USA FAQ on TRAVEL & TESTING (V.4)

1FAQ on TRAVEL & TESTING REQUIREMENTS (v.4) This document is intended to be a living document to provide assistance to non-Chinese citizens attempting to return to China from the United States. (Chinese citizens have similar testing requirements, but different ways of getting their results authorized.) This FAQ is meant to reflect the NEW testing requirements starting on 12/23. PLEASE NOTE that currently there are roadblocks at every step of the process of getting back to China. 1) Getting PU Letters (no PU letters for dependents; very hard to get PU letters in general for others) 2) Getting a visa, even WITH a PU Letter or an expired RP 3) Getting (affordable) flights to fly back to China that are on the approved flights list 4) Getting authorized for a Health Declaration Code (you might not get approval even if you have negative COVID results and have a valid visa, especially if you can’t prove your travel is “necessary” and “urgent” This FAQ aims to assist people with the last two points above (finding flight routes and getting testing/authorized for a HDC), however nothing is guaranteed. NOTE THAT TRAVEL AROUND THE TIME OF CHINESE NEW YEAR MAY BE VERY DIFFICULT. Please see the newly added “Updates from around the world” to see how travel is being restricted around the world. Please read through everything carefully. Updates are based on the feedback and experiences of others to help those trying to return to their adopted home. As the situation is dynamic and unfolding, please use this as a guide only. TABLE OF CONTENTS <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">IMPORTANT PAGES on the Embassy Website </li><li style="flex:1">2</li></ul>34 UPDATES from AROUND THE WORLD (NEW SECTION - started 1/30) KNOWN FLIGHT SUSPENSIONS (Updated on 2/1/2020) 1) PLANNING TRAVEL BACK TO CHINA Option 1: Fly back directly from the US. Option 2: Fly back via a transfer in Europe. Frankfurt airport 556789 Zurich Airport Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Copenhagen Airport Paris-Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport Vienna Airport 10 11 12 2) GETTING TESTED (WITH APPROVED LOCATIONS) OVERVIEW of Process 13 13 13 14 REQUIRED details on the Test Results APPROVED LOCATIONS 2 Los Angeles Consulate For flights departing from LAX San Francisco Consulate For flights departing from SFO and SEA New York Consulate For flights departing from JFK Chicago Consulate For flights departing from DTW (Detroit) DC Embassy For flights departing from DFW (Dallas) Commonly Asked Questions 14 17 19 20 21 22 3) GETTING AUTHENTICATION OF TESTING RESULTS OVERVIEW of Process 23 23 23 23 25 25 <a href="/goto?url=https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/" target="_blank">1) Sign up for an account on the website https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ (can do ahead of time) </a>2) Upload/Fill in requested information 3) Wait for the QR code to turn green Commonly Asked Questions 4) LAST STEPS BEFORE THE PLANE Documents to bring to the airport At the airport… 26 26 26 <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">27 </li><li style="flex:1">Commonly Asked Questions </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">APPENDIX: OTHER sources of support </li><li style="flex:1">27 </li></ul>APPENDIX: LETTERS OF URGENCY (Suggested Details/Samples) Letter for an educator: Written on school letterhead 29 29 <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">30 </li><li style="flex:1">Letter for a corporate employee: Written on company letterhead </li></ul>IMPORTANT PAGES on the Embassy Website All relevant Information is expanded upon in this document, but in case you want to read through the original notices: Updated Test Requirements (as of 12/23): <a href="/goto?url=http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/t1841416.htm" target="_blank">http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/t1841416.htm </a>Testing Requirements (as of 10/29 - clarification of requirements for transit passengers) : <a href="/goto?url=http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/notices/t1828184.htm" target="_blank">http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/notices/t1828184.htm </a>Q&As Concerning Airline Boarding Requirements for Certificates of Negative Nucleic Acid and Anti-Body Blood Tests Results (<a href="/goto?url=http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zyxx/t1829922.htm" target="_blank">http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zyxx/t1829922.htm </a>) PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE CONSULATES FOR THE MOST UPDATED TESTING LOCATIONS -- SF Consulate Notices (for flights departing from SFO): <a href="/goto?url=http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/zytz/" target="_blank">http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/zytz/ </a>New York Consulate Notices (for flights departing from JFK): <a href="/goto?url=http://newyork.china-consulate.org/eng/lsfwss/" target="_blank">http://newyork.china-consulate.org/eng/lsfwss/ </a>-- Washington D.C. Embassy Notices (for flights departing from Dallas): <a href="/goto?url=http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/" target="_blank">http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/ </a>Los Angeles (for flights departing from LAX): <a href="/goto?url=https://docs.qq.com/sheet/DSExicEdBeUFiWFpw?tab=BB08J2" target="_blank">https://docs.qq.com/sheet/DSExicEdBeUFiWFpw?tab=BB08J2 </a>-General Notices Page: <a href="/goto?url=http://losangeles.china-consulate.org/eng/lghd/" target="_blank">http://losangeles.china-consulate.org/eng/lghd/ </a><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">Chicago Consulate Notices (for flights departing from Detroit): </li></ul><a href="/goto?url=http://www.chinaconsulatechicago.org/eng/zytz/" target="_blank">http://www.chinaconsulatechicago.org/eng/zytz/ </a>3UPDATES from AROUND THE WORLD (NEW SECTION - started 1/30) Namely, there are 2 types of bans: 1) Bans for non-Chinese citizens (regardless of nationality or residency): This is similar to the situation back in March 2020, where foreign nationals with valid residence permits were NOT allowed to return to China. People with new visas issued after that date (usually for exceptional reasons) were allowed to return. 2) “Bans” on Green Codes for non-Chinese citizens and non-residents of the country. Essentially, this is to prevent “country-hopping” by people traveling to another country for the sole-purpose of getting back to China. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">COUNTRIES WITH BANS ON ALL NON-CHINESE CITIZENS (Ban 1) </li><li style="flex:1">SOURCE/Notes </li></ul>CANADA <a href="/goto?url=http://ca.china-embassy.org/eng/lsyw/t1" target="_blank">http://ca.china-embassy.org/eng/lsyw/t1 </a>849754.htm Newly added: 2021-01-30 Bangladesh Belgium France Banned since November 2020 See <a href="/goto?url=https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world" target="_blank">https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world. </a>php India Italy Philippines Russia United Kingdom COUNTRIES WITH GREEN CODE RESTRICTIONS FOR NON RESIDENTS (Ban 2) SOURCE/Notes <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">KOREA </li><li style="flex:1">No official announcement as of now </li></ul>Newly added: last week of Jan? SWITZERLAND UZBEKISTAN <a href="/goto?url=http://zurich.chineseconsulate.org/det/zy" target="_blank">http://zurich.chineseconsulate.org/det/zy </a>tz/t1847061.htm No official announcement as of now 4KNOWN FLIGHT SUSPENSIONS (Updated on 2/1/2020) PLEASE NOTE that this section will be the most volatile. Check with your airline for the most up-to-date information. The main routes that affect travelers from the US have been listed below: 51) PLANNING TRAVEL BACK TO CHINA Essentially, you currently have 2 options to get back to China: 1) Option 1: Fly back direct from the US (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED) 2) Option 2: Fly back via a transfer in select cities in Europe (Helsinki, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Paris) (RISKY) Option 1: Fly back directly from the US. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">Note that direct flights to China from the US only depart from: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, </li></ul>New York, Detroit and Dallas. As of the 12/23 announcements, you should plan to get to those cities at least 2 days ahead of time so that you can get tested and apply for the Health Declaration Code before flying. (<a href="/goto?url=http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/t1841416.htm" target="_blank">http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/t1841416.htm</a>) -In general it is easier to get approved for the green code if you are flying DIRECT to China. HOWEVER, please note that it has been VERY DIFFICULT for people to get approval for the Green Code from Dallas and Seattle - mainly because the DC Embassy is overseeing the Health Code approvals from those cities. (It seems that they are trying to divide up the work for giving Health Codes among the consulates.) <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">Note (1/31/2020): In fact, due to so many flights being cancelled b/c not enough people got </li></ul>approved for Green Codes, Delta Airlines has rerouted all flights out of Seattle to fly out of Detroit from February 1st to the end of March. There is not yet any updates on what this means for health codes. -- Generally, travel agents (based in China) seem to be able to find tickets on flights that show up as “full” on websites. Please ask in the chat for recommendations. The prices are not necessarily cheaper. Please note that many “direct” flights have a crew change in Incheon Airport. This DOES NOT count as a “transfer” and as such, you do not need to do another test at Incheon (mainly because you aren’t even allowed to deboard the airplane during that stop). If passengers stay on board in the same plane in a 1.5 hr layover in Korea, the flight is regarded as a direct flight. Make sure that your ticket has the same flight number on both legs! 6Option 2: Fly back via a transfer in Europe. PLEASE NOTE THAT DURING THIS PERIOD OF CHINESE NEW YEAR, CONSULATES SEEM LIKE THEY ARE NOT GIVING GREEN CODES TO ANY FLIGHT THAT IS NOT A DIRECT FLIGHT OUT OF THE UNITED STATES!!! <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">Theoretically, you can fly with as many transfers as you want, as long as: </li></ul>1) You get tested (PCR & antibody) at your city of origin (48 hours before departure) → GET GREEN CODE 2) You ALSO get tested (PCR & antibody) at your last transit city (the one where the flight departs directly for China) AND GET ANOTHER GREEN HEALTH DECLARATION CODE 3) Your last leg is on the approved flight list (Please see this page for the official declaration on the above points: <a href="/goto?url=http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/notices/t1828184.htm" target="_blank">http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/notices/t1828184.htm</a>) <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">FYI: The “Red Customs Entry/Exit Health Code” that is often referred to in </li></ul>the European airports is the same as the Pocket Customs Form. People in the chat can probably share a wechat app in English (can also access by scanning the QR code to the right) or you can access it here (<a href="/goto?url=http://health.customsapp.com/" target="_blank">http://health.customsapp.com/</a>) You cannot fill this out until you have checked into your flight and know your seat number. You can also add MULTIPLE family members to ONE account. VERY IMPORTANT!!! <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">Please note that any requirements to enter China should be based solely upon the announcements from </li></ul>the Chinese government (i.e. not those relayed by airlines or by agents). <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">Some airlines have not updated their visa requirements to enter China on their websites, so may have </li></ul>outdated information (e.g. you can only enter if your visa or residence permit is issued after March 28, 2020 - not true). However, if you dig deeply enough, you will often find a disclaimer where you may be directed to the IATA website for “exemptions and more info”. -Therefore, ESPECIALLY if you are flying a route that has not yet had many people trying it (or just for your own peace of mind), it is strongly recommended that you 1) Check on the airlines websites about their requirements for customers traveling to China; and confirm that it is up-to-date. If it is not, then... 2) Print out the notices from the embassy that apply to your visa/residence permit situation 3) Print out a screenshot of the relevant requirements for China from the IATA website (<a href="/goto?url=https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php" target="_blank">https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php </a>) Airlines often depend on IATA’s Timatic database to help them keep up to date on visa requirements, so it’s helpful to have this as well. -- MAKE SURE that your flight allows for at least 8 hours of transit time! (Many places recommend at least 10+ hours) In order to fulfill the second requirement above, testing facilities need to be available at the airport for transit passengers. The following airports currently have testing facilities for international travelers. 7a) Frankfurt airport (No announcements from the CH embassy in Germany) <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">i) </li><li style="flex:1">BASIC INFO: </li></ul>-- HOURS: Sunday - Wednesday, 11:00 - 14:00 COST: PCR Test = 179 EUR; IgM Test = 129 EUR (weekdays); 149 EUR (weekends) <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">They ONLY accept payment with PAYPAL! Set that up before you go. </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">REGISTRATION: (If you are not able to book a slot, can also go and register directly - but there </li></ul>may be very very long lines.) -- <a href="/goto?url=https://corona.centogene.com/login" target="_blank">PCR Test: https://corona.centogene.com/login </a><a href="/goto?url=https://www.terminland.de/framed/online/Transit-Testzentrum" target="_blank">IgM Test: https://www.terminland.de/framed/online/Transit-Testzentrum </a> -TIME REQUIRED: At least 8+ hours (less than 24 hours); People recommend at least 12 hrs -LOCATION: Terminal 1, Concourse Z, Gate Z12 <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">“Testing Center” Location (for HDC purposes): Not stated </li></ul>ii) This is ONLY available for passengers bound for China Mainland on Lufthansa (1) Your BAGS must be transferred all the way through (2) Your SECOND leg (going to China) must be one of the following: LH720, LH728, LH780 iii) Test results are usually available 6 hrs after sampling and can be obtained only with your email address iv) For more info: <a href="/goto?url=https://www.lufthansa.com/cn/en/local-page/china-flight-schedule" target="_blank">https://www.lufthansa.com/cn/en/local-page/china-flight-schedule </a>8b) Zurich Airport (Announcement from the Zurich Consolate: <a href="/goto?url=http://zurich.chineseconsulate.org/det/zytz/t1841800.htm" target="_blank">http://zurich.chineseconsulate.org/det/zytz/t1841800.htm</a>) i) BASIC INFO: ----- HOURS: Sundays 10:00 - 14:00 COST: CHF 340 (pay at registration; credit or debit card) REGISTRATION: In person only TIME REQUIRED: At least 8+ hours of transit time (but less than 24hrs) LOCATION: SWISS Business Lounge D, Non-Schengen Departure Area <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">“Testing Center” Location (for HDC purposes): Transitzone Airport Zurich Tests </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">ii) </li><li style="flex:1">ONLY available for SWISS and Lufthansa passengers who are flying from Zurich to China </li></ul>----Info from Swiss Airlines about flights: <a href="/goto?url=https://www.swiss.com/china/en/china-flight-schedule" target="_blank">https://www.swiss.com/china/en/china-flight-schedule </a>Info from Swiss Airlines about testing: <a href="/goto?url=https://www.swiss.com/jp/EN/various/china-testing" target="_blank">https://www.swiss.com/jp/EN/various/china-testing </a>Transit must be less than 24 hrs and you need to stay in the transit area at the airport. (In case you are not a US passport holder, please confirm that you do not need a transit visa. US passport holders are fine. <a href="/goto?url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BEzjWhKOFhxBSRICc57sSb_g4wru55kc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BEzjWhKOFhxBSRICc57sSb_g4wru55kc/view?usp=sharing </a>) iii) iv) Note: This is the approved flight from Zurich to China: LX188 Zurich - Shanghai (Depart: 21:30; Arrive: 16:30 +1) Frequency: every Sunday You will receive your test results by EMAIL, latest by 19:30, local time. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">Your PDF will be password protected - you will receive your password during registration </li></ul>v) Apply for the health code after receiving results. Choose the following when uploading results on the Health Code App: Transitzone Airport Zurich Tests Your CODE will turn GREEN AUTOMATICALLY. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">vi) </li><li style="flex:1">NOTE: As this is not a route that many people have flown through yet, it may be a good idea to </li></ul>upload the above notices from the Chinese consulate in Zurich and the explanation of the testing facilities from Swiss Airlines as a part of your Health Code application. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">vii) </li><li style="flex:1">NOTE: The testing at Zurich Airport is apparently very sensitive. If there is a chance that you </li></ul>might have had COVID in the past (and thus have IgG antibodies), there is a possibility you may be denied boarding from Zurich (and thus need to return back to your point of origin). 9c) Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (<a href="/goto?url=http://www.chinaembassy-fi.org/eng/lsfw/t1830099.htm" target="_blank">http://www.chinaembassy-fi.org/eng/lsfw/t1830099.htm</a>) BASIC INFO: i) -- HOURS: Finnair Testing (Wednesdays, 17:30 - 00:45); Juneyao Air Testing (listed below) COST: ○ FINNAIR: WITH Certificate: €236.50 (PCR test); €89 (IgM test) ; or €200 per person? (if you pay onsite, you pay with cash Euros) ○ JUNEYAO AIR: €360 (can pay by bank transfer or by Chinese Alipay) REGISTRATION: - ○ Finnair: <a href="/goto?url=https://www.terveystalo.com/en/finnair/" target="_blank">https://www.terveystalo.com/en/finnair/ </a>(need to register 24 h ahead of time) ○ Juneyao Air: (need to register at least 1 week ahead of departure) TIME REQUIRED: At least 10 hours for transit LOCATION: non-Schengen area “Testing Center” Location (for HDC purposes): Airport testing center ---ii) Flight TO to Helsinki doesn’t have to be Finnair or Juneyao Airlines, as long as your bags can be checked all the way to China (e.g. KLM can also arrange for bags to be sent all the way to China) (1) A traveler from Costa Rica flew from Costa Rica to Amsterdan and then to Helsinki. She said that you can stay in both airports for 48 hrs in the Non-Schengen transit area. This seems like an option that European airlines are more aware of/comfortable with… her friend from the US tried to fly a similar route with AA and was denied boarding b/c they thought you couldn’t transit in two European airports, but didn’t have any problems when they switched to KLM. FLIGHT from Helsinki to CHINA: iii) (1) Finnair: Helsinki to Shanghai leaves at Thursday, 4:50pm (2) Juneyao Air: iv) v) If you fly on a Finnair flight, you need to purchase the test before you leave (will be asked to show proof at check-in). There may also be an option to purchase at check-in. (1) Finnair: Test results are available Thursday morning at the transfer desk around 11am; The QR code will turn green automatically. Contact Info for testing questions: <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">Finnair +358-10-804042 (6:00-22:00, for testing inquiry only) </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">-</li><li style="flex:1">Juneyao Air +86-21-95520 (24h) </li></ul>vi) Other info: (1) Finnair: <a href="/goto?url=https://www.finnair.com/ch-fr/safe-travel-during-coronavirus/coronavirus-testing" target="_blank">https://www.finnai</a><a href="/goto?url=https://www.finnair.com/ch-fr/safe-travel-during-coronavirus/coronavirus-testing" target="_blank">r</a><a href="/goto?url=https://www.finnair.com/ch-fr/safe-travel-during-coronavirus/coronavirus-testing" target="_blank">.</a><a href="/goto?url=https://www.finnair.com/ch-fr/safe-travel-during-coronavirus/coronavirus-testing" target="_blank">com/ch-fr/safe-travel-during-coronavirus/coronavirus-testing </a>

USA FAQ on TRAVEL & TESTING (V.4)

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