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang (southern China), Hui (northwest China), Uyghur (Central Asia) and Tibetan (Tibet autonomous region). Together, these ethnic groups have constructed a much more diverse China than new travellers may initially be aware of – all with unique customs, longstanding traditions and countless stories to tell. Over 800 million Chinese citizens speak Mandarin while many others use Cantonese, especially along the southeastern coastline. Although both languages may be considered very difficult to learn, it is important to learn at least a few phrases when travelling to show respect to the locals.

...and the balance of the two

While modern China is changing at a rapid pace, much of China still clings to age-old traditions and ways of life. This culture clash is particularly evident when visiting large cities like Beijing that are home to ancient hutongs alongside modern skyscrapers, time-worn temples and glorious World Heritage sites, all found within walking distance of each other. With centuries of dramatic history and ethnic identities key to uncovering the diversity of the country’s people, China remains one of the world's most fascinating places to travel.

History and government

Early history.

As one of the world's oldest civilisations, China has an intriguing history that spans thousands of years. The Yellow River is known as the Cradle of Chinese Civilisation as it is thought that what we now know as ‘China’ originated on the banks of this river.

China's early history is dominated by periods of dynastic rule, fragmentation and imperialist expansion, with each dynasty contributing something different to the history books. Construction of the Great Wall of China was thought to have started during the Qin Dynasty, with the Ming Dynasty enhancing the wall at a later stage. The Tang Dynasty is known as a time of prosperity and artistic expression, the Song Dynasty is famed for being a time of scientific and technological discovery, and Kublai Khan's Yuan Dynasty saw an overall population decline that has been attributed to everything from an administration error to the arrival of the Bubonic Plague.

Once the Yuan Dynasty was overthrown by the Ming Dynasty in 1368, population numbers began to increase again and urbanisation grew quite rapidly. Private enterprise flourished, with small-scale paper, silk and cotton trading providing trade income to the masses. The following period of rule known as the Qing Dynasty stretched from 1644 to 1911. This is generally seen as a time of rebellion and upheaval with the Taiping Rebellion, Nien Rebellion, Panthay Rebellion and Boxer Rebellion all testing the Qing's ability to rule. Thankfully, remnants of most of these periods of history can be found in China today.

Recent history

The Republic of China was formed in Nanjing in 1912 after a military uprising. Leadership changed hands many times throughout the following years until the People's Liberation Army succeeded in ousting the US-backed Chiang Kai-Shek after a long and bloody battle.

Mao Zedong became Chairman, or leader, of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and China's society was systematically converted to communism. Land reforms and the collectivisation of agriculture significantly altered the structure of society and daily life. Dramatic population, cultural and economic changes led to events that Western societies remember as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Mao's death in 1976 triggered leadership changes and economic reforms, the impact of which has rippled into the future.

More recently, China has seen  Hong Kong  and Macau returned from foreign rule and enjoyed a period of increased economic growth. The country basked in the international spotlight as the host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics and with a strengthening economy, wide-scale global influence and dominant rule by the Communist Party of China, China is now one of the world’s global superpowers.

For travellers, China’s rich and engaging history, especially through dynastic rule and its cultural philosophies, has created a country so fascinating, so layered and so rewarding to explore. Opening the first chapter of China’s history book begins the moment you arrive.

Eating and drinking

Whether it’s slurping down a bowl of noodles at a Silk Road street market, having a mouth-numbing Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu or waving down the dim sum trolley at a morning yum cha, you won’t go hungry in China.

Chinese cuisine focuses on colour, aroma and taste, and nearly every region and minority group has its own cooking style. Chinese cuisine has traditionally been broken down into eight major schools of cooking: Anhui, Cantonese, Fuijan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan and Zhejiang. They’re also grouped into northern, southern, western and eastern cooking styles.

Rich and hearty northern cuisine – flavoured with lots of salt, ginger, garlic and soy sauce – is what fed the emperors. Southern cuisine – particularly from the Cantonese school – is what you’ve likely sampled at your local Chinatown, such as dim sum. Western cuisine brings the heat thanks to ample use of Sichuan peppercorn and piping hot chilli peppers, and eastern cuisine tends to be sweeter in flavour and feature a wide variety of vegetables, shellfish, fish and other types of seafood.

Dishes to try in China

• Sichuan hot pot Taste a bit of Chinese history by dipping into a fiery Sichuan hot pot filled with meat, vegetables, noodles and chilli. While each region in China has different varieties, Sichuan lays claim to the spiciest.
• Cantonese dim sum (Yum Cha) Sitting down to a dim sum banquet is one of Hong Kong's great culinary experiences. Bamboo baskets of salty dumplings and pots of cleansing tea change hands in this traditional feast that will leave you feeling very full.
• Green tea China is home to one of the world's largest tea drinking cultures, with most locals sipping a few cups of tea daily. Green tea may have recently risen in popularity in Western societies, but it’s been used as a medicine in China for thousands of years.
• Peking duck This famous roast duck dish from Beijing dates back to Imperial China. It’s one of the best flavour combinations in the world: succulent slices of duck served between delicate pancakes with green onions and a sweet dark sauce.
• Street snacks A lot of  Asia’s  best food is found in markets, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and street-side stalls. Think baozi (steamed stuffed buns), jiaozi (dumplings), jianbing (fried chive pancakes), yang rou chan (lamb kebabs) and so much more. China may be famous for giant feasts served on a lazy susan, but don’t dismiss what can be found on a budget.

Learn more about Chinese food.

Find out what to drink in China.

Geography and environment

Located in east Asia along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, China is the third-largest nation in the world by total land area, behind  Russia  and  Canada . It shares its border with 14 countries including Russia, Kazakhstan and  Mongolia  in the north, and India, Laos and  Vietnam  in the south.

Soaring peaks, high plateaus and desert occupy the western half of this vast country. In the southwest, Mount Everest and the Himalayas form the border with  India ,  Nepal  and Bhutan. In the north, the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts stretch from west to east along the border with Mongolia. The terrain slopes into broad plains and deltas in the east. Two major rivers flow through central China – the Yellow River in the north and the Yangzi in the south – where rice paddies flourish.

China, as well as 16 other countries around the world, is known as ‘megadiverse’ – a grouped classification of biodiverse countries that contain over 70% of the world’s endemic flora and fauna. China itself is home to over 550 species of mammals, 1221 species of birds, 146,000 types of flora and 10,000 species of fungi.

Despite this, China has a series of challenges in terms of safeguarding its environment and biodiversity. China’s industry is booming and air pollution is on the rise. It has become the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter and to deal with this, China has become the world’s leading investor in renewable energies and is making a big effort to reduce widespread air pollution in its major cities.

China has a multitude of different shopping experiences, from the massive malls of Beijing to the fashion boutiques of Shanghai and the small village markets that are dotted around the country.

In Beijing, your best bet for shopping is along Wangfujing Street for designer labels, Hongqiao Market for a wide range of pearls and Yaxiu Market for gifts and souvenirs. Nanjing Road and Xujiahui are Shanghai’s shopping hotspots and the eclectic Huaihai Road has been likened to Tokyo’s Harajuku fashion district, so that’s also worthwhile visiting.

Things to buy in China

• Silk As the home of this popular fabric, China’s silk is undoubtedly legendary. It’s been greatly admired by the world for centuries, so don’t leave China without picking some fabric, handmade clothing or a scarf or two.
• Chinese Calligraphy Art This beautiful art form has been practised in China for centuries. Buy an antique artwork or get a customised piece featuring your name made on the spot.
• Paper Cut Art This traditional art is a painstaking process that ultimately creates an intricately beautiful result. Associated with Chinese New Year, paper art souvenirs can be found all year round, with designs of flowers, animals and people the most common.
• Chinese Knots These traditional, decorative handicrafts are seen as a symbol of health and prosperity and make brilliant gifts for friends back home. The tassel-style gifts are said to ward off evil spirits and are often given as good luck charms during Chinese New Year celebrations.

It's a good idea to check with customs to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws, especially with food, plant or wood-related products.

Festivals and events

Festivals in China are an integral part of celebrating local cultures and traditions. They are a time for families to return home and gather for a day – or days – filled with food and festivities.

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

The most important holiday in the country, Chinese New Year is such a big deal that it’s celebrated over 15 days. The main event is New Year’s Eve, when red decorations are hung all around and people travel home to celebrate. Children receive red envelopes stuffed with cash and fireworks and firecrackers go off at midnight. Lanterns, bracelets, cards and tokens are all coloured red as this is considered to be the colour of good fortune.

Lantern (Yuan Xiao) Festival

Though it marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival is a festival in its own right that takes place 15 days after Chinese New Year. It’s a fantastic time to be in China as the country lights up with colourful lanterns.

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Ever wanted to visit a real-life winter wonderland? Then head to Harbin in January to see massive illuminated sculptures made of snow and ice. Past creations have included the Great Wall (which doubled as an awesome slide), the pyramids of  Egypt  and even a Disney castle.

Dragon Boat (Duanwu) Festival

Equal parts frantic dragon-boat racing and sticky-rice consumption, this three-day festival – meant to commemorate ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan – is celebrated all across China. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, people flock to waterways to feast on zongzi (rice dumplings) and realgar (or xionghuang) wine as they watch the colourful boats race.

Learn more about festivals in China.

China travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit China?

From the rugged mountain interior of Emei Shan to the glittering coastal city of Shanghai, China is home to a diverse range of landscapes and climates. We recommend checking out our regional breakdown to help you figure out the best time to visit China.

Tourism is generally at its peak in summer, so if you’re not into crowds, you may want to avoid June, July and August. If you’d still like the weather to be somewhat warm, a shoulder season month like November or May might be best – you’ll usually only need a light jacket or fleece, but the bulk of the crowds are gone.

Do you need a visa for China?

Visitors from most nations are required to obtain a visa for trips to mainland China. Be sure to apply before leaving your home country – if you don’t, your applications might be denied.

For most travel plans, you will need a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. Generally, a standard 30-day single-entry visa can be issued in four to five business days and at a higher cost for an express application. Once issued, the visa must be used within three months.

For immigration purposes, Hong Kong is not considered part of mainland China and most nationalities, including EU, Australian, US, Canadian and South African citizens, do not require a visa to visit for varying periods of stay.

Please check with your local embassy for specific requirements for Hong Kong and mainland China, as requirements and conditions continuously change. Check with your Chinese embassy or a registered Visa Application Service Centre about what you need to do to apply well before your departure date.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 20 March 2023

Is tipping customary in China?

Generally, tipping is not expected in mainland China, although leaving spare change at restaurants and giving a small amount to hospitality staff is becoming more commonplace (although not mandatory). For example, tipping porters and bartenders a small amount is no longer unusual. The culture of tipping is different in Hong Kong, where taxi drivers and restaurants will usually round up the bill, and service staff will generally expect a tip.

What is the internet access like in China?

Internet access is generally good in hotels and tourist areas, but it's limited in rural and remote areas. Some fast food chains, restaurants and cafes have free wi-fi available, but may require a Chinese phone number to receive the login code. The login prompts may also be in Chinese.

Chinese governments and authorities keep strong controls over internet access and many Western websites, including social media and news outlets, are censored. Sites and apps including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google products (YouTube, Maps, Gmail, Drive), WhatsApp, Snapchat and Dropbox, as well as many international news outlets, will not work.

You may wish to download the WeChat app during your visit, which is the country’s most popular method of communication. It’s like WhatsApp crossed with Facebook, kind of.

For many expats and travellers, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to limit this censorship. If you are insistent on using certain websites abroad, look into purchasing a reputable VPN – keep in mind most of the free ones, and some of the paid VPNs will not work. If you do decide to go down this route, still consider what you search for online or access while in China, as some of this content could land you in hot water with authorities if found out.

With all this in mind, you’ve got the opportunity to switch off and enjoy the sights around – that’s one way of looking at it!

Will my mobile phone work in China?

Mobile phone coverage is generally excellent in China's cities, and still very good in remote and rural areas.

If you have an unlocked phone, purchasing a local SIM on arrival is probably the cheapest and most reliable option to use your phone on the go.

If you wish to use global roaming while in China, be sure to contact your service provider to understand how much this will cost, as it's often extremely expensive.

What are the toilets like in China?

Squat toilets are most common in China, though Western-style flushable toilets can sometimes be found in modern hotels and restaurants. Be sure to carry your own toilet paper or tissue and hand sanitiser as these are rarely provided, especially in public places.

What will it cost for a ...?

China’s unit of currency is the Renminbi (CNY), or yuan. Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison:

• Subway ride = 0.50 USD
• Can of soft drink = 0.50-0.75 USD
• Bottle of beer = 1-1.50 USD
• Basic lunch = 2.10 USD
• Basic rice or noodle dinner = 3.50 USD
• Three-course dinner = 12 USD

Can I drink the water in China?

While water quality is improving, drinking tap water still isn't recommended in China due to the presence of pollution and natural contamination of water supplies.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available, often boiled to use for tea. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in China?

Credit cards may work in big vendors in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong but it's not guaranteed and less likely to work in smaller cities or towns.

WeChat and Alipay are the most prominent online payment methods in China. We strongly suggest you set up either WeChat or Alipay on your device before arriving.

This will require you to link a credit or debit card to the app and also set up a data roaming package so that you can make payments locally. A 3% transaction fee may also be charged for foreign accounts. Please check the terms and conditions when setting up an account.

What is ATM access like in China?

Bank of China or HSBC ATMs are the most widely accessible and reliable. However, it's rare to make cash payments in China nowadays, and even if vendors accept cash, they may not have the right change.

WeChat and Alipay are the most prominent payment methods now. We strongly suggest you set up WeChat or Alipay on your device prior to arriving. This will require you to link a credit or debit card to the app and set up a data roaming package so that you can make payments locally.

A 3% transaction fee may also be charged for foreign accounts. Please check the terms and conditions carefully.

What is the weather like in China?

China is huge – and so its weather is super diverse. Depending on what time of year you visit China and where you go, you can experience unrelenting heat and humidity in summer and thick snow cover throughout  winter .

China’s northern regions have hot and dry summers, while destinations on the eastern coastlines and in the south are more humid with a larger chance of monsoon rains and typhoons.

There’s a chance of snow across most of the country; however, this is much more likely in the northern reaches (Beijing and surrounds). Late winter and early spring can often bring a dust storm rolling in from the Gobi Desert to Beijing and northern China. Rainfall in Shanghai and the east coast is abundant between April and September but almost non-existent for large chunks of the year in Central and Western parts of the country.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in China?

• 1 January : New Year’s Day
• 4 February : Chinese New Year or Spring Festival (eve of the first lunar month)
• 5 April : Qingming Festival
• 1 May : Labour Day
• 7 June : Dragon Boat Festival
• 30 September : National Day

For a current list of public holidays in China, including those with moveable dates, go to timeanddate.com.

Is China a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Equal rights have a long way to go in China. The government heavily censors portrayals of same-sex relationships and, up until 2001, homosexuality was considered a mental illness. Same-sex couples are unable to marry or adopt in China, and discrimination laws and legal protections are not equal between LGBT and non-LGBT-identifying citizens.

That being said, China is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ tourists who travel with discretion. Chinese people are generally tolerant and homophobic-related violence is incredibly rare. Low-key gay scenes/communities can be found in larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. While it’s common for friends of the same sex to hold hands, keep in mind any further displays of affection are frowned upon for both same-sex and heterosexual couples.

As with any public display or protest in China, there is much resistance from authorities and the government to any form of mass demonstration organised within China. Various events have been banned in recent years, not because they are promoting LGBTQIA+ rights, but because they are publicly promoting anything at all.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. For travellers who do not wish to share a room, most of our tours have the option to pay for an individual room.

Is China accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Accessibility varies in China depending on where you are. Things are improving every year but given the vast size of China and varying rates of growth, you may find old areas are a lot more difficult to travel through than modern cities. In Shanghai, for example, most  public transport  is wheelchair-friendly, as are a lot of the sights, whereas Beijing is a lot more difficult to navigate.

In Chinese culture, disability has traditionally been seen as something to overcome rather than something to accommodate, which has hampered efforts to improve both cultural acceptance and access. This is changing, which is fortunate not only for travellers, but also for the 80+ million Chinese people living with physical and mental limitations.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in China?

What you decide to pack and wear in China will depend on where you are and what time of year it is. The climate across China can vary a lot. Besides the usual lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes, you may want to consider packing a reusable dust mask as dust storms are common in certain regions across China.

Is it safe to travel to China?

China is generally a safe country to travel to, as long as you know where you’re going and stay alert. China is visited by travellers from all around the world and is of no danger to any person who understands local cultures and obeys local laws.

In saying this, China’s government does keep quite a tight lid on foreign influences, such as websites and news coverage, with internet censorship and public surveillance a common occurrence all over the country. Demonstrations and protests are prohibited in public places in China, and if you find yourself in one, or you take a photo or video of the event, this could land you in trouble.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

A China Travel

A China Travel company was established in August 2001. A member of the New Zealand Tourism Association (TAANZ), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and a member of the ADS (Approved Destination Status).

A China Travel Service provides you with all-round Australian travel information, attractions line Raiders, the latest ticket information. We hold the Australian and new tourism industry quality certification, the China Tourism Bureau issued the first batch of high quality international travel agency qualification certification. A China Travel owns the brand Kia Ora Holidays. We are dedicated to service global Chinese users, and bring you a pure travel, a new feeling.

Open in larger map

Language support

Looking for deals

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

The content on this page was created by A China Travel

This website helps visitors connect with providers of great New Zealand tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations. Please contact this business for more information. See also: newzealand.com terms of use (opens in new window) .

0800 24 35 44

Travel tips from the experts

If you're travelling in high season, plan and book as far in advance as you can to get the best value deals.

Our travel experts can assist you with

WE HAVE MOVED:  Our Auckland office has moved.  View new location

• 09 522 9476 | Cart

New Plymouth

Palmerston north, christchurch.

• Vaccination Planner
• Electrical Appliances

Insect Protection

• Laundry & Bathroom
• Safety Items
• Travel Accessories
• Travel Adaptors
• Travel Bags
• Water Treatment
• Independent Travel
• Group Travel
• Business Travel
• Humanitarian Travel
• Returning Home Unwell
• Medical Kits
• Medical Examinations
• Travel Health FAQ’s
• Useful Resources
• Worldwise Membership
• Courses & Conferences
• Members Login
• About Worldwise

Request your appointment now

• Location * Preferred Clinic Location Auckland Hamilton New Plymouth Whanganui Palmerston North Wellington Nelson Christchurch
• Full Name * First Last
• Email Address *
• Preferred Appointment Date
• Preferred time of day
• Destination
• Date of travel
• Your message / comments / questions / preferred time of day / specific vaccine(s) required?
• Yes, please send me email updates
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact a clinic

No products in the cart.

• Canadian Immigration Medicals (Auckland)
• New Zealand Immigration Medicals. (Auckland)
• New Zealand Immigration Medicals (Hamilton)
• Travel Tips

China Travel Vaccinations

China vaccination & travel health information

Chikungunya in China

Spread by a daytime biting mosquito, the disease is similar to Dengue Fever. There is no preventative vaccination or medication for Chikungunya, and no specific treatment for the disease. Sensible insect avoidance is the step you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Diphtheria in China

Diphtheria remains a serious disease throughout much of the world. Large outbreaks of diphtheria have occurred in the past due to unimmunised or inadequately immunized people groups of people. Some cases can be mild while more severe cases can lead to death.

Hepatitis A in China

It is a virus infection of the liver and common in areas where sanitation and water is inadequate. There are steps travellers can take to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B in China

This disease is a virus infection of the liver. There are steps travellers can take to avoid catching Hepatitis B

Japanese Encephalitis in China

Japanese Encephalitis is primarily a rural disease and transmission is usually during the rainy season, when there are more mosquitoes, and the start of the dry season. It occurs mainly in three regions: China & Korea, Indian sub-continent and South East Asia, though, may occur with lower incidence in surrounding areas.

Rabies in China

Rabies is a viral disease spread by contact with warm blooded animals. This is a very serious and frightening disease, often not taken seriously by travellers going to at risk areas. Once symptoms have developed in humans, it's generally fatal.

Tetanus in China

After entering the body, the bacterium spores germinate and produce toxins which affect the nervous system. Tetanus is sometimes referred to as "lockjaw" due to the spasms of the nerves.

Travellers Diarrhoea in China

The disease is a self-limiting one, lasting from two to six days and considered to be caused when the normal environment of the bowel is upset with exposure to new foods, diet and organisms. It is particularly common in developing countries where sanitation is poor.

Tuberculosis in China

This air-borne disease is a major public health concern in many countries and vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers and other long term travellers going to live or work in areas of risk

Typhoid in China

Closely associated with poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, this disease is prevalent in developing countries. There are steps travellers can take to prevent the spread of Typhoid.

Book your Travel Health Appointment

Where else are you traveling to.

• Central America
• Middle East
• North America
• Pacific Nations
• Polar Regions
• South America
• All of Africa
• Dem Rep Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Ivory Coast
• Saint Helena
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• Togo (togolese)
• All of Asia
• Afghanistan
• North Korea (democratic People''s Republic Of Korea)
• Philippines
• South Korea
• All of Central America
• Brit Virgin Is
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Rep
• El Salvador
• Trinidad And Tobago
• All of Europe
• Bosnia Herzegovina
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• All of Middle East
• UAE (United Arab Emirates)
• All of North America
• United States
• All of Pacific Nations
• American Samoa
• Cook Islands
• Mariana Islands
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia Fed States
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Pitcairn Islands
• Solomon Islands
• Wallis And Futuna
• All of Polar Regions
• All of South America
• French Guiana
• We have worked with the wonderful staff at Worldwise since 2009. The numerous students and families that have walked through the clinic doors in Newmarket have been thoroughly impressed by the service, care & expertise provided. We cannot speak highly enough about the work Marc and his staff have done, and continue to do, in preparing our young men for their travels abroad! ☆☆☆☆☆ BEN SKEEN | Auckland Grammar School
• Worldwise is my go-to travel health centre - I wouldn't go anywhere else! All advice is tailored to your needs - whether you're going to West Africa, or South America (or both!) - you can be assured that you have all the information to get you through. The lovely, personable team are always happy to help in any way they can. ☆☆☆☆☆ KIRSTY VENTER
• Thank you Worldwise for the fantastic service you provided to our group as we prepare to travel to Rio de Janeiro Brazil for the 2016 Olympic Games. Your wealth of knowledge made us all feel completely informed & we also loved not having time to get too nervous with your super quick vaccinations. Your follow through & offer of continued advice is greatly appreciated. ☆☆☆☆☆ Jayne Holtham | Sky Sport Rio Olympics 2016 Production Manager

GET YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Tropical Strength Insect Repellent SPF 23+ by Repel

Repel ‘Junior’ Insect Repellent Roll-on

Water Purification

Aquatabs Water Treatment

Bushman Plus Insect Repellent

GET EMAIL UPDATES

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Five killed in Russian strike on ‘Harry Potter castle’ in Odesa

LIVE – Updated at 08:59

Five civilians have been killed after a Russian missile attack struck an educational institution in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa.

At least 32 people have been injured, local officials said, including a four-year-old and a pregnant woman.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper said that in addition to those killed in the attack , one man died after suffering a stroke attributed to the strike.

The roof of the grand ornate building, which has been dubbed the ‘Harry Potter castle’, has been all but destroyed in the attack as footage shows flames engulfing the architecture.

“Monsters. Beasts. Savages. Scum. I don’t know what else to say,” Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said in a video posted on Telegram. “People are going for a walk by the sea and they are shooting and killing.”

The attack came after Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg condemned the slow delivery of aid from Ukraine ’s allies in the West and said “serious delays” allowed Russians to advance on the war frontline in the 25-month-old invasion.

Russian missile kills five in Ukraine’s Odesa

• Flames engulf Ukraine’s ‘Harry Potter castle’ after deadly missile attack
• Nato chief derides slow western aid: ‘Serious consequences'
• Kyiv’s troops forced back by intense fighting in east

North Korea criticises US for supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, KCNA says

Flames engulf ukraine’s ‘harry potter castle’ after deadly russian missile attack.

Flames engulf a Ukraine building, known locally as “Harry Potter castle” after a deadly Russian missile attack on Monday night.

Five people have been killed and another 32 injured after a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa, local officials say.

The building damaged in the strike is the residence of prominent former MP Serhiy Kivalov, who was among the wounded.

It houses the Odesa Law Academy, which is run by Mr Kivalov.

Footage shows the towers of the famous Kivalov mansion on the waterfront on fire.

Duchess of Edinburgh denounces Putin’s forces for using rape as a weapon of war

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, becomes first royal to visit Ukraine since Russian invasion

The Duchess of Edinburgh has become the first member of the royal family to visit Ukraine since Russia ’s invasion, meeting president Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife in Kyiv.

Sophie, 59, made the surprise visit on behalf of the Foreign Office to show solidarity with those impacted by the war and as part of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

While there, she met with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and survivors of torture who shared their stories, as well as female volunteers who help their communities cope with the aftermath of the attacks with mental health care activities for children.

Sophie becomes first member of royal family to visit Ukraine since war

North Korean missile fragments found in Ukraine’s Kharkiv

Fragments of a North Korean Hwasong 11 ballistic missile were found in Ukraine ’s Kharkiv after it was attacked by the Russian military in early January , according to the UN sanctions monitors.

In a report seen by Reuters, the monitors informed the Security Council that “debris recovered from a missile that landed in Kharkiv , Ukraine, on 2 January 2024 derives from DPRK Hwasong 11 series missiles”. DPRK is Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the formal name of North Korea.

The attack killed at least three people and injured 62. The use of North Korean missiles in Ukraine is in violation of the 2006 UN arms embargo on the East Asian country, the report noted.

North Korean missile debris found in Ukraine’s Kharkiv

‘In front of my eyes, a missile was shot down'

A student at the academy who identified herself by her first name, Maria, said the blaze in Odesa on Monday was caused when a missile was intercepted.

“In front of my eyes, a missile was shot down, this was just in front of me. My doors were blown open and the glass was shaking. And then I saw this,” she told Reuters, pointing to the burning building.

“Just before this happened, we wanted to go down there for a walk, but thank God we weren’t there when it happened.”

Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, in a posting on a military Telegram channel, said the strike was conducted by an Iskander-M ballistic missile with a cluster warhead.

Public broadcaster Suspilne said the academy’s president, a prominent former member of parliament, Serhiy Kivalov, was among the injured.

A Russian missile attack on an educational institution in a popular seafront park in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa on Monday killed at least five people and injured 32, local officials said.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said that in addition to those killed in the attack, one man died after suffering a stroke attributed to the strike.

Kiper said eight of the injured were in serious condition, including a 4-year-old child. Among the injured were another child and a pregnant woman.

Reuters Television footage showed the roof of the ornate building, a private law academy, all but destroyed after the strike. Firefighters were directing water on small fires still burning.

Pictures posted earlier online showed the building ablaze and smoke billowing skyward.

Video footage, which could not be immediately verified, showed people receiving treatment on the street alongside pools of blood. One photo showed officials examining part of a missile.

Ukraine’s troops hope new US weapons will turn tide as Putin’s forces advance in east

Ukraine’s top military commander has been uncharacteristically open about the fact that some of Kyiv’s troops have been withdrawn from several frontline positions in eastern Ukraine as Russia intensifies its attacks .

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi made the comments as Russian forces have been pressing hard since they captured their biggest prize this year, Avdiivka, north of Donetsk city, eastern Ukraine, in February.

Recently Russian forces have advanced to the town of Novokalynove, north of Avdiivka, and into Keramik, northwest of there. There has also been significant movement around Ocheretyne, and Moscow claimed on Sunday its troops captured Novobakhmutivka, 16km (10 miles) north of Avdiivka and, closer, heavy fighting is reported near Berdychi. On Monday, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed it has taken another village, Semenivka.

Moscow’s push has sought to take advantage of Ukraine running low of vital ammunition and weapons thanks to political infighting in the US Congress that delayed the passing of a $61bn (£48bn) aid package until last week.

Askold Krushelnycky speaks to a Ukrainian colonel in this report:

NATO's chief chides alliance countries for not being quicker to help Ukraine against Russia

NATO countries have failed to deliver in good time what they promised to Ukraine, the alliance’s chief said Monday, as Russia rushes to exploit its battlefield advantages before Kyiv ‘s depleted forces get more Western military supplies in the war that has lasted more than two years.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that “serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine.

Thirty men died trying to leave Ukraine to avoid mobilisation since war began

About 30 Ukrainian men have died trying to illegally cross Ukraine’s borders and avoid fighting in the war against Russia which started in 2022, an official in Kyiv said.

“Some lost their lives while attempting to cross a mountain river or traverse mountains,” said Andriy Demchenko, the spokesperson for Ukraine’s border service told the Ukrinform news agency.

He added: “Overall, since the full-scale invasion began, about 30 people have died attempting to illegally cross the border.”

Of these, 24 men alone have died while trying to cross the Tisa river on Ukraine’s border with Romania.

Additionally, Ukrainian border guards have uncovered about 450 criminal groups that have attempted to smuggle people across the border since the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Mr Demchenko said.

With some exceptions, Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country as they may be mobilised to fight, according to Ukraine’s martial law.

Ukraine faces worsening situation on eastern front thanks to intense Russian attacks, army chief says

Ukraine’s top commander has said Kyiv ‘s outnumbered troops have fallen back to new positions west of three villages on the eastern front where Russia has concentrated significant forces in several locations.

The statement by Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi reflected Ukraine’s deteriorating position in the east that Kyiv hopes it can stabilise once it takes delivery of U.S. weapons under a $61 billion (£48bn) aid package approved this week.

Ukraine faces worsening situation on eastern front, army chief says

Ukraine’s allies say slow arms deliveries have helped Russia

Nato countries haven’t delivered what they promised to Ukraine in time, allowing Russia to press its advantage as Kyiv’s depleted forces waited for military supplies to arrive from US and Europe, the alliance’s chief said yesterday.

“Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine, Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference in Kyiv with president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Outgunned, Ukraine‘s troops have struggled to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield. They were recently compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the east, where the Kremlin’s forces have been making incremental gains, Ukraine’s army chief said.

The Russian Defence Ministry claimed its forces had also taken the village of Semenivka.

“The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line. Lack of air defense has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

Kyiv’s Western partners have repeatedly vowed to stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

But vital US military help was held up for six months by political differences in Washington, and Europe’s military hardware production has not kept up with demand. Ukraine‘s own manufacturing of heavy weapons is only now starting to gain traction.

Now, Ukraine and its Western partners are racing to deploy critical new military aid that can help check the slow and costly but steady Russian advance across eastern areas, as well as thwart drone and missile attacks.

Ukraine's farm minister is the latest corruption suspect as Kyiv aims to undo recent Russian gains

A Ukrainian court on Friday ordered the detention of the country’s farm minister in the latest high-profile corruption investigation, while Kyiv security officials assessed how they can recover lost battlefield momentum in the war against Russia.

Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court ruled that Agriculture Minister Oleksandr Solskyi should be held in custody for 60 days, but he was released after paying bail of 75 million hryvnias ($1.77 million), a statement said.

Four killed in Russian missile attack on Odesa

At least four people were killed after a Russian missile attack struck an educational institution in a popular seafront park in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa.

One man also suffered a stroke attributed to the missile attack, regional governor Oleh Kiper said. The injured include a child and a pregnant woman.

Seven of the injured were in serious condition, including a four-year-old child, the official said.

The missile attack was carried out using Iskander-M ballistic missile with a cluster warhead, a missile known as harder to intercept, said Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk.

“Monsters. Beasts. Savages. Scum. I don’t know what else to say,” Odesa mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said in a video posted on Telegram. “People are going for a walk by the sea and they are shooting and killing.”

Reuters Television footage showed the roof of the ornate building, a private law academy, all but destroyed after the strike. Firefighters were directing water on small fires still burning actively.

A student at the academy who identified herself by her first name, Maria, said the blaze was caused when the missile was intercepted.

North Korean missile hit Ukraine’s Kharkiv, say UN experts

Debris from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile was found in Ukraine’s Kharkiv when it came under attack on 2 January this year, according to the United Nations sanctions monitors.

The UN sanctions members informed a Security Council committee in a 32-page report seen by Reuters, concluding that “debris recovered from a missile that landed in Kharkiv, Ukraine on 2 January 2024 derives from a DPRK Hwasong-11 series missiles.”

Missile’s use in Ukraine is in violation of the arms embargo on North Korea, the report added.

“Information on the trajectory provided by Ukrainian authorities indicates it was launched within the territory of the Russian Federation,” officials wrote in a 25 April report to the Security Council’s North Korea sanctions committee.

Three sanctions monitors travelled to Ukraine earlier in April to inspect the debris and found no evidence that the missile was made by Russia. They “could not independently identify from where the missile was launched, nor by whom.”

“Such a location, if the missile was under control of Russian forces, would probably indicate procurement by nationals of the Russian Federation,” they said, adding that this would be a violation of the arms embargo imposed on North Korea in 2006.

Ukraine pushes to get military-age men to come home. Some neighboring countries say they will help

Ukraine’s foreign minister doubled down Friday on the government’s move to bolster the pool of fighting forces by cutting off consular services to conscription-age men outside the country, saying it was a question of “justice.”

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the policy would ensure men in Ukraine and those who have left were both treated fairly.

As EU election campaigns kick off in Germany, the Ukraine war, rise of far right are dominant themes

Several German parties on Saturday kicked off their campaigns for the election of the European Parliament in June with a focus on issues such as the war in Ukraine and support by many European voters for far-right nationalist parties across the continent.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ’s center-left Social Democrats, or SPD, launched their official campaign for the June 9 EU election with a rally in Hamburg, Scholz’s longtime home city.

Russia launches fresh missile barrage across Ukraine – but Kyiv fights back with drones

Russian missiles have pounded power facilities across Ukraine – with Kyiv saying it had launched its own major long-range drone attack into Russia .

The airstrikes by Moscow, carried out with ballistic missiles and cruise missiles fired by Russian strategic bombers based in the Arctic Circle, are the fourth large-scale aerial assault targeting the power system since the last week of March .

Russia launches missile barrage across Ukraine – but Kyiv fights back with drones

More footage of the Russian missile strike in Odessa

Below you can see more footage of the aftermath of a Russian strike on the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa.

Mexican film wins top prize at Moscow International Film Festival while major studios boycott Russia

A Mexican film has won the top prize Friday at the Moscow International Film Festival, which took place as major Western studios boycott the Russian market and as Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds into its third year.

“ Shame ,” a film by director Miguel Salgado and co-produced by Mexico and Qatar, was the most highly awarded film at the festival, which began in 1935 and which has been held annually since 1999. This year’s edition included more than 240 films from 56 countries.

Two Russian journalists jailed on 'extremism' charges for alleged work for Navalny group

Two Russian journalists were arrested by their government on “extremism” charges and ordered by courts there on Saturday to remain in custody pending investigation and trial on accusations of working for a group founded by the late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny .

Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin both denied the charges for which they will be detained for a minimum of two months before any trials begin. Each faces a minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of six years for alleged “participation in an extremist organization,” according to Russian courts.

Russian court places Forbes journalist under house arrest

A Russian court has placed a journalist from the local edition of US magazine Forbes under house arrest.

Sergei Mingazov was detained earlier on Friday on suspicion of spreading false information about the Russian army , according to the magazine.

Vladimir Torkonyak, an official from the Khabarovsk Regional Court said that the 55-year-old journalist was placed under house arrest for spreading “ fake news about the Russian army ” through a two-year-old post on a Telegram channel, reported Russia ’s state-owned RIA news agency.

Russian missile hits educational institution, kills two in Ukraine's Odesa

A Russian missile attack on an educational institution in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa on Monday killed two people and injured at least 17, officials said.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said 17 people had been injured, at least two of them in serious condition. The injured included a 12-year-old boy.

Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov put the number of injured at 20.

Pictures posted online showed an ornate building close to the seafront ablaze and smoke billowing skyward. Video footage, which could not be immediately verified, showed people receiving treatment on the street alongside pools of blood.

Public broadcaster Suspilne said the roof of the building, described as a legal academy, had been nearly destroyed. It said the academy’s president, a prominent former member of parliament, Serhiy Kivalov, was among the injured.

The Ukrainian Air Force had announced a harder-to-intercept ballistic missile threat ahead of the strike.

“NATO allies have not delivered what they promised,” Stoltenberg said at a news conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referring to delays by the U.S. and Europe in sending weapons and ammunition.

UAE and Ukraine conclude talks on bilateral trade deal

The United Arab Emirates and Ukraine have completed negotiations for a bilateral trade deal, according to a joint statement released on Monday, ahead of its formal signing.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will remove or reduce tariffs on a range of good and products, remove trade barriers and ease market access to exporters from both sides, the statement said.

In addition, the CEPA will also “support Ukraine‘s recovery and the rebuilding of key industries and infrastructure, while also helping to strengthen supply chains to the (Middle East and North Africa) region for major exports such as grains, machinery and metals.”

UAE-Ukraine bilateral non-oil trade reached $385.8 million in 2023, with joint investment worth about $360 million by the end of 2022 spanning sectors including logistics and infrastructure, travel and tourism, and advanced technology.

“We want to be ready for the next era of Ukraine,” Thani al Zeyoudi, UAE minister for foreign trade, told Reuters.

“It (the CEPA) is an important step for us to have another gateway to Europe through Ukraine,” Zeyoudi said, adding the deal will provide potential market access not only for goods but also services and allow UAE companies to build up connectivity to the European Union if or when Ukraine joins the bloc.”

US intelligence believes Putin probably didn’t order his rival Navalny’s killing, report claims

US intelligence agencies are said to have concluded that Vladimir Putin probably did not directly order the killing of his most prominent critic Alexei Navalny, who suddenly died in his Arctic prison cell in February.

The death of 47-year-old Mr Navalny, leading light of Russia’s opposition movement, was announced on 16 February. He had been serving a prison sentence on charges of extremism, which the international community decried as trumped up to try and silence a thorn in the side of the Kremlin.

World leaders have lined up to condemn the death, while a number of nations – including the UK and the US – have announced sanctions against those in charge of the prison in which Mr Navalny was held.

US intelligence believes Putin probably didn’t order Navalny’s killing, report claims

Russia is plotting attacks across Europe – and they’re only going to get worse

The Kremlin stands accused of everything from arson attacks in the UK to targeting GPS systems used to navigate flights, writes Keir Giles . As the country recruits more freelancers to act on its behalf, we should prepare for the dangers ahead:

Russia is plotting attacks across Europe - and they’re only going to get worse

Putin puts captured British armoured cars and American tanks on display after they were captured in Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has proudly displayed a selection of American and British tanks in Moscow after they were captured on the frontline in Ukraine.

A British Saxon armoured personnel carrier, believed to have been given to Ukraine in 2015, was among vehicles pictured parked in the Russian capital under red banners boasting “Our victory is inevitable”.

The display is part of a month-long exhibition, which also features an American Bradley tank, a Swedish CV90 and a French-made AMX-10RC armoured fighting vehicle.

Putin parades British armoured cars and US tanks captured in Ukraine

Latvians told to turn basements into bomb shelters amid fears Russia could target Baltic states next

Latvians have been told to convert their basements into air raid shelters amid fears that Vladimir Putin could target the Baltic states next.

Vilnis Kirsis, the mayor of Riga, Lativa’s capital , said people should be ready to shelter in their cellars

“We call on everyone during the big clean-up, but also afterwards, to ensure that your cellars and your basements can be used as shelters in case of emergencies,” he said.

Latvians told to turn basements into bomb shelters amid Russia attack fears

Killing of two Ukrainian soldiers may be political, German prosecutors say

German prosecutors on Monday said they were not ruling out a political motive as they investigated a Russian citizen arrested on suspicion of stabbing to death two convalescing Ukrainian soldiers over the weekend.

The soldiers - who had been recuperating in southern Germany - were found with serious stab wounds outside a shopping centre in the Bavarian town of Murnau am See on Saturday evening, according to police. One of them, aged 36, died at the scene, while the other, 23, succumbed to his wounds in hospital.

A 57-year-old Russian citizen was arrested in his home shortly after the act on suspicion of murder, police said.

Early indications suggest the three men had known each other.

“The motive for the crime is currently unclear, although a political motivation cannot be ruled out and is being investigated in all directions,” the prosecutor general’s office in Munich said as it took over the case.

Ukrainian consuls are clarifying information about the units in which the victims served and establishing contact with their families, the Ukrainian government said in a statement.

Nato chief criticises allies for not being quicker to help Ukraine

Nato countries have not delivered what they promised to Ukraine in time, the alliance’s chief said Monday, allowing Russia to press its battlefield advantage while Kyiv’s depleted forces wait for Western military supplies to arrive.

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that “serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine.

“Nato allies have not delivered what they promised,” Mr Stoltenberg said at a news conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to delays by the US and Europe in sending weapons and ammunition.

Ukraine‘s troops were compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the eastern region, where the Kremlin’s forces have been making incremental gains against their weaker opponent, Ukraine‘s army chief said Sunday.

The Russian Defence Ministry claimed on Monday that its forces had also taken the village of Semenivka.

Mr Stoltenberg said: “The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line.

“Lack of air defence has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces.”

Russia's war in Ukraine boosts EU case for further expansion, chairman says

Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine has given a fresh impetus to the European Union’s drive to admit more countries, the bloc’s chairman said on Monday, adding he hoped the 27-nation club and prospective new members would be ready by 2030.

European Council President Charles Michel spoke ahead of the 20th anniversary on Wednesday of the EU’s “Big Bang” enlargement that added 10 mostly ex-communist nations such as Poland and Hungary but also the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Cyprus to a bloc that had then comprised just 15 members.

“It was a call of history to unite European countries,” Michel told reporters of the 2004 enlargement.

“Twenty years later we face a similar challenge because there is this geo-political chaos, including because of this war by Russia against Ukraine. And facing this chaos is the geo-political strategy to reunify once again.”

He added: “Because of the war launched by Russia against Ukraine, there is a new impetus, a reinvigoration of the (EU) enlargement strategy.

“It is challenging. But what is the alternative? The alternative would be a terrible, irresponsible mistake from the EU,” he said, calling for the EU and candidate countries to carry out by 2030 the reforms necessary for a new enlargement.

Russia jails two journalists for ‘working with Alexei Navalny group’

Russia has jailed two journalists on extremism charges for working with a group founded by the late opposition politician Alexei Navalny .

Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin have been accused of producing content for Navalny’s YouTube channel, NavalnyLIVE, run by the Foundation for Fighting Corruption. The organisation, which is dedicated to investigating corrupt practices by Vladimir Putin, his associates and the ruling elite, has been declared an “extremist” body by the Kremlin.

Mr Gabov, arrested on Saturday, was accused of being involved in the “ preparation of photo and video materials” for the YouTube channel, Moscow’s Basmanny district court press service said.

“The enemy again massively shelled Ukrainian energy facilities,” said DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private electricity company, adding that four of its six thermal power plants had suffered damage overnight.

Read more from Chris Stevenson here:

Ukraine’s Zelensky urges US to speed up weapons deliveries

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that vital US weapons were starting to arrive in Ukraine in small amounts and that the process needed to move faster as advancing Russian forces were trying to take advantage.

Zelensky told a joint news conference in Kyiv alongside visiting NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg that the situation on the battlefield directly depended on the speed of ammunition supplies to Ukraine.

“Timely support for our army. Today I don’t see anything positive on this point yet. There are supplies, they have slightly begun, this process needs to be sped up,” he said.

The Russian defence ministry announced the capture of Novobakhmutivka on Sunday, another village close to Ocheretyne, which has become a focal point of fighting in recent days.

“Russian forces will likely continue to make tactical gains in the Avdiivka direction in the coming weeks,” the Institute for the Study of War said.

“The next line of defensible settlements in the area is some distance from the Ukrainian defensive line that Russian forces have been attacking since the seizure of Avdiivka in mid-February 2024.”

Russian forces advance in Ukraine's east

Russian forces advanced at points along the front line in Ukraine on Monday, taking a village in the Donetsk region, gaining better positions in the Kharkiv region and repelling a number of Ukrainian attacks, Russia‘s defence ministry said.

Russia controls about 18% of Ukraine - in the east and south - and has been gaining ground since the failure of Kyiv’s 2023 counter-offensive to make any serious inroads against well dug-in Russian troops.

President Vladimir Putin in February ordered Russian troops to push further into Ukraine after the fall of the town of Avdiivka where he said Ukrainian troops had been forced to flee in chaos. Ukraine said it withdrew from Avdiivka.

Russia‘s defence ministry said its troops had taken the village of Semenivka, northwest of Avdiivka. Russia said it had defeated Ukrainian forces and foreign mercenaries in a number of other villages in the area.

Russia also reported defeating Ukrainian troops in the areas of Synkivka in the Kharkiv region and at a number of other points along the front line. It also said it had struck Ukrainian drone workshops.

North Korea criticised the United States for supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, state media KCNA reported on Monday, citing a statement from the defence ministry.

The United States in recent weeks secretly shipped long-range missiles to Ukraine for use in its battle to fight off Russian invaders, a US official said on April 24.

On Sunday, the director of the Department of Foreign Military Affairs of North Korea’s Ministry of National Defence was quoted as saying in a statement: “The US has secretly supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine, sparking off uneasiness and concern of the international community.”

“The US can never defeat the heroic Russian army and people with any latest weaponry or military support,” the director said.

Military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow are growing which the U.S. and its allies see as escalating tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

Russian forces take control of village in Ukraine's Donetsk region

Russian forces have taken the village of Semenivka in Ukraine‘s Donetsk region, Russia‘s defence ministry said on Monday.

On Sunday, the ministry announced the capture of Novobakhmutivka, another village close to Ocheretyne, which has become a focal point of fighting in recent days.

Telegram unblocks chatbots used by Ukraine's security services

Ukraine said on Monday the Telegram messaging app had restored access to a number of chatbots used by Ukraine‘s security agencies to collect information about Russia‘s war effort after the services were briefly suspended.

The Dubai-based Telegram app founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov blocked a number of bots used by Ukraine to fight back against Russia‘s full-scale invasion, Kyiv’s military spy agency GUR said in a statement shortly after midnight.

A Telegram bot is an automated feature that allows the app’s users to submit or ask for information. Some of the bots run by Ukraine‘s government allow people to report the whereabouts of Russian military hardware and personnel inside Ukraine.

The GUR had said that “management of the Telegram platform unreasonably blocked a number of official bots that have opposed Russia‘s military aggression against Ukraine, including the (GUR) bot”.

By morning, Ukraine‘s Centre for Strategic Communication said that three affected bots, used by Ukraine‘s SBU security service, GUR and digital ministry for the war effort had been unblocked.

A Telegram spokesperson said bots were “temporarily disabled due to a false positive but have since been reinstated”, without giving further details.

Ukraine's farm minister welcomes end of Polish border blockade

Ukraine’s farm minister welcomed the ending of a months-long border blockade by Polish protesters, which he said followed productive talks with Poland.

“The negotiations that took place were not easy, but the main thing is that we have a result,” Mykola Solsky was quoted as saying in a statement from the ministry.

Polish protestors stop blocking cargo vehicles at Ukraine crossing point

Polish protesters have stopped blocking cargo vehicles at the Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska crossing point, The Kyiv Independent reported on Monday.

Ukraine’s Border Guard Service said in a statement that trucks carrying grain crops to Poland would still not be allowed passage, except for those transiting to other countries.

Zelensky says Ukraine is focusing on improving drone operations

Volodymyr Zekensky said Ukraine is making “every effort to increase our capabilities in drone operation” in a post on X today.

The Ukrainian president also thanked all those involved in the production which is helping to “protect Ukrainian skies”.

A Ukrainian court ordered the detention of the country’s farm minister on Friday in the latest high-profile corruption investigation, while Kyiv security officials assessed how they can recover lost battlefield momentum in the war against Russia.

Ukraine is trying to root out corruption that has long dogged the country. A dragnet over the past two years has seen Ukraine’s defense minister, top prosecutor, intelligence chief and other senior officials lose their jobs.

Read more here:

Ukraine spy agency says Telegram platform blocks its key bots

Ukraine‘s military spy agency GUR said on Monday that the management of the Telegram messaging platform has blocked a number of official bots that opposed Russia‘s military aggression against Ukraine.

“Today, the management of the Telegram platform unreasonably blocked a number of official bots that opposed Russia‘s military aggression against Ukraine, including the main Intelligence bot,” GUR said in a statement posted on the Telegram.

“Despite the blocking of our bot - your personal data is safe.”

Telegram’s press service did not immediately reply to Reuters’ request to comment.

A bot is a software application that can run on its own following instructions and is programmed to perform certain tasks. It can mimic conversation with people, among others, or collect content.

The Dubai-based Telegram messaging app, one of the most popular social media platforms, was founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after he refused to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on another social media platform, which he had sold.

Ukraine pushes to get military-age men to come home

Ukraine’s foreign minister doubled down on the government’s move to bolster the pool of fighting forces by cutting off consular services to conscription-age men outside the country, saying it was a question of “justice.”

“It’s about justice -- justice in the relationship between Ukrainian men abroad and Ukrainian men inside of Ukraine,” he said on Friday.

Earlier this month, Ukraine lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25 in an effort to bolster the size of its military.

“The situation at the front has worsened,” he wrote on the Telegram app, describing the “most difficult” areas as west of occupied Maryinka and northwest of Avdiivka, the town captured by Russian forces in February.

Record 30 per cent rise in Russian men aged 31-59 with disabilities

Russian demographers have recorded a 30 per cent increase in Russian men aged 31-59 with disabilities since 2023, attributing the rise to military casualties since the war began.

Russian journalists jailed on ‘extremism’ charges for alleged Navalny group work

Two journalists have been arrested in Russia on charges of “extremism” amid claims from the Kremlin they were connected to groups founded by late Russian politician and freedom fighter Alexei Navalny.

Journalists Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin both denied the charges of alleged “participation in an extremist organisation” with a penalty of six years in jail.

They are just the latest media personnel targeted amid a government crackdown on dissent and independent media that has intensified after the invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.

The Russian government passed laws criminalising what it deems as false information about the military, or statements seen as discrediting the military, effectively outlawing any criticism of the war in Ukraine or speech that deviates from the official narrative.

Forbes magazine Russian journalist Sergei Mingazov was also arrested on charges of spreading false information about the Russian military, his lawyer said on Friday.

Mr Gabov and Mr Karelin are accused of preparing materials for a YouTube channel run by Navalny’s Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which Russian authorities have outlawed.

Ukraine pulls US-provided Abrams tanks from the front lines over Russian drone threats

Ukraine pulls US-provided Abrams tanks from front lines over Russian drone threats