Travel Gossip: Updates to China Customs Health Declaration

By Billy Jiang, September 22, 2023

0 0

Traveling can be an exciting adventure... but dealing with customs and health declarations a tedious task. 

For those who frequently cross the borders of the Chinese mainland, the Health Declaration Code process is a familiar (wearisome) ritual, requiring travelers – both Chinese citizens and foreigners alike – to provide a plethora of information.

This typically includes details about the traveler's residence history over the past 14 days, their health condition, flight information, and – until recently – a pre-departure COVID test result. 

READ MORE: China Scraps COVID Tests for Inbound Travelers

However, a significant update on September 16, has simplified this process once again.

Key Changes

  • Removal of Certain Declaration Fields: Gone are the days of specifying your domestic residence and seat number on your flight. These fields have been eliminated from the declaration.

  • Simplified Reporting for Residence History and Contact Information: The requirement to provide extensive details about your travel history and contact information has been streamlined.

These changes have led to a significant reduction in the number of fields that travelers need to complete when applying for Health Declaration Codes. 

  • For entry declarations, the information has been reduced from 18 items to 10. 

  • For exit declarations, it has gone from 17 items to 9. 

  • Travelers between Chinese mainland and Hong Kong or Macau now only need to complete 9 items, down from 11.

WeChat-Image_20230920114436.jpg

The updated user interface for Health Declaration. Screenshot by That's

While travelers will still need to apply for a Health Declaration Code each time they enter or exit the Chinese mainland, these ongoing optimizations and simplifications in the process suggest a future where these declarations might become even more hassle-free.

WeChat-Image_20230920114707.jpg

A must have image on your phone. China Customs Health Declaration WeChat mini program code.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an occasional globetrotter, these changes should make your journey a bit smoother. For more travel-related updates and information, stay tuned to our WeChat official account, That's GBA!


[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That's]

more news

8 Tips for Managing Your Money in China

Understanding your investment options.

China Welcomes Over 1.98 Million Visa-Free Visitors in Q1

More and more international travelers to enter China.

Travel Gossip: China-US Flights Increase to 100 a Week

Ticket prices have begun to drop!

The Official Expats' Guide to Working & Living in China

The latest edition of the 'Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates'.

FAQ: China's Port Visa & Visa on Arrival

Everything you need to know.

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at Thats_Shanghai for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shanghai With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Shanghai!

Visit the archives