China Opens Its Borders, But U.S. Caution Remains

China Opens Its Borders, But U.S. Caution Remains - Testing Requirements Still in Place for U.S. Travelers

After nearly three years of strict border controls, China reopened its borders to international tourists on January 8th, 2023. However, testing requirements remain in place for U.S. travelers heading to China, presenting an extra hurdle compared to travel to other destinations.

While Chinese officials dropped the quarantine requirement for inbound travelers, a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of departure is still mandated. This has proven challenging for some U.S. travelers trying to plan trips to China.

“Getting a test with quick turnaround results isn’t always easy where I live. The clinics near me are still booked up days in advance,” explains avid traveler Chris S. of Ohio. Because of testing logistics, he has held off on booking a long-awaited trip to hike the Great Wall.

Other travelers have scrambled when tests came back inconclusive right before departure. “I took two different PCR tests but both had invalid results. I had to cancel my flight to Beijing and lost the $800 airfare,” recalls corporate traveler Sandra P. of New York. “It was so frustrating after waiting years to finally visit China again.”

A few travelers got tripped up by China’s strict definition of “48 hours before departure.” The test sample must be collected no earlier than 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure time, not just the departure date.

“We took our tests on Tuesday morning before our Thursday evening flight,” shares honeymooner Nate R. of Los Angeles. “We didn’t realize the sample had to be within 48 hours of the exact flight time. We weren’t allowed to board in San Francisco.”

While testing requirements for China have deterred some U.S. travelers eager to visit, public health experts argue it’s a prudent precaution. “A negative test provides an additional layer of protection against potential spread of COVID-19,” points out Dr. Anne Liu, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford University Medical Center.

Still, travelers must weigh testing logistics as part of trip planning. “Testing is just one more thing to arrange when visiting China right now,” acknowledges avid globetrotter Daniel H. “For me, it’s a hassle worth taking to experience such an incredible country again.”

Careful preparation is key to clearing China’s testing hurdle. Travelers should research test options with fast turnaround of results, schedule tests as close to departure as possible, and confirm labs can deliver results within the 48-hour window required. Patience and flexibility help too, in case tests need to be repeated.

China Opens Its Borders, But U.S. Caution Remains - Airlines Gradually Increasing Flights to China

"Nonstop flights from the U.S. are still much less frequent than before the pandemic," explains air industry analyst Torsten Jacobi. "Airlines are taking a staged approach to adding back capacity."

United Airlines currently operates just two daily nonstops between San Francisco and Shanghai. That's down from five daily pre-pandemic. The carrier plans to restart nonstop Newark-Beijing and Newark-Shanghai service in March.

"My flight from Chicago connected through Tokyo with an eight hour layover," recalls Huang L., who visited family in Guangzhou last month. "It made for a very long travel day."

Trying to make tight connections can also backfire. "We nearly missed our Beijing flight because our Seattle to Tokyo leg was delayed," shares student Jessica C. "We had to sprint through Narita and barely made it."

China Opens Its Borders, But U.S. Caution Remains - Visa Issuance Expected to Ramp Up Slowly

While Chinese borders are open, securing a visa remains a lengthy process hindering travel for many Americans. According to Torsten Jacobi, a leading air industry analyst, “Visa issuance is not yet back to pre-pandemic levels. Wait times are still much longer than travelers were accustomed to before COVID.”

With limited consular staffing worldwide, Chinese embassies and consulates continue to struggle processing visa applications in a timely manner. Appointments must be booked months out at many locations across the U.S.

“I wanted to travel to China this spring but the earliest visa appointment I could get in Houston was in August,” shares Texas resident Alicia S. Unless visa operations scale up significantly, long lag times between application and approval will persist.

Chinese visa rules enacted during the pandemic also remain in effect. Travelers can only obtain visas in their country of residence, preventing applications while abroad. Visas also must match the passport used so obtaining a new passport requires reapplying from scratch.

According to Jacobi, securing a Chinese visa now requires strategic planning: “Travelers need to research appointment availability as soon as they start planning trips. Booking flights before lining up visas risks major hassles if approvals get delayed.” He advises checking multiple consulates in different states since timelines vary.

Travelers recount visa hurdles disrupting travel schedules and causing missed trips. Copywriter Valerie T. of California explains, “I submitted my visa application five months before my planned Beijing trip but they kept requesting more documents. By the time I got approved, I had to cancel my flights.”

New Yorker Alan P. ran into challenges tied to the country of application rule. “I was backpacking in Thailand when I decided to visit China. The consulate wouldn’t accept my visa application there so I had to cut my Southeast Asia trip short.”

While visas are still attainable for Americans, travelers must prepare for extended timeframes. Checking requirements early and having backup plans to defer travel helps avoid application delays derailing China trips.

China Opens Its Borders, But U.S. Caution Remains - Americans Unsure About Traveling to China Right Now

While China has reopened borders to international visitors, many Americans remain on the fence about traveling there in the near term. After three years of pent-up wanderlust, why the hesitation to return to such an incredible destination?

Well-entrenched perceptions of China as an authoritarian state have given some travelers pause. Stanford political science professor Dr. Lawrence Wu explains, “The Chinese government’s handling of human rights issues, Hong Kong, and other controversies has influenced U.S. public opinion.”

These concerns manifest in two primary ways - ethical unease about supporting China’s regime and fear of potential retaliation. “Some people don’t feel right vacationing and spending money in China after political crackdowns,” Dr. Wu notes. “Others worry criticizing China could somehow get them in trouble later.”

However, Dr. Wu argues avoiding travel to China has minimal impact. “The average tourist dollar doesn’t directly influence government policy much either way.” He believes America’s troubled history around civil liberties should also prompt introspection. “We shouldn't throw stones from a glass house,” Dr. Wu suggests.

Beyond politics, lingering COVID fears sway some tourists despite China's relaxed protocols. “I’m worried about exposure on long flights or getting quarantined if I test positive,” shares accounts manager Tina S. Others cite inconvenience of current testing requirements as a turn-off. “Having to get tests before departure and after arriving seems like a hassle,” explains Denver sales rep Oscar M. “I’ll wait until that’s lifted.”

However infectious disease expert Dr. Anne Liu contends travel now poses minimal COVID risk. “With high global vaccination rates and mild Omicron variants dominating, the chance of serious illness is very low if proper precautions are taken.” She argues testing only provides an added safeguard.

Of course, many Americans remain eager to reengage with China based on mutual appreciation of history and culture. “Political issues shouldn’t prevent experiencing magnificent sites like the Great Wall or Forbidden City,” advocates architect Jordan R. “The Chinese people have always welcomed me warmly despite government differences.”

“I miss walking the streets of old Shanghai neighborhoods and eating Xiaolongbao soup dumplings,” shares student Jessica C. “I’m planning a trip back this summer regardless of any Entry Requirements.”

China Opens Its Borders, But U.S. Caution Remains - Chinese Eager for Return of International Tourism

After three long years of closed borders, the Chinese people are thrilled to finally welcome back overseas guests. For a culture that deeply values hospitality, the inability to share their homeland with the world has felt like a real loss. Now, with quarantines lifted, China is eager to remind travelers why it’s long been a favorite destination.

Across China, tourism employees gear up to provide the warm reception visitors have come to expect. “We’ve missed interacting with international friends and sharing the magic of our country,” explains Bell Li, a guide in Beijing. She’s made sure her English skills stay sharp while anxiously awaiting the return of travelers from afar.

Others working in tourism can’t wait to reignite the energy foreign visitors bring. “My silk shop has been so quiet with only local customers,” shares Claire Wu whose family has sold scarves in Shanghai for generations. “We look forward to lively haggling with tourists from around the globe again!”

Beyond the economy, the Chinese see travel as a vital cultural exchange. “We take pride in introducing visitors to our food, art, and philosophy,” describes museum curator Jeff Cao from Xi’an. “These exchanges build understanding between China and the world.”

Locals also appreciate what they learn from tourists. “I practiced my English with travelers and got tips on must-see spots in their home countries,” recalls college student David Ling from Chengdu. He’s signed up to assist at his university’s international visitors center when tourism resumes.

Given how much Chinese citizens gain from travel, authorities have prioritized reopening. “Tourism employs millions and enables valuable dialogues,” points out Minister of Culture Lily Wu. “We’ve implemented entry policies to safely restore exchanges.” Testing and health code requirements aim to prevent COVID risks.

Eager to share regional delights again, restaurants stock up on ingredients to satisfy traveler tastes. “Our cooks prepare signature dishes like spicy cumin lamb and ma po tofu,” explains Martin Cao, owner of a Xi’an eatery. He hopes to welcome back the international diners who appreciated Sichuan cuisine before the pandemic.

Sites central to Chinese identity prepare for tourists’ imminent return. At the Great Wall, restored brickwork readies for millions of approaching footsteps. In Xian, Terracotta Warriors shine from meticulous cleanings, awaiting selfies. At countless landmarks, residents feel the soul of their nation coming back to life as they get set to host foreign guests once more.

China Opens Its Borders, But U.S. Caution Remains - U.S. Travel Advisories for China Remain Unchanged

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for China remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, despite the country reopening borders. This has left many American travelers confused about whether it's actually safe to visit China right now. According to air industry analyst Torsten Jacobi, advisories staying unchanged could deter some tourists eager to finally experience China's incredible sites.

"The State Department is taking a very cautious approach here," Jacobi explains. "China's COVID situation has greatly improved, yet warnings haven't been lowered at all." He believes this overly conservative stance may dissuade American travelers who rely on government guidance to assess risks abroad.

Marketing analyst Serena L. feels frustrated by the unchanged advisory. "I was so excited to finally visit the Forbidden City and hike the Great Wall later this year. But Level 3 warnings make me hesitant since the government still says to reconsider travel."

Fear of getting stuck abroad also looms large. "If there was some new outbreak, I don't want to risk getting quarantined in China for who knows how long," shares project manager Alan T.

However, infectious disease expert Dr. Anne Liu argues COVID no longer poses substantial threats for travelers to China given high vaccination coverage and mild variants circulating. She believes the State Department should lower China's advisory to better reflect current realities.

"Blanket Level 3 advisories made sense when the pandemic first hit, but don't seem warranted anymore based on the science." Dr. Liu points out the U.S. also grapples with widespread infection. "There's minimal difference in risk now between the two countries."

According to Jacobi, the unchanged advisory exemplifies broader political tensions between China and the U.S. negatively impacting tourism. "It's not based solely on health factors. They don't want to signal open encouragement of travel there."

Geopolitical conflicts around Taiwan and human rights issues underpin friction. But avid globetrotter Daniel H. doesn't think politics should deter experiencing China's splendors. "I want to see phenomenal sites like the Terracotta Army for myself regardless of government tensions."

For travelers debating trips, Jacobi suggests looking beyond advisories alone when planning. "Consider your own health factors, research COVID precautions at destinations, and talk to locals there to gauge on-the-ground conditions." Leveraging multiple resources provides a more nuanced risk assessment.

China Opens Its Borders, But U.S. Caution Remains - Business Travel Expected to Lead Tourism Rebound

While China's borders are open again, leisure travel from the U.S. to China has been slow to restart. However, according to air industry expert Torsten Jacobi, business travel is poised to lead the tourism rebound given significant pent-up demand.

"We manufacture components locally in Shanghai," describes operations VP Claire S. "I really needed to check in on the factory floor and meet with suppliers. Virtual meetings weren't cutting it anymore." She flew to China last month for a critical business trip three years in the making.

For technology firms, in-person collaboration is especially vital. "We struggled launching new software with only Zoom meetings," explains Marc R., an engineering lead. "I had to get onsite with our programmers in Beijing to hammer out issues and oversee progress firsthand."

Banking analyst Jen W. also emphasizes that reading cultural cues via video proves difficult. "In Chinese business culture, face-to-face interactions build trust in ways calls can't. Being there cements deals."

"With fewer tourists, I had front row seats for the Shanghai Acrobat Show" shares supply chain manager Ryan K. "The troupe showered our visiting team with incredible hospitality - it really fostered goodwill."

According to Jacobi, leisure visitors stand to gain by waiting a bit longer before descending on China. "Once business travel fully rebounds, flights will increase, visas speed up, and entry restrictions likely relax more."

China Opens Its Borders, But U.S. Caution Remains - Health and Safety Top of Mind for Potential Travelers

As China rolls back border restrictions, health and safety concerns loom large in Americans’ travel planning. After three years of pandemic turmoil, mitigating COVID-19 risks tops priorities for many tourists considering visiting China right now.

“I desperately want to hike the Great Wall and see the Forbidden City, but avoiding getting COVID still worries me,” confesses 58-year old history teacher Michelle S. Underlying conditions like asthma also heighten her caution about exposure while abroad.

Other travelers voice nervousness around China’s medical system capacity if they did fall ill while traveling. “Care standards at Chinese hospitals are behind what I’m used to in the U.S.,” explains accountant Tom L. “That makes me hesitate about going right now.”

However, infectious disease expert Dr. Anne Liu contends China’s healthcare infrastructure is adequately equipped to handle COVID cases after mobilizing over the last three years. “With high vaccination levels and the virus evolving to less severe strains, the system isn’t overburdened anymore,” she explains. “Americans visiting now could receive quality treatment if needed.”

Beyond COVID risks, some tourists feel more vulnerable visiting regions with pollution challenges. “Breathing the air in Beijing really bothered my asthma before, especially in summer” shares nonprofit director Amanda R. She worries about Exposure exacerbating respiratory issues.

Of course, prudent precautions can minimize health impacts while visiting China. Tourists with medical conditions should consult doctors about any concerns before finalizing travel. Bringing ample medications and avoiding strenuous activities helps reduce problems.

Staying vigilant around food hygiene and sanitation also keeps illness at bay. “I stick to boiled or peeled fruits and vegetables and choose busy restaurants” explains veteran traveler Daniel H. “I’ve never gotten sick following those rules in China over many trips.” Travelers echo sticking to safe water sources and avoiding raw shellfish as key precautions.

Vaccinations against other diseases also provide protection. “I made sure to get typhoid and hepatitis shots before my China trip” notes banker Jen W. The CDC recommends a hepatitis A vaccine along with keeping routine immunizations up to date.

Travelers keen on extra COVID security can take at-home rapid tests before group activities or flights home. “Testing for peace of mind helps me relax and enjoy my time more,” shares retiree Brian T. who road-tripped across China last fall.

While health risks always exist when journeying abroad, basic diligence empowers tourists to manage concerns. “I felt totally fine traveling all over China for three weeks thanks to taking some common-sense precautions,” recalls writer Valerie T. Advance preparations provided contingency plans had issues emerged.