Kina

Översikt

China has a moderate threat environment. Petty crime is the greatest risk to foreign personnel, but China also faces ongoing threats from terrorism that can extend beyond the western Xinjiang region. Civil unrest is common but generally confined to the migrant worker population.

Regional relations are often strained due to historical and territorial disputes. China’s security posture is focused on territories it disputes with neighbouring countries. Expansive claims over Japanese-administered Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea and the Spratly and Paracel Island chains in the South China Sea have provoked forceful opposition from other claimant nations. China also maintains delicate relations with Taiwan, though the warmth of interactions has markedly improved since 2008. Nevertheless, for the past two decades China has accelerated the modernisation programme of every aspect of the People’s Liberation Army, causing anxiety among its neighbours in the region.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for China. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

China has risk of ongoing Chikungunya transmission and Dengue is endemic with peak transmission from June to November.

Malaria risk is present in China. Northern China is malaria risk free, low risk exists from May to December in rural areas of Anhui, Henan, and Hubei. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended for all areas of China. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing.

Cases of Japanese Encephalitis are reported from all provinces, except for Xizang (Tibet), Xinjiang, and Qinghai. Highest rates are from Guizhou, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan provinces, and Chongqing city. Vaccine is not routinely recommended for travel limited to Beijing, Shanghai or other major cities.

Cases of Schistosomiasis are reported from along the Yangtze River, including tributaries and adjacent lakes of the provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Hunan. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Risk of tick-borne encephalitis is present in Liaoning, Inner Mongolia (including the Great Khingan mountains), Heilongjiang, Jilin (including the Changbai mountains), Xinjiang (including the Altai and Tianshan mountains), Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Hebei.

Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when going outside the areas usually visited by tourists such as traveling extensively in the interior of the country, for persons on working assignments in remote areas, or travellers visiting for extended periods of time.

China has a relatively low national HIV prevalence rate with an estimated 500.000 people living with HIV/AIDS. However, the HIV epidemic significantly affects key populations around the country, namely men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and young people.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in China.

An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province on 30 December, 2019. The coronavirus has resulted in some 80000 fatalities nationwide.

Medical facilities in major urban centres can provide adequate care. International hospitals and clinics are advised for travellers to China and most will be staffed with expatriate doctors and operate to Western standards. 

Travellers should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance. Some facilities may demand upfront payment.

Pass

Visitors to China must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months.

Visum

Visitors need to be aware of the validity and conditions of the visas since overstaying on expired visas will lead to fines. If visiting remote areas that are not usually open to travellers, such as Tibet, a permit must be obtained through local travel agents before the visit.

All visitors who enter China with a non-Chinese passport must register with police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotel guests are normally registered by their hotels. Failure to register can result in a fine.

Before applying for a business visa, business travellers will need an official invitation from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and proof of hotel booking.

Tourist visas are valid for 30 days for single-entry and six months for double-entry. Those entering China via Hong Kong or Macau may obtain a visa through some travel agencies and many hotels. Costs will vary depending on the nationality of the passport one is travelling on.

Nationals of Singapore, Brunei and Japan do not need a visa if staying in the country for less than 15 consecutive days.

With effect from 1 November 2018, all visa applicants aged between 14 and 70 inclusive will need to make their visa application in person at a Visa Application Centre.

A health certificate legalised by the Chinese Embassy is required if staying in China for more than six months. The health certificate must also include the result of a HIV blood test, since HIV positive travellers are not allowed into the country.