art for travel to china

Entertainment

Travel to China now only requires ART test

SINGAPORE – Travellers planning to enter China from Singapore now need to submit only a negative result from an antigen rapid test (ART) instead of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

The ART can be performed at home, but must be done within 48 hours before boarding a China-bound flight, said the Chinese Embassy in Singapore in a statement on Wednesday.

Upon getting their ART results, travellers will have to fill in a health declaration form on the China Customs mobile application.

Alternatively, they can do so online at htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn or via a specific WeChat program for China Customs.

Meanwhile, Chinese airlines will no longer check if passengers test negative for Covid-19, the statement said, although travellers could face random inspections once they have landed in China.

“If there are abnormalities in your health declaration, or you are showing symptoms, such as a fever, you are required to take a test by China Customs,” it added.

Travellers who test positive for Covid-19 will be directed to self-quarantine or seek medical treatment, depending on the recommendations dispensed by the local authorities.

The latest move comes amid China’s progressive rollback of Covid-19 restrictions for international travellers.

On Jan 8, China announced the end of mandatory quarantine for all inbound travellers – almost three years after it first shut its borders to curb the spread of Covid-19 in March 2020.

Its pandemic response initially saw inbound travellers undergo 14 days of isolation at a designated hotel, followed by another seven days of health monitoring at home.

[[nid:611866]]

But in June 2022, the number of days were reduced to seven and three respectively, before a further reduction to only five days of isolation at a designated location. The number of days confined at home remained unchanged.

In November, that year the Chinese government also relaxed its requirements on PCR testing for travellers to the country – only one pre-departure PCR test was required instead of two.

As restrictions ease, the number of flights from Singapore to China has also been increasing, with Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) budget arm Scoot planning to progressively restore China flights to more than half of pre-pandemic levels by June.

It currently operates 14 flights each week, a far cry from the 107 before the pandemic. But it hopes to increase that number to 57 by June.

SIA will be ramping up its weekly flights to China, with seven weekly flights each to Beijing and Guangzhou starting in March, up from three to each destination. It will also progressively operate 14 flights to Shanghai every week, up from four.

This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.

Sustainability
Latest News
News Reports
Documentaries & Shows
TV Schedule
CNA938 Live
Radio Schedule
Singapore Parliament
Mental Health
Interactives
Entertainment
Style & Beauty
Experiences
Remarkable Living
Send us a news tip
Events & Partnerships
Business Blueprint
Health Matters
The Asian Traveller

China says 200 million treated, pandemic 'decisively' beaten

After three years of strict COVID-19 restrictions, China announced a nationwide easing of curbs last December.

About a month later on Jan 8, it scrapped quarantine measures for overseas arrivals , requiring travellers to take a PCR test 48 hours pre-flight to enter China.

PCR test results are still required for travellers from many countries, including the United States, South Korea and Japan.

Entry and Exit

Travellers to Mainland China are no longer subject to quarantine on entry since 8 January 2023.

From 30 August 2023, travellers to Mainland China are no longer required to undergo COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests before entering China.

Safety and Security

Lost passports: Singaporeans who lose their passports while travelling in China should report the loss to a neighbourhood police post or the relevant Chinese authority (it is usually the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau). The person concerned should report the loss to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) immediately via the ICA's e-service ("Report Online") using the person's Singpass Account. If a new passport is required, an application may be submitted via ICA's e-Service one working day after reporting the loss. Please refer to ICA's website at https://www.ica.gov.sg/documents/passport/loss for more information. Alternatively, the person may approach the Singapore Embassy or the nearest Singapore Consulate-General with a copy of the Loss of Passport Report from the Police or the relevant authority, one passport-sized photograph (instant photograph is acceptable) and documentary evidence of his/her citizenship (e.g. NRIC or driving license) to report the loss and apply for a new passport.

If you wish to return to Singapore immediately, a Document of Identity (DOI) may be issued to you upon confirmation of your citizenship with ICA. With the DOI, you are required to go to the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau to obtain an Exit Permit before you can leave China. You may be required to prove to the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau that you have registered with a hotel or a local police station when you first arrived in China. This is to facilitate investigation by the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau before they can issue you an Exit Permit to leave China. It normally takes about 5 working days to obtain the Exit Permit for foreigners who have lost their passports in China.

Crime: China is generally safe, particularly in the major cities. Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. Nonetheless, travellers should undertake the usual precautions and be responsible for your own safety and belongings. Please take an authorised taxi where possible.

Beware of fraud: Foreigners have been the target of a number of scams when travelling in China. It is important that you stay informed and vigilant against scams and do not reveal sensitive personal information or bank details to unauthorised personnel.

Road Safety: Pedestrians should be alert at all times to unexpected oncoming traffic. Drivers should note that there are stiff penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.

China has a good public transport system. You will need a valid ID (e.g. passport) to buy a train ticket and may need to show it again before boarding.

Weather: Weather conditions vary across China. The rainy season occurs between April and October. Typhoons can occur in the South and East coasts between May and November. Please monitor the local weather report before travelling to any part of China. Some provinces such as Sichuan and Yunnan are prone to earthquakes as they lie within the active seismic zone.

In case of air pollution, those susceptible to respiratory problems can consider taking necessary precautions. The Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China ( www.mep.gov.cn ) provides a daily update on the Air Quality Index for major cities in China.

To receive the latest news from our China Missions, you may wish to eRegister ( https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg ) once you have confirmed your travel to China.

All foreigners should abide by local laws. The penalties for drug offences are severe.

In accordance with the Chinese Exit-Entry Administration Law, all foreigners are required to register with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel staff will normally register you with the PSB as part of their check-in process. Otherwise, you will have to register yourself at the nearest police station.

Foreigners above 16 years of age are expected to carry their passports with them at all times. Random checks may be carried out by Police during periods of heightened security and political events.

There are restrictions on political activities for foreigners, including participation in public protests. Travellers should exercise caution to avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings.

Additional Information

Elderly, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions should bring along medical prescriptions and medication which may not be available in China.

Tap water in China is generally not potable. Travellers can consider buying bottled water for consumption.

General Travel Advice

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
eRegister with us on our website ( www.mfa.gov.sg ) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

Travel Page

The Straits Times

International
Print Edition
news with benefits
SPH Rewards
STClassifieds
Berita Harian
Hardwarezone
Shin Min Daily News
Tamil Murasu
The Business Times
The New Paper
Lianhe Zaobao
Advertise with us

Only negative ART result needed for China-bound travellers from S’pore