All passengers flying to China are now required to present negative Covid-19 tests results before boarding their flight, says the country’s civil aviation regulator.

Passengers on China-bound flights have to take a Covid-19 test within five days before boarding, and tests should be carried out in facilities designated or recognised by overseas Chinese Embassies or Consulates, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said on its website.

Chinese passengers are required to take photos of and upload their negative Covid-19 test results using the international version of the health QR code mini program on WeChat. Meanwhile, foreign passengers should apply to the Chinese embassy or consulate for a health declaration letter with negative Covid-19 test results, says CAAC.

“Chinese Embassies will carefully evaluate the nucleic acid testing capabilities of the countries of their residence and issue specific implementation measures as appropriate,” reads a statement from CAAC.

According to The International Air Transport Association (IATA), restrictions for passengers travelling to China also include the following:

  • Mainland China has temporarily suspended entry for foreign nationals with visas issued before March 28, 2020.  Entry by foreign nationals with APEC Business Travel Cards has been suspended as well.
  • Foreign nationals coming to mainland China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates.
  • Passengers arriving at Beijing (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shenzhen (SZX) or Xiamen (XMN) are subject to medical screening and quarantine for 14 days.

A number of airlines have either resumed or announced plans to restart their China routes this month. This includes Finnair, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways.