Are you planning on traveling to China in the near future? If so, you must understand the most recent COVID-19 travel requirements for international travelers wishing to enter China. The Chinese Government has established specific health codes to protect the public from COVID-19. These health codes require international travelers to take two PCR tests at two separate laboratories that are CLIA-certified and receive negative results on those tests. Travelers must do this within 48 hours of getting on an airplane and flying to China. Otherwise, they won’t be allowed to enter the country. If you need a COVID-19 test for travel to China, give us a call today to schedule your appointment: (858) 255-8325
Learn More About COVID-19 Tests for Travel to China
The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test requires a lab technician to extract a sample of ribonucleic acid from you and amplify it to look for traces of genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. That is the virus which causes COVID-19 to infect the body and strike the respiratory system. The PCR test can effectively detect COVID-19 early before any severe symptoms develop. That is why it’s a required test for all international travelers coming to China.
The Steps for COVID-19 Testing
1) Take the Two PCR Tests
Visit two different CLIA-certified laboratories to get your two separate PCR tests. You must wait 24 hours after the first test before you can take the second test. That means you must do the second test within 24 hours before you board your plane for China. Both tests must come back negative.
2) Apply for a Health Declaration
You must apply for a health declaration at the Chinese Embassy before the 48-hour deadline. They will want to see test reports from the CLIA-certified laboratories showing the date, time, and results of the PCR tests.
The health declaration application and the required documents can get submitted online here. Make sure you have the following documents ready to upload:
• The PCR test results (showing you have negative results)
• A copy of your flight itinerary for China
• A copy of your Passport
• COVID-19 infection history and all previously experienced symptoms
The Chinese Embassy will want to verify the authenticity of the documents you submitted to ensure the information is accurate. Once the embassy has verified the authenticity, they will issue you a copy of your health declaration. You must take this declaration with you on your trip because Chinese officials at the airport will want to see it.
3) Quarantine
Foreign travelers will be required to quarantine for at least seven days after arriving in China. However, some locations in China will require you to quarantine for up to two weeks. Make sure you find out about the quarantine requirement at your Chinese destination before traveling there.
Visit Our Urgent Care for COVID-19 Tests for Travel to China
Urgent Care La Jolla operates a CLIA-certified laboratory in La Jolla. You can come to our facility for one of your two required PCR tests that need to be done before getting on your flight to China. Our turnaround times usually take between 24 to 48 hours, accommodating the 48-hour requirement of the Chinese Embassy. In most cases, you should have your PCR test results back within the same day. If you need a COVID-19 test for travel to China, give us a call today to schedule your appointment: (858) 255-8325
