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Can I travel to China? Travel rules from the UK explained 

In December 2019, a cluster of Chinese citizens in Wuhan reported mysterious flu-like symptoms in what became the start of a pandemic that would change the world as we knew it. Countries closed their borders and leading scientists embarked on a mission to create effective vaccines, leading many travellers to rediscover the wonders on their doorsteps and the concept of the great British staycation .

Fast forward to January 2023, and China is welcoming tourists once again. Hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens will be hoping to travel domestically to join family ahead of Chinese New Year and see in the Year of the Rabbit, while curious international travellers are adding the country to their bucket lists once again for the year ahead.

These are the entry requirements, and the UK government's advice, as of Monday 9 January 2023.

Can I travel to China from the UK, and back again?

Yes, with some restrictions. After almost three years of Covid stalling China’s tourism industry, Thursday 5 January 2023 marked the opening of China’s borders to the world once again. However, as of Monday 9 January 2023, China remains in the midst of a Covid surge, meaning strict rules are in place for travellers wishing to visit the country.

What are the entry requirements for China?

Since international flights to China resumed on Thursday 5 January 2023, all travellers are required to take a pre-departure PCR Covid test in the 48 hours prior to travel. 

Once confirmed, a negative PCR test result can be submitted by filling in a health declaration form on the  China customs website . Negative results can also be submitted on the China customs app or a registered WeChat account. 

Travellers who display symptoms of fever on arrival in China may be asked to take a further antigen test. Self-quarantine will be imposed in the event of a positive test result and mild symptoms, while travellers can be sent to medical institutions for treatment if symptoms are more severe.

The UK government website recommends that all travellers pack a supply of medication to treat flu-like symptoms. It is also recommended that accommodation is stocked with additional food, water and medical supplies in case you are mandated to isolate.

What are the rules on returning to the UK from China?

All travellers aged 12 and over must obtain a negative pre-departure Covid test result no more than two days prior to travelling back from mainland China to the UK. Results are checked by airlines and Border Force officials in the UK. These rules currently apply to travellers on direct and indirect flights, and those arriving in England as a final destination plus anyone transiting through England.

Test results can be provided in the form of a printed document, an email, or text message, and must contain the following information:

• A full name that matches the name on travel documents
• Date of birth or age
• Result of the test
• Date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider
• Name of the test provider and their contact details
• Confirmation of the type of test taken, which can be a lateral flow or PCR

NHS-provided tests cannot be used as pre-departure tests. In addition to the required pre-departure tests when returning from mainland China, travellers arriving at London Heathrow Airport may be asked to undertake a voluntary test on arrival, as part of the UK government’s monitoring of potential new variants.

Are there any other entry requirements for travel to China?

According to the latest UK government website, travellers wishing to visit China on a British Citizen passport can do so by:

• Obtaining an “Invitation Letter” or “Verification Confirmation of Invitation” issued by a provincial foreign affairs office or department of commerce (M or F visa)
• Obtaining a “Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit” (Z visa)
• Visiting a family member with a Z, M, or F visa
• Intending to visit a family member who is a Chinese citizen or who holds a Chinese permanent residence permit
• Qualifying for a high-level talent (R) visa
• Qualifying for a transport crew (C) visa

Visa applications must be made, in person, at a Visa Application Centre. Note that biometric data (scanned fingerprints) has to be provided as part of the application process. Chinese Visa Application Centres in London , Manchester and Edinburgh are operating, but with limited opening hours. The Belfast centre remains closed.

More details, including the process for submitting forms for those still eligible, can be found on the Chinese Embassy website.

For more information and updated rules, visit the   UK government website before travelling. We also recommend ensuring you have valid   travel insurance with Covid cover before taking any trips.

Latest UK-China travel updates – flights, entry requirements and visa processes

• 6th February 2023
• Chamber News

Following the relaxing of pandemic-related travel restrictions, including quarantine requirements for inbound travellers, British and Chinese airlines are resuming their regular services to China for the first time in over two years.

The British Chamber looks forward to increased business engagement in 2023 as a result of these changes – read on to find out more about the latest flights available, entry policies and visa requirements.

Flights between the UK and China increasing

British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic have both announced that they will reinstate their daily flights to China – BA’s flight Shanghai-bound flight will depart from Heathrow on 23 April, while Beijing-bound flights will begin from 3 June, operating four flights a week.

Virgin Atlantic will also resume flights to Shanghai, with the first flight leaving on 1 May. Several Chinese airlines are also operating direct flights to China, including Air China (to Beijing), China Southern (to Guangzhou), and China Eastern (to Shanghai).

There are of course many other flight routes to China involving transfer via Europe, Hong Kong, or other destinations – if taking a non-direct route, please note pandemic/visa requirements in the transit country as well.

Click here to read more about the new flights (in English), or visit airlines’ websites directly for full ticketing information.

Entry requirements to China

As of 8 January 2023, all travellers to China need a negative PCR test to enter the country – this should be done within 48 hours of your flight TO CHINA  – please note these timings if you are transiting through a third country. Tests are available at major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh airports, or you can search for a local provider. Companies such as Randox have multiple locations across the UK providing PCR tests for travel – click here to read the full list of Randox testing locations.

This test result will be checked upon your departure from the UK, and a physical printout is recommended. You will also be asked to fill in a Health Declaration Form from China Customs on arrival in China – a QR code will be available to scan and complete this form upon arrival.

Please note all children over 2 years old also require a negative PCR test result.

Entry requirements to the UK

If you are travelling to the UK from China, you are also required to take a pre-departure Covid test (as of 5 January 2023) for anyone aged 12 and over. Please note the test result must include ENGLISH translation – please check in advance with your local hospitals to find one which can provide testing in English.

The test can be either printed or in the form of an email or text message – to read the full list of requirements, please click here to visit the UK government website.

Visa requirements

Getting a chinese visa as a uk national.

Applications for business visas, work visas and other visa types are open, although tourist visas remain unavailable for the time being.

The UK has Chinese visa centres in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. After making an online application, applicants will be required to attend the visa centre in person and have their fingerprints collected (excepting children 13 and under, and adults 70 and over).

To find out more about Chinese visa requirements and to apply directly, click here to see the latest announcement from the Chinese Embassy in the UK (updated on 8 January 2023).

Getting a visa for the United Kingdom as a Chinese national

The visa type you need will depend on the purpose and length of your stay – the UK government has a tool on their website for you to check the visa type you need to apply for. There are 15 UK visa centres in China; please note you will need to apply online and confirm your appointment before attending in person.

Click here to find out more about how to get a UK visa – guidance available in Chinese once you select which visa you are applying for. To find out where your nearest UK visa centre is and what you need to bring, please click here .

Please note that this article is up-to-date as of its publication on 6 February 2023. Travel requirements may change at any moment – we recommend you follow the links provided in this article to the UK government websites and Chinese Embassy in the UK for the most up-to-date information.

If you or your business are facing any issues with flights, visas or entry requirements, please let us know at:

[email protected]

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Can I travel to China from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter China.

Can I travel to China if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter China without restrictions.

Can I travel to China without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter China without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter China?

Visitors from the United Kingdom 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 the United Kingdom 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 .

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News and Insights

Latest news, latest testing requirements for travel from uk to china.

1. People going to China are required to take two nucleic acid rt-PCR tests within 48 hours before departure, and at least one of the nucleic acid rt-PCR tests should be taken within 12 hours before departure. For flights departing from the UK between 0:00 and 18:00, if it is difficult to conduct the last PCR nucleic acid test sampling within 12 hours before departure, a second PCR nucleic acid test sampling can be conducted within 24 hours before departure, and a rapid antigen test can be added within 12 hours before departure.

2. The relevant tests shall be conducted in designated institutions (please click on the "Read more" at the end of the article to check the list of designated institution). Passengers can decide to do all tests in the same inspection institutions or choose to do so at a combination of different locations. Personnel with negative test results can then apply for the health code at the Chinese Embassy or Consulates General: Chinese citizens apply through the WeChat mini-programme called "Epidemic Prevention Code, International Edition", while foreigners apply through the web version of the health declaration form.

3. When submitting the health code application, the following materials are required:  all test reports, the passport information pages, and an air ticket itinerary . Other materials are not required unless specially requested by the embassy or consulate at the destination. Please click " Read more " for more information. For those who combine different tests at different testing institutions, when applying, please select the institution that performed the last nucleic acid rt-PCR test as your testing institution.

4. The Chinese Embassy or Consulates General in the UK will issue health codes to eligible passengers in a timely manner. Considering that it takes time to verify the health codes, travelers to China are suggested to submit the application  at least three hours  before departure from the UK and keep mobile phone communication unblocked to avoid missing calls.

5.  People with a history of infection are required to start pre-examination at least six weeks in advance and only require two nucleic acid rt-PCR test reports after recovery . There is no specific institution where one must conduct the test, but the test report must indicate that they are PCR tests. Please submit your pre-examination application to the Chinese Embassy and or corresponding Consulate-General according to your region. The contact information are as follows:

The Chinese Embassy in the UK

[email protected]

The Chinese Consulate General in Manchester

[email protected]

The Chinese Consulate General in Edinburgh

[email protected]

The Chinese Consulate General in Belfast

[email protected]

6. The requirements for close contacts and people with suspected symptoms remain unchanged.

7. After landing in the UK (including Gibraltar), the crew will be tested and apply for a health code in accordance with the requirements of ordinary travelers to China.  There is no need to be quarantined for 14 days .

8. During the transition period from the date of this notice to  23rd May , health codes will be issued to those who are tested in accordance with the new and old requirements.

9. The testing requirements are adjusted based on the Covid situation and we will continue to make adjustments to the relevant requirements when needed. The global Covid situation is still serious and there is a high risk of cross-infection among international travelers. The Chinese Embassy or Consulates General in the UK would like to remind everyone to try to avoid long-distance or cross-border travel, and not to travel if it is not essential nor urgent: " non-essential, non-urgent, do not travel. "

This article is subject to the Chinese Embassy in the UK. Please click here to see the original notice.

China Travel Restrictions & Travel Advisory (Updated June 17, 2024)

Visa-Free Access to China : If you're from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland, you can visit China visa-free for 15 days until December 31st, 2025. If you're from Singapore, you can relish visa-free access to China for up to 30 days.

If your nationality isn't listed above or if you aim to discover China for more than two weeks, we offer a Port Visa Service for just US$100 per person  once your tour booking is confirmed with us. No stress of embassy visits and visa interviews.

Content Preview

• What Ways to Enter China
• Do I Still Need a PCR Test to Enter China
• Hong Kong/Macau Travel Restriction

International Flights to China

What to expect when traveling in china, best times to travel to china, 8 ways to enter china: all open now.

Since China has fully permitted visa applications, there are now several ways to enter the country.

If you still hold a valid Chinese visa (any type including a tourist visa, 10-year visa, a port visa, etc.), you can use it to enter China.

If you don't have a Chinese visa or your visa has expired, you can apply for a new one. All visas can now be applied for, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and so on. (International visitors can apply for a tourist visa to the Chinese Mainland in Hong Kong.)

For the documents required for a visa application, you can refer to the information given by a Chinese embassy/consulate . Please submit your application at least two months in advance.

To apply for a tourist visa (L visa), you will be asked to provide an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency or individual or round-trip air tickets and hotel bookings.

When booking a private tour with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter, which is one more thing we do to make your travel more convenient, giving you more flexibility with your air tickets and hotel bookings.

Now it is very easy to apply for a visa . You can easily apply by yourself without an intermediary. The following is how one of our clients successfully applied for a Chinese tourist visa:

• First, fill out the form at the China Online Visa Application website ;
• Second, make an appointment on this website to submit your visa materials on Appointment for Visa Application Submission website ;
• Third, take the required documents to the embassy to submit;
• Finally, you will get a return receipt if your documents are qualified.

Usually, you will get your visa after 7 working days. The application fee is about USD185 for US citizens.

Q: What if my passport expires but my visa doesn't?

A: You can travel to China on the expired passport containing valid Chinese visa in combination with the new passport, provided that the identity information (name, date of birth, gender, nationality) on both passport identical.

If there is a change to any of the above details, you must apply for a new visa.

2. 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

If you do not apply for a Chinese visa, you may still have the opportunity to visit these areas of China visa free: the Shanghai area (including Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.), the Beijing area (with Tianjin and Hebei), the Guangzhou area (Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.), and more. Take advantage of the 6-day visa-free entitlements.

Find out if you could use the 144-hour visa-free transit policy with our information on China's 144-hour Visa-Free Policy (Eligible Entry/Exit Ports, Applicable Countries, Documents to be Prepared...)

You can also obtain entry and exit control policies through the 24-hour hotline of the National Immigration Administration:

• Beijing: 0086 (+86)-10-12367
• Shanghai: 0086 (+86)-21-12367
• Guangzhou: 0086 (+86)-20-12367

Quick Test: Will My Route Qualify for China 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

1. I will depart from (only applies to direct or connected flight):

2. I will arrive in China at [city], [airport / railway station / port].

3. My arrival date is...

4. I will leave for [country/region] from China (the bounding destination on the air ticket):

5. My departure date is...

6. My nationality is...

8. I have Chinese visa refusal stamps in my passport.

You qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour visa-free policy.

You qualify to enjoy China's 144-hour visa-free policy.

You don't qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free policy.

Reason you don't qualify:

• You must be in transit to a third country or region.
• You must leave the city area (prefecture or municipality) after the 72/144 hours (the 72/144-hour limit is calculated starting from 00:00 on the day after arrival, i.e. 24:00 on the arrival date).
• Your passport must be valid for more than 3 months at the time of entry into China.
• Your passport nationality is not eligible for the 72/144-hour visa exemption program.
• You have Chinese visa refusal stamps in your passport.

3. Port Visas (Landing Visas)

If you don't have time to get a visa, or if you find it cumbersome to apply for a tourist visa, you could consider traveling to China through a port visa.

Port visas can be applied for a group at least including 2 people. You need to enter the country within 15 days after you get your entry permit. The port visa allows a stay period of 1 to 2 months.

Applicable ports include Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Guilin, Xi'an, Chengdu, etc.

Book your China trip with us and we can help you apply for a port visa.

4. Visa Exemption for ASEAN Tour Groups to Guilin

In addition, tour groups from ASEAN member countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines, can visit Guilin for 144 hours without visas as long as they meet the visa-free transit policy requirements.

5. Shanghai Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Groups

Shanghai has a 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering China via a cruise. You must arrive and depart on the same cruise and be received by a Chinese travel agent at the Shanghai Cruise Terminal (or Wusong Passenger Center).

6. Hainan Visa-Free Access

No visa is required for staying on Hainan Island for up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders from 59 countries. Groups and individual tourists must book a tour through an accredited travel agency.

Find out whether you qualify for the policy here .

7. Visa Exemption for the Pearl River Delta Area

International travelers from Hong Kong or Macau are able to visit the Pearl River Delta area (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.) visa-free as long as they go with a registered tour provider, such as us.

8. APEC Cards

If you hold a valid APEC business travel card, you can simply enter China with the card without applying for a visa.

Travelers who hold a valid APEC business travel card can stay in China for up to 60 days.

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Do I Still Need a PCR Test or Antigen Self-Test to Enter China

No. Starting from August 30, all travelers entering China will no longer need to undergo any COVID-19 testing. You do not need to submit any test results for COVID-19 before departure.

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Hong Kong / Macau Travel Restriction

Hong kong entry requirements.

Travelers from any region bound for Hong Kong will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 tests (no PCR test, no RAT test) from April 1.

There is also no need for any tests when traveling from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland. Hong Kong could be a good gateway for your China trip. See suggestions on China Itineraries from Hong Kong (from 1 Week to 3 Weeks).

Direct high-speed trains from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Hong Kong are available now. In preparation for the Canton Fair, it is expected that direct high-speed ferries will be launched from Guangzhou Pazhou Port to Hong Kong's airport in mid-April.

• 10 Top China Tours from Hong Kong

Macau Entry Requirement

From August 30, travelers from any region bound for Macau will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 tests (no PCR test, no RAT test).

There is also no need for any tests when traveling from Macau to the Chinese Mainland.

Inbound and outbound international flights in the week beginning March 6th rose by more than 350% compared with a year earlier, to nearly 2,500 flights, according to Chinese flight tracking data from APP Flight Master.

At present, there are one or two direct flights a week from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Beijing, Seattle to Shanghai, London to Guangzhou, etc.

There are also many flight options with stopovers that are more frequent and affordable. Testing at transit airports is now not required!

The Coronavirus outbreak in China has subsided. China looks like it did in 2019 again. No special measures (like PCR tests or health codes) are required when traveling around China. All attractions are open as normal.

Wearing a mask is not mandatory when traveling. In hotels, masks are off for the most part. But in some crowded places, such as airports or subway stations, many people still wear masks.

Weather-wise, the best times to visit China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when most of the popular places have their most tourism-friendly weather, except for the "golden weeks" — the first week of May and of October — when most attractions are flooded with Chinese tourists.

If you are looking for smaller crowds, favorable prices, and still good weather, you should consider March and April or September.

Tourism in cultural and historical destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an is hardly affected by weather conditions. They are suitable to be visited all year round.

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Tour China with Us

We've been building our team for over 20 years. Even over the past three years we have continued, serving over 10,000 expats with China tours and getting a lot of praise (see TripAdvisor ).

We are based in China and can show you the characteristics and charm of China from a unique perspective. Just contact us to create your China trip .

Our consultants will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and prepare the best plan for you.

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China travel alerts

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Last updated: Monday 3 rd June 2024 2:07pm (UK Time)

Please check the travel advice for all countries in your itinerary .

Entry requirements

Travel bans.

Ahead of your flight to Shanghai, you are no longer required to take a PCR or Antigen Test within 48 hours of travel.

From 1st November 2023, it will no longer   be a mandatory requirement to fill out an online health declaration form before arrival in Shanghai. You should still complete the  online health declaration form  if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or other infectious diseases.

Upon arrival, you will no longer be required to quarantine. If you display any Covid-19 symptoms upon arrival you may be asked to take an antigen Covid-19 test, any customer who tests positive from this test will either be advised to self-quarantine or seek treatment from a medical institution.

Non-nationals still require a visa to enter mainland China

If you need a Chinese visa, we can help. We've partnered with VisaCentral, the global visa and passport experts. They can apply on your behalf for a fee. And if you're a Flying Club member, you'll also earn two points for every £1 you spend.

Apply for your visa now

You can also apply for your visa through the Chinese Embassy in London:

Chinese Embassy

Tel: 020 7299 4049

Opening hours Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 12:00; 14:00 - 17:00

For fully vaccinated travellers

Pre-departure tests.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China.

China's entry requirements differ, depending on your nationality and the reason for your visit. If you're not a Chinese national, you will usually need a visa to enter the country, which you should get before you travel

If you're staying for less than 6 days, you may not need a visa.

For more information and advice, contact the  Chinese Embassy.

Apply for a Chinese visa

If you need a Chinese visa, we can help. We've partnered with VisaCentral, the global visa and passport experts. They can apply on your behalf for a fee. And if you're a Flying Club member, you'll also earn two miles for every £1 you spend.

Tel:  020 7299 4049

Opening hours  Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 12:00; 14:00 - 17:00

Visa exemptions for shorter visits

If you're due to leave China to travel to another country within 6 days of your arrival, you might not need a visa. You'll be allowed to stay within the administrative precincts of Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province for up to 144 hours.

On arrival in China, you'll need to show valid onward travel documents to the immigration officer, confirming your planned departure within this time period.

You need to be a resident of one of the following countries to be eligible for an exemption:

Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America

Find out more from the  Chinese Embassy.

Information for UK passport holders

If you are a UK passport holder visiting China, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your visa application. If you have less than 6 months’ validity on your passport, but still have a valid visa, you should be able to enter China for the duration of that visa.

This guidance is for UK passport holders only.  Passengers from other countries  should check with the necessary Government department in their country of residence for travel information.

Foreign visitors aged between 14 and 70 will have bio-information such as fingerprints collected upon arrival

For non vaccinated travellers

From 08 January China will open its borders to foreign travellers.

It’s now your personal choice whether to wear a facemask onboard, and they’re available for anyone wishing to wear one during the flight. Face masks are reccommended but not required in the terminal in Shanghai, and health packs containing masks will be handed out at the gate at London Heathrow.

Shanghai Airport guide

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Help topics

Travellers arriving in England from China will need to show negative COVID test

England follows a growing list of countries tightening the rules on arrivals from China as the country deals with a big jump in cases after scrapping many of its tough coronavirus laws.

Saturday 31 December 2022 04:40, UK

People arriving in England from mainland China will have to provide a negative COVID test before flying, the government has said.

A growing list of countries, including the US, have announced similar rules in recent days.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the "precautionary and temporary" measure would take effect from 5 January.

The negative test must have been done no more than two days before departure.

Some arrivals will also be tested for potential new COVID variants, although it's believed those circulating in China are the same as in the UK and the rest of Europe.

The government said it was working with the administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to get the same rules in place there.

However, there are no direct flights to those nations from China.

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Related Topics:

There has been a surge in infections in China after it rowed back some of its notoriously tough coronavirus rules, such as regular PCR testing.

With its border controls also being eased next week and more people set to travel abroad, there are worries it could lead to an increase in global cases.

Officials estimated 250 million people are likely to have contracted the virus in the first 20 days of December, according to leaked notes.

Shanghai last week had 5.43 million positive cases but the true number may be much higher as asymptomatic cases are no longer recorded.

China has been hit with the new rules because of "a lack of comprehensive health information", the Department of Health said.

It added: "The situation remains under review and the UK is working with China on next steps. If there are improvements in information sharing and greater transparency, then temporary measures will be reviewed."

Health Secretary Steve Barclay said the country was taking a "balanced and precautionary approach".

Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor at the UK Health Security Agency, said the rise in cases in China was believed to be "due to low natural immunity and lower vaccine uptake including boosters rather than the emergence of new COVID-19 variants".

Spain, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the US and India are among those to have recently introduced new rules on arrivals from the country.

On Friday, France's transport minister said it would also bring in changes from 1 January.

Negative tests will be needed before flying from China, masks must be worn on the plane and tests will be carried out on arrival in France.

COVID regulations for different countries

US : Starting on 5 January, the US will bring in mandatory COVID-19 tests on travellers from China. All plane passengers aged two and above will have to have a negative result no more than two days before leaving from the mainland, Hong Kong or Macau. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Americans should also reconsider travel to those places.

JAPAN : The country will require a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival for travellers from mainland China. Those who test positive will be required to quarantine for seven days. New border measures for China will come into effect at midnight on 30 December. The government will also limit requests from airlines to increase flights to China.

INDIA : From 1 January, people travelling to India from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand must have a negative COVID before their departure and upload it on an Indian government website.

ITALY : The nation has ordered COVID-19 antigen swabs and virus sequencing for all travellers coming from China. Milan's main airport, Malpensa, has started testing passengers arriving from Beijing and Shanghai.

TAIWAN : Beginning on 1 January, all passengers on direct flights from China, as well as by boat at two offshore islands, will have to take PCR tests upon arrival.

SOUTH KOREA : The nation will require travellers from China to provide a negative COVID test result before departure.

SPAIN : People travelling from China to Spain will be required to test negative for COVID or prove they have been fully vaccinated against the disease.

MALAYSIA : The country will screen body temperatures of all inbound travellers, including those from China, and those detected with fever or other symptoms will be tested for COVID. It will also sample wastewater from aircraft arriving from China for coronavirus and will conduct tests to detect the entry of any new variants.

FRANCE : Negative tests will be needed before flying from China from 1 January, masks must be worn on the plane and tests will also be carried out on arrival in France.

COUNTRIES MONITORING THE SITUATION

AUSTRALIA : Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia was continuing to monitor the situation in respect of China "as we continue to monitor the impact of COVID here in Australia as well as around the world".

PHILIPPINES : The country is being "very cautious" and could impose measures such as testing requirements on visitors from China, but not an outright ban, transportation secretary Jaime Bautista said.

The European Union's health agency has said the introduction of mandatory COVID screenings of travellers from China is "unjustified".

Reacting to the UK government announcement, Tory MP Craig Mackinlay said he was "opposed to new, creeping moves towards restrictions and lockdowns" but "preventing entry to positive cases is a sensible move".

Read more: Is UK risking new variants without action on Chinese travellers? Zero-COVID U-turn means infection rate will be shrouded in secrecy Half of passengers on China flight to Italy have COVID

China has rejected criticism of its COVID data and said it expects future mutations to be potentially more transmissible but less severe.

The country's own requirement for international travellers to quarantine is ending on 8 January . It's thought to no longer be effective given the high number of infections now circulating within the country.

However, incoming travellers will still need to show a negative test before departure.

China's loosening of the rules followed a rare wave of protests over the country's COVID laws that appeared to surprise its leaders.

There are fears the increase in cases there could lead to many deaths because of the relatively low percentage of elderly and vulnerable people who are fully vaccinated.

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China travel restrictions: Which countries have new Covid rules for Chinese arrivals and what the UK is doing

China will restart international travel on 8 january.

When China relaxes border rules on Sunday 8 January, the UK, US, several EU members, India and Japan will be among the countries imposing fresh Covid border rules on its travellers.

The UK Government will require passengers aged 12 or over on direct flights from China to show proof of a negative Covid test before boarding a plane, citing lack of transparency from China about the scale of the Covid epidemic in the country and its surge in cases of the virus.

The European Union is working on a coordinated approach on how to handle arrivals from China, after Spain , France and Italy announced testing rules. Meanwhile, the Belgian government said it would test wastewater from planes arriving from China to detect any new Covid variants.

Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, is among the industry leaders to have criticised these new restrictions. He said: “It is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years.

“Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections”

China has threatened to reciprocate with entry restrictions for visitors from countries that implement rules for Chinese arrivals.

What are the UK’s rules on arrivals from China?

The UK measures will come into force on Thursday 5 January. Travellers aged 12 or over arriving from mainland China on a flight to England will be required to take a pre-departure Covid test. However, testing on arrival will be voluntary and those who test positive will not be subject to self-isolation or quarantine.

The only direct flights running from China are to Heathrow and Manchester airports. However, passengers who travel from China via a connecting flight with a ticket showing the UK as the final destination will also be subject to testing requirements.

Passengers landing in Manchester on a plane from China will not be offered voluntary Covid tests.

Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, said: “China’s lack of reliable Covid data means these sensible, proportionate and temporary measures are needed ahead of their borders reopening.”

He added that the measures were to collect data on China’s Covid epidemic as the country has been reluctant to share its own.

The rules do not apply to arrivals from Hong Kong.

England is among a list of countries that plan to detect and assess any new Covid variants through these testing measures.

More from Travel

Which other countries are imposing rules on travellers from China?

• South Korea 

What are China’s new travel rules and can I visit?

China will lift its quarantine rule for inbound travellers on Sunday 8 January and it will resume visa applications for residents who wish to travel overseas.

It is not yet clear what the rules will be for international tourists who wish to visit China after 8 January.

However, tour operators are gearing up for a restart. Among them is Wendy Wu tours, a group touring specialist to China, said it has experienced one of its busiest weeks for China enquiries since 2019.

Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu Tours, said that the company was ready to start its first group tours as soon as it receives the final green light from China.

She added that, following the border announcement, this next step was imminent.

“Demand is strong, particularly for the autumn tours running through September to November, plus we’ve seen a steady spike for bookings throughout 2024 and even to 2025.

“Wendy Wu Tours will be the first escorted tour operator back in China, and so given this, we are encouraging customers to keep a close eye on our website and socials for full details of the reopening plus dates for our first departures.”

China previously pursued a zero-Covid policy , and its borders have been effectively closed to tourism since March 2020.

Most Read By Subscribers

Grand Tour of Indochina

£5,990 pp

• £500pp deposit followed by 13 monthly payments of £283pp
• Includes a saving of £600
• Stay in Hanoi, Vietnam's beautiful capital, and enjoy a tour by cycle rickshaw
• Take a leisurely cruise in UNESCO-listed Halong Bay aboard a converted Chinese junk boat
• Be inspiring by the hauntingly beautiful and inspirational countryside with shimmering rice fields
• Stay in Hue, Vietnam's last royal capital, and visit its awe-inspiring Citadel and Forbidden City
• Stay in the heart of Saigon, visiting the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels
• Enjoy a full-day trip on the mighty Mekong Delta, the worlds 10th largest river system
• Stay and tour in Phnom Penh, considered the most beautiful of Indochina's French colonial cities
• Visit the Angkor ruins, a UNESCO-listed temple complex and one of the worlds greatest ancient sites
• Stay in the beautiful colonial city of Luang Prabang, Laos for four nights
• Add travel insurance from £80pp

Day 1: UK - Hanoi

Arrive in Saigon where your local guide will meet you. Spend the morning at the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels before enjoying sightseeing in Saigon, including the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum.

Day 2: Arrival in Hanoi

After check-in we have a wonderful introduction to Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi

Today we explore Hanoi, past and present.

Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise

Today we visit Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay.

Today we fly south to Danang and make our way to the royal capital of Hue.

Day 6: Hue Imperial City

This morning we start with a leisurely river cruise to Thien Mu pagoda.

Day 7: Saigon

Today we fly to Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the locals still insist on calling it.

Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels

This will be a day to remember as we visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels!

Day 9: Mekong River Delta

Today we drive out of Saigon towards the great Mekong River delta.

Day 10: Fly to Phnom Penh

Our last morning in Vietnam and we have just enough time for a morning walk round Saigon centre.

Day 11: Phnom Penh

Today we’ll visit the majestic Royal Palace.

Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Today we journey through the heart of rural Cambodia.

Day 13: Angkor

Today we visit one of the largest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat.

Day 14: Siem Reap Free Day

Today we have left free for you to return to the many monuments of Angkor.

Day 15: Flight to Laos

An afternoon transfer to the airport for the short 1h.30 flight to Luang Prabang.

Day 16: Luang Prabang

After breakfast our walking tour explores the amazing small town of Luang Prabang.

Day 17: Luang Prabang

This morning we take a private boat ride upriver on the Mekong.

Day 18: Luang Prabang

This morning you can witness and even partake in the early morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat.’

Day 19: Return Home

It's time to say goodbye and start your journey home.

Day 20: Arrive Home

We arrive back home after a truly unforgettable tour.

• Guests: 2 Adults
• Duration: 19 Nights
• Board: Various Meals
• Departing: Selected UK Airports
• Offer Date: 18th November 2025
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Mexico Family Holiday

7 days | get beyond the beaches on a family-friendly yucatan adventure.

Take the kind of tropical holiday your kids will talk about for years on this 7-day Yucatan adventure that takes you from the sunny beaches to lush cenotes, lost ruins and bustling cities along the way. Discover the culture and history of the Maya at Chichen Itza and Tulum; take a dip in the turquoise waters of a cenote at Yokdzonot; try your hand at tortilla-making with a Maya family and watch the flamingos paint the sky pink at the Celestun Bird Sanctuary. There’s so much more to Mexico than beaches and palm trees, and this family-friendly trip gets you to all of it.

Trip overview

• Revel in the beach vibes of Playa del Carmen.
• Explore ancient Maya ruins and pyramids at Tulum and Chichen Itza.
• Discover the charm of Merida’s leafy plazas, captivating museums and vibrant city streets.
• Meet local Maya families and learn how to make your own tortillas and dine on a pibil feast baked underground.
• Swim in the crystal-clear fresh waters of a cenote, one of many that some say were formed by the same asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs.
• Mexico's tropical climate can get really hot and humid. Wear loose clothing and always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.
• Try to learn as many Spanish words as you can. Locals are very friendly, but also shy, so you'll need to make plenty of effort to break the ice. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is a great way of showing you care.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Welcome to Playa del Carmen, Mexico! A great destination for families, you may like to arrive early and explore the local area and some of the many activities on offer. Go snorkelling among the mangroves, relax on white sandy beaches or perhaps take a ferry across to Cozumel to experience some of the fantastic diving on offer. At 5pm you'll meet your group leader for an important welcome meeting at the hotel before heading to a nearby restaurant for an included dinner and the opportunity to get to know the other families travelling in your group.

• Hacienda Maria Bonita or similar (1 night)

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details for each member of your family. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today, you’ll head down the coast for a daytrip to the Tulum archaeological site, the sprawling walled grounds of a well-preserved ancient Maya city backed by the Caribbean Sea. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya and stood at the height of its progress during the 13th and 15th centuries and stood for about 70 years after the Spanish occupation began. Get the lay of the land on a guided tour with your leader in the morning, and then spend the afternoon either at the beach or stay in town to perhaps rent some bikes and explore. Return to Playa del Carmen later in the day for a free evening to spend how you’d like.

• Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide)

Today’s driving time is approximately 2 hours total.

Head inland today to Izamal, stopping first at Laguna Chabela where you’ll meet a local Maya family with deep roots in this small town. On a tour of their farm, you and the kids will see what they grow and learn how they live off the land. You’ll even get the chance to learn how to make Coba-style tortillas and enjoy a traditional lunch.

Onwards to Izamal, you’ll pretty quickly understand why some call it the City of Yellow as you arrive among the many yellow ochre buildings. Take in the town on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy some free time to explore the town further or have a swim at the hotel.

• Hotel Tuul or similar (1 night)
• Laguna Chabela - Mayan homestead visit
• Laguna Chavela - Tortilla making demonstration
• Laguna Chavela - Home cooked lunch
• Izamal - Leader-led orientation walk

Today’s driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Today it's onwards towards Merida, the vibrant capital of the state of Yutacan.  Merida bridges very different cultures, which can perhaps be best absorbed from the city’s focal point – the Plaza de la Independencia. Here you are surrounded by colonial-era buildings, many of which were built with stones from the Maya temples that were here before. Join your leader for an orientation walk and stop to buy some sweet marquesitas from a street vendor. Native to Merida, this crepe-like pastry is filled with caramel, jam, chocolate or cheese and rolled up like a taco. Delicious! This rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you like. 

• Hotel Dolores Alba or similar (1 night)
• Merida – leader led orientation walk

Today’s driving time is approximately 1 - 1.5 hours.

After breakfast, we travel west to the Gulf of Mexico coast and take a boat ride to visit the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere reserve, home to vast flocks of flamingos and herons. The area is well-known as the first stop of the migratory path of birds heading from North to Central America. If visiting at the right time, you're likely to witness thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape. A truly magnificent sight especially with the coconut trees lining the shore of the beachhes nearby. Once you return to Merida, you’ll have some free time to relax. Perhaps take a swim in the hotel pool or embark on one last walk around the town.

• Merida - Celestun Biosphere Reserve tour

December to March is the best season to observe flamingos.

Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours total.

This morning we say farewell to Merida to make the return to Playa, but not without a stop at Chichen Itza, UNESCO World Heritage Site and possibly the most famous Maya temple site in all of Mexico. Marvel at the temple of Kukulkan standing high over the ruins, then explore the nearby ‘ball court’. Disputes were typically settled here by way of a ball game that only used the elbows, hips and wrists – stone carvings depicting violence suggest that it wasn’t a casual or friendly sport.  After your visit, you will get to know a local family over a special lunch in the town of Piste. Here you will enjoy a pibil feast, a traditional Maya style of cooking that involves wrapping food in banana leaves and barbecuing it underground.

Today you will also get the chance to cool off and swim in one of the many hidden cenotes – natural sinkholes created when underground limestone collapses and exposes the groundwater beneath, which are dotted all over the Yucatan peninsula. It’s believed that the peninsula’s vast network of sinkholes responsible for these cenotes is a result of an asteroid that crashed here over 66 million years ago, the same one also believed to have wiped out the dinosaurs. What makes the cenote we visit so special, apart from the lush greenery that surrounds it, is that it was developed by a group of local Mayan women as a sustainable and communally owned source of employment for people in their local community. 

• Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch
• Yokdzonot - Cenote visit and swim
• Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)

Today’s driving time to Chichen Itza is approximately 2 hours, and onwards to Playa del Carmen approximately 2.5 hours.

Today marks the final day of your Mexico adventure and you’re free to depart with your family at any time. If you need another day by the beach, consider booking additional accommodation. Alternatively, the airport in Cancun is approximately a 1-hour drive away and we can pre-book a departure transfer for you and your family.

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Private Mini Bus

Hotels (6 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. Minimum age: 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. 3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Speaking opp at Study UK China Counsellors Conference 2024

You are here.

Introduction:

The Study UK China Counsellors Conference aims to build connections and strengthen collaboration between the UK Higher Education Institutions and counsellors across China. UK higher education institutions are invited to participate in panel discussions and deliver presentations at the event in November 2024.   This year there are about 400 international school counsellors participating the conference across China.

With over 154,000 Chinese students currently studying a higher education programme in the UK, this conference will provide UK higher education institutions opportunity to introduce themselves, increase brand awareness and promote relevant programmes amongst a key group of student influencers in China.

Background:

In China, agents and high school counsellors play a vital role in guiding students through their overseas education decision-making process. These counsellors are the front-line representatives for UK education, supporting the recruitment of quality Chinese students and are closely in touch with market sentiments.

Through this conference, UK Universities will have the opportunities to:

• Stay informed on the latest UK policy updates and the potential impact on student recruitment in China market.
• Participate in discussions with industry experts and frontline peers;
• Engage in face-to-face networking with counsellors and international department representatives in state schools;
• Hear about updates and developments from other universities and industry leaders;
• Understand the needs from the counsellor in the market;

Benefits for the speakers and the institutions:

• Promote the advantages of UK universities to key partners.
• Raise your institution’s profile amongst new and existing counsellors in China.
• Establish new connections with quality schools and counsellors.

British Council Study UK China Counsellors Conference:

The British Council would like to invite UK higher education institutions to participate in panel discussions and presentation sessions. The arrangement is as below:

The final speakers will be voted by school counsellors in China. There will be one candidate on the waiting list for each session.

Please note that participating UK universities’ contributions should be from a general perspective and represent the whole of UK higher education, not only promoting their individual universities. Speakers are expected to cover the topics generally but can use examples from their university to illustrate broader points.

Mandarin Chinese will be the main language used at the conferences, to ensure high quality engagement and build trust between UK HEIs and Chinese counsellors.

Action Required

Please fill in attached registration form

Related opportunities

Consultancy: supporting Viet Nam’s ELT development road map

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East Asia Higher Education Week 2025

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Japan Airlines is giving away free domestic flights – here’s how to secure them

Here’s how to explore japan beyond its main cities, article bookmarked.

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Japan Airlines has announced it is offering international passengers complimentary domestic flights to any destination within Japan .

While the majority of tourists come to Japan to explore the high-tech neighbourhoods of Tokyo and Osaka or visit the Buddhist temples of Kyoto, the Japanese airline is encouraging visitors to travel to other areas of the country.

However, Japan Airlines has laid out some requirements to be able to claim this offer.

Visitors must book an international flight with Japan Airlines and a corresponding domestic flight in the same reservation, as separate domestic bookings will not be eligible.

A stopover fee of $100 USD or ¥300 will also be applied to travellers coming in from the US, Canada, Mexico and China if they stay in their first destination in Japan for more than 24 hours.

No additional charges will be applied to passengers from other countries for the domestic segments.

This offer is not available for everyone. Only passengers departing from the following countries can receive the offer: US, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, India, China and Taiwan.

The complimentary domestic flight offer has already opened up in some countries, and the deal will become available to the remaining destinations as per the airline’s schedule throughout September.

While not all countries, including flights from the UK, have not been included in the offer, Japan Airlines said that plans are in place to expand the eligible countries.

Japan Airlines said they are offering this deal to create a seamless travel experience for those who want to explore more of Japan.

For example, a passenger arriving from Singapore could fly into Tokyo and then jet off on a domestic flight to Sapporo in northern Japan for no extra fees.

There are a number of domestic destinations the airline recommends, such as a trip to Hokkaido to embark on hikes in national parks or go skiing at the various alpine resorts.

Wakayama in Japan’s Kansai region is also highlighted as a place to visit due to the vast temple enclave of Koyasan, or Japan’s tallest waterfall at Nachi Falls.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast

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