Back to China 2022: Travel

Sep 6, 20224 min read

After roughly two years since COVID-19 restrictions in China, international students from dozens of countries can apply to X1 visas (student visa with over 180 days of stay).

Here is a quick guide on what to consider as an international student travelling back to China:

The notice is only for students on X1 visas. (X2 or study stays shorter than 180 days are not yet being issued).
Nucleic acid test (PCR) results are mandatory. There are authorized laboratories in each departure country. The consulate/embassy of People's Republic of China in your country will have the list of places from where the PCR is accepted.
Quarentine is mandatory. There is no need to book in advance. Once you arrive the time and location of your quarentine hotel will be assigned to you.
Visa application procedures and travel restrictions can vary from country to country. This is some information I have gathered as an international student from Mexico.

VISA

To apply for the visa, consulate procedures have changed. There is a new format to be filled in online V2013. For filling in the format, have in hand a passport picture (white background), your passport, admission letter, JW201/202 format (given to international students in China).

Before you go to the embassy, do check to have:

Two passport photos
Passport & one copy of the passport
Admission letter & copy of admission letter
V2013 Format (the online format that you previously filled in)
Visa appointment (printed with the V2013 format)
JW201/202 & copy of JW201/202
Returning letter from the university (this is a letter that your university must write to you where you are given the permission to go back)
Proof of vaccination & Copy of proof of vaccination

COVID19 TRAVEL

a) Vaccination Record

As you previously presented a proof of complete vaccination to get the Visa, you must already be fully vaccinated (two or three doses according to the vaccine). Officials could ask for documents, including the proof of vaccination before boarding. Do have it at hand.

b) PCR Test

Entry restrictions to People's Republic of China have changed in the past few months. Up to today (Sep 06, 2022) there is the need to complete 2 nucleic acid tests (also called PCR) in different laboratories. One must be 48 hours before boarding. The other one must be 24 hours before boarding. Once you have gotten both negative test results from two different authorized testing centers, you upload them to get a Health Certificate.

Note: Information from the embassy was updated last on Sep 02 but still references some information from March 29. Consider the latest information where it requires only 2 PCR test results from different labs.

c) Health Code

The health code is issued by the country where you are boarding your plane. This might be confusing for people who make multiple stopovers or transit. PR China recommends the least stopovers. The health certificate will be issued online. You might check travel restrictions and procedures at the consulate/embassy of China at the departure country (if that flight is within the 48 hours before).

Note: Double check authorized centers and appointment dates so that the results are on time.

d) Quarentine

Quarentine costs can vary from 300 to 600 rmb, including food (closer to 350 rmb on average). You might not be able to choose the quarentine hotel. It will be arranged to you on arrival. This is determined by the address you give as your permanent residence and availability.

Duration of quarentine stay will also be determined for you on arrival. For most locations within China, quarentine is currently 7 days (+ 3 days according to the province). That if no COVID-19 symptoms appear and you get negative COVID-19 test results during quarentine.

e) Transit

Remember there are different requirements according to your journey. Changes can be in the Health Code (HDC mark), and points a) to d) of this section. I use multiple channels to check: including Sherpa, friends from WeChat and official websites. All links are below.

JOURNEY

I will take the route MEX- DFW- PVG on Sep 21. You can wait on an update of the journey.

So far, I went to the Embassy of China in Mexico to pick the original Letter of Admission and the JW201 format at Av. San Jerónimo 217b, Tizapán San Ángel, La Otra Banda, Álvaro Obregón, 01090 Ciudad de México, CDMX on Monday August, 29.

I went to the Consular Section of China in Mexico city at Rio de la Magdalena 172, Tizapán San Ángel, Loreto y Campamento, Álvaro Obregón, 01090 Ciudad de México, CDMX on Tuesday August, 30. (I could not go the same date because the visa appointment was done online later on August 29). If you plan ahead you can do it in the same day.

They are two different addresses. They are close to each other. Procedures to enter are similar: You must leave all items outside (including all bags and cellphone). Avoid bringing them with you or ask someone to accompany you if possible.

I went once more to the consular section of China on August 31 because the first time I was missing a document and the passport photos. Review you have all documents with you, the list is at the (VISA) part of this entry.

On September 05, I picked my visa up after I paid the fee at the bank.

Today is September 06 and I sent an email to the consulate inquiring about the Health Declaration Form. The question is: Do I need the PR Chinese embassy in the United States of America to issue a new health declaration form or code for me?

Flight: MEX- DFW 6 pm Sep 21 (first flight)

DFW- PVG 8 am Sep 22 (connection flight to China)

NOTES

Other routes with different requirements include:

via Hong Kong

via The Netherlands

via Canada

via Korea

Recommendation: Visit the embassy's links for more information.

Links:

General travel information to China: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions/CHN?affiliateId=sherpa&language=en-US&originCountry=MEX&nationality=USA&departureDate=2022-09-20&tripType=oneWay&transitType=noTransit&fullyVaccinated=true

X1 visa requirements for Mexicans: https://www.mfa.gov.cn/ce/cemx//esp/LSFW/t1158228.htm