Visa, Travel, and Quarantine Expectations and Recommendations 2021-2022

Table of Contents Validity of Documents ...... 1 Travel Expectations and Recommendations – China 2021 ...... 1 Pre-Departure ...... 1 All travelers must complete: ...... 1 A green health [QR] code will be issued before departure, once you test negative...... 1 Packing and Preparation Suggestions ...... 2 Packing Essentials ...... 2 Packing Recommendations – In checked luggage ...... 2 Suggested food items ...... 3 During Travel ...... 3 What to expect when you arrive at the Chinese airport: ...... 3 Quarantine Expectations – China 2021 ...... 5 China Hotel Quarantine ...... 5 Suggested Questions and Conversations when Checking into the Quarantine Hotel ...... 5 Health Checks ...... 5 Food and Drink ...... 6 Hotel Services ...... 6 Release from 14 Day Quarantine ...... 6 Arrival in and Shenyang ...... 6 Release from 7-Day Quarantine in and Shenyang ...... 7 Reimbursement of Expenses through FHSU ...... 7 **Reimbursable Expenses ...... 7 **Non-reimbursable Expenses ...... 7 Contact Information ...... 7 1

Validity of Documents

• Diploma Authentication – does not expire • Background Check (FBI)– 6 months • Physical Exam – 6 months • Invitation Letter – 90 days • Z Visa (from time entering China) – 90 days • Z Visa (time to convert to a work permit in China) - 30 days • Passport – 6 months before date of departure • Passport – 6 months before applying for Work Permit in China

Travel Expectations and Recommendations – China 2021

Pre-Departure • Download a translation app on your phone • Download and preload PayPal, WeChat Pay or Ali Pay

All travelers must complete:

• A RT-PCR and IgM Antibody within three days of departure in the city of departure. (The Embassy or Consulate must approve the lab facility. Approved labs can be found on the Embassy or Consulate webpage.)

A green health [QR] code will be issued before departure, once you test negative. Documents possibly requested to be issued prior to a health declaration green (QR) code:

1. PCR Results 2. IgM Results 3. Letter from Test Location- Included with returned results 4. Test Location Validation forms- Included with returned results 5. Picture of you getting your blood drawn at test location 6. Picture of you standing with a doctor holding up the blood test samples 7. Picture of your Health Declaration Form printed and signed ahead of time 8. Picture of your passport 9. Picture of your Visa 10. Picture of your passport and the booking information for my COVID test. 11. Picture of flight itinerary 12. Valid Driver's License

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Packing and Preparation Suggestions ** FHSU will reimburse each faculty member for 3 bags (total of $350 maximum in luggage fees per leg) ** One carry on and one personal item permitted for free

Packing Essentials For each traveler you will need the following: o Passport with Z visa o One-time entry visa affixed in your passport o Printed flight itinerary or ticket o Printed boarding card o COVID-19 NAT result document o Green QR code issued on your phone o Your destination/home address in Chinese language (suggest printed and digital) o International School (KIS) Sias University 168 Renmin Road East Xinzheng, , 451150 河南省新郑市人民路东段 168号 P. R. CHINA o College of International Business (CIB) Shenyang Normal University 253 Huanghe North Street Shenyang, Liaoning, 110034 沈阳市黄河北大街253号 P. R. CHINA o Face masks – including children – required in airports and abroad flights o Regular medication for 3 weeks – in original packaging o Printed list of Medical declarations (in English and Chinese language if possible), e.g. allergies, other relevant medical conditions. Recommended to carry in your hand (carry on) luggage o Black ball point pens for filling in forms o Hand sanitizer or wipes o Reusable water bottle – to fill up from pure water canisters o Phone with Chinese SIM card o Power banks for phones, iPads, etc. o Headphones o Neck support pillow o Small, light-weight games and toys to keep younger children occupied en route, e.g. cards, soft toys o For babies: nappies (diapers), cleaning wipes and disposable bags for at least 4 days Packing Recommendations – In checked luggage ** When packing remember that from the point you reach the quarantine hotel you will be separated into your own rooms, so pack bags for individuals for 14 days. o EpiPens if needed o Digital thermometers (1/person) o Small first aid kit 3

o Toiletries for 14 days, including shampoo, shower gel/bath foam, soap, 1 or 2 spare toilet rolls o Comfortable light clothes – you will have to wash your own clothes, so pack items that will wash and dry easily o Flip flops or bedroom slippers o Hand-washing laundry liquid o Water bottle to keep supply of cooled, boiled water o Books, or download e-books and audiobooks o Filtered water bottle o Laptop, iPad, etc. o HDMI cable to watch movies on your laptop via TV screen o Chinese electrical socket adaptors, multiplugs, extension cord o Mini speakers o Exercise equipment, e.g. yoga mat, skipping rope, resistance bands. o Kids electronic devices and toys, e.g. iPad, Nintendo Switch, small balls, Lego, drawing pens and paper, juggling balls, jigsaw puzzles, etc. o Small fan – air conditioning may not be working adequately o Light-weight cutlery Suggested food items ** The hotel will provide three meals, yet many have reported the monotony of the Chinese meals. Thus, you may wish to bring:

o Powdered drinks (Instant Coffee – Folgers instant crystals, Milk, Tea, Lemonade, Drink Singles packets) o Powdered Accents (Salt, Pepper, Creamer, Sugar, Sugar Subs, Honey, Garlic) o Powdered Comfort Food – Soups, Instant Potatoes, Mac N Cheese Cups, Couscous, etc. o Beverages (be mindful of weight) o Chocolate (Chips or Hershey Bars) o Granola, Dried Fruit, (Raisins, cranberries, dates), Trail mixes o Nuts (Cashews, Almonds, Honey Roasted Peanuts, etc.) o Boxes of Protein bars o Crackers and Peanut Butter or Jam o Pop Tarts o Beef Jerky o Other foods normally to take on back-packing trips During Travel • The travel situation and processes are continually changing, so expect the unexpected. • The food and drink service on the aircraft may be very basic. Pack some food and snacks in carry on luggage. • Services may be restricted depending on the airline (i.e., children menus not available, no blankets or pillows). • Keep your (N-95) mask on as much as possible during the flight. Airlines require masks except when eating or drinking • Regulations on airlines are relaxing to some degree. What to expect when you arrive at the Chinese airport: • Upon landing, the aircraft may disembark passengers in groups, either by name or by seat. This could take up to 1-2 hours. You may need to wait on the aircraft for up to 1-2 hours while the passengers are disembarked in groups, either by name or by seat location. • Procedures to get through the airport may take 3-4 hours. o Have your health declaration green QR code ready. 4

o Have your boarding passes ready because you will need proof of flights and seat numbers o Be prepared to fill out multiple forms and declarations for each person in black ink. o Expect to take a COVID test (NAT), temperature checks, QR code scanning • Apply for final destination quarantine at the last “transportation” station. • You may then need to wait for a special bus to transfer you to your assigned hotel where you will wait up to 24 hours for your test results. The transit to your assigned hotel location may take a while as well. • There will be people around to guide you where you need to go. You may not speak Chinese and they may not speak English, but hand gestures and smiles communicate.

If your COVID test result is negative • You will quarantine 14 nights in the arrival city at a designated hotel, selected by the Chinese. • Your health declaration will change from a Green Code to a Red Code for the duration of your quarantine in the hotel. It will change back to green QR at conclusion of quarantine.

If the COVID test result is positive, upon arrival in China or during quarantine: • You will be isolated from other travelers, including your family, and taken to a hospital for observation and treatment of any symptoms that may arise. • You will be taken to the hospital regardless of previous negative test results, or symptoms. While false positive results do happen, you will be treated as though you have the virus, even if you are asymptomatic. • If you test positive and you are traveling with your child(ren), the child must stay with the other parent. Your spouse nor your child will be allowed to accompany you to the hospital. • If you are traveling alone with a child, a guardian will be assigned to stay with your child. In some previous cases, parents have been able to nominate someone to come and take care of the child in the quarantine hotel.

If any co-passenger tests positive and is a close contact to you on the plane (+/- 3 rows of your seating location), you might need to stay/return to a quarantine hotel for the duration of your quarantine period (14+7) regardless of home qualification.

If a child tests positive • The NAT positive result process above applies also to babies and children of whatever age – they will be isolated from their family and taken by medical staff to a hospital. This very rarely happens. • If this happens, exchange contact details (WeChat, mobile number) with the medical staff taking your child. Give them all their documentation, including any medical information such as allergies. • Although inevitably distressing, reports from when this has happened indicate that children are very well cared for in good medical facilities. Parents are kept in touch with the children and their caretakers. It is important to understand that no person other than the medical staff are allowed to accompany the child to the hospital.

If the COVID test result is positive in your departure city before leaving for China:

- You will not be allowed to board flight - You will not receive green QR code - You should return to your home domicile to await negative test results - Contact FHSU OGP immediately.

We ask that you do the following

- Inform FHSU, Office of Global Partnerships of the quarantine hotel, address, hotel phone, and room number, and any other pertinent information 5

- Stay positive as best as you can. Remember you represent FHSU and America.

Quarantine Expectations – China 2021 China Hotel Quarantine The quarantine period will be 14 days in a hotel selected by the local health authority. We have been told you have no say in which hotel you are assigned to, but families will be kept in the same hotel. Here are some things to expect:

• Generally, the hotels strictly allow one adult (over 14 years of age) per room. • Children 14 years old and under stay in a room with a parent. • If you have more than one child, the children can either stay with one parent or can be divided between both parents. • If you are traveling with a family, you may ask to be put in adjacent or nearby rooms (e.g., across the hallway). Make sure your requests are polite and persistent. • Most hotel staff speak limited English, so be patient when explaining your needs. Having a Translation App on your phone can be very useful. • You are not allowed to leave your room at all during the 14 days. If you need anything, you may call the hotel reception to seek help. Some have repeated that a chair is placed outside your door to block entry and exit. • You will be asked to sign a document stating that you will abide by the regulations. Suggested Questions and Conversations when Checking into the Quarantine Hotel • Date & time of check-out • Meal Plan – Options and costs • Ability for deliveries to be made from delivery companies as well as drivers • Confirm WIFI name and password • When touring room, make sure it has enough towels. It may only have one set in the room. You will need to request extra sets if needed. We suggest you request towels up front. • Confirm you will receive a receipt for all payments or have a way to obtain them by the end of your stay. • Explain any special health needs such as food allergies to the reception staff. Show them the medical statement (in Chinese). • The medical staff may ask you to pay upfront using WeChat or Alipay. If you can’t communicate that you will pay using your American credit card during checkout, then most overseas credit cards seem to work. • Check with the reception at the time of registration for a list of primary and alternate contact numbers for hotel services (contacts for food, reception, medical).

Health Checks • Upon arrival, you will be given a thermometer to check your temperature each morning and afternoon. We are told some hotels awaken guests at 8 AM for temperature checks. • You will receive a call/visit twice a day to ask for thermometer results and check if you are feeling any symptoms of illness. • Small digital thermometers may be easier to use than the ones provided at the hotel. Packing one per person will make the daily temperature checks a bit easier. • Under the tongue and surface body temperature should be between 36.0 and 37.2 degrees Celsius (96.9 – 99.0 Degree Fahrenheit). 6

Food and Drink • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner trays will be delivered to your hotel room each day. Expect a limited or no menu to be provided. All the meals delivered will be Chinese food. • Some hotels may allow food deliveries once a day. You can use services like Sherpas or Epermarket from your phone to order in pre-packed food and drinks, in recent experiences, hotels do not allow fresh food deliveries due to the possible impact that hot weather can have on the food quality. Only dry/packed/canned food deliveries are allowed once per day. • During your stay, food service will contact the room when delivering food and water. Electronic payment is required at the time of delivery. • No Cooking – only the use of the boiling water from the kettle. Hotel Services • Services provided can vary from hotel to hotel, the guidelines/suggestions on hotel services are based on a variety of previous experiences. • Bedding, towels and toilet rolls are provided. If you need fresh supplies, call reception and ask. • The usual hotel services of room cleaning, linen changes, toiletries (shampoo, soap), mini-bar, and clothes laundry will not be available. • Bring your own toiletries for 14 days, and a few spare toilet rolls (just in case!). • Recent travelers report the air conditioning to be operational, packing a small fan might be a good idea. • The TV channels are in Chinese, although some hotels may have international channels like CNN, Discovery Asia, NatGeo available. • Internet connection should be provided Release from 14 Day Quarantine • When your 14 days of quarantine are complete and COVID-19 test is negative you will be issued with a health certificate. Keep this as proof of quarantine release. • Sometimes a further NAT will be conducted before leaving depending on policies of the local health authorities at the time. • On your release day, you can arrange for transportation to take you to the airport. • With FHSU approval, Peacock Travel will book a connecting flight from your quarantine city to Zhengzhou or Shenyang. Arrival in Zhengzhou and Shenyang • Partner schools will work with OGP and faculty member to arrange transportation o Sias Faculty will complete the 7-day quarantine in their apartment . Meals will be provided o SNU Faculty will complete the 7-day quarantine in a Shenyang hotel and then an additional 7 days in their apartment . Meals will be provided

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Release from Quarantine in Xinzheng and Shenyang • Your quarantine has been completed at this point. • By now, 21 – 28 days have passed on your 30-day visa. Immediately work with the partner school to convert your Visa to a residence/work permit. The time limit is short. Reimbursement of Expenses through FHSU OGP will send a travel reimbursement email and request the following documents:

1. Faculty Travel Detail Form (a template will be attached) 2. Itemized Expense Travel Sheet Template (a template will be attached) 3. A scan/photo of all reimbursable receipts

**Reimbursable Expenses: Lodging, Airfare, Transportation, Baggage (up to $350 per leg*), Shipping, Local transportation expenses, parking fees, tolls, printing services for official state business, internet access fees. *Actual luggage costs are reimbursed up to 3 bags total not to exceed $350 per leg.

**Non-reimbursable Expenses: Meals (you will receive per-diem for your meals), Hotel add-ons (i.e., movie rentals, refreshments, etc.)

Once all requested documents have been received, OGP will begin the reimbursement process. The reimbursement will be processed through the FHSU business office, you will be requested to approve the reimbursement before it is finalized. Global Partnerships will notify you when approval is needed. This process takes a bit of time. Please be patient yet we will work diligently so you can receive your reimbursements. Once complete the payment will be issued to the account listed in the FHSU Workday system.

Contact Information Fort Hays State University The Office of Global Partnerships [email protected]

Cindy Elliott WeChat: globalcindy

Haley Williams WeChat: Haley_FHSU

Jadyn Snyder WeChat: jsnyder313