BCECC Newsletter: Practical tips for business travelers to and from China

From 8th January 2023 onwards, all Covid-19 quarantine measures no longer apply to international travelers upon arrival in China. Equally, the number of direct flights to and from China has doubled at Brussels Airport, bringing the flights from two to four per week (on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays).

After almost 3 years of Covid-related restrictions and strict quarantine rules, the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC) welcomes this positive news for the Belgian-Chinese business community. However, due to a possible overcrowding of hospitals, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel to China. In any case, it is suggested to take sufficient FFP2 mouth masks during the entire journey and to follow below guidelines.

Negative PCR test

Travelers are still required to take a nucleic acid test. The sampling time should be within 48 hours before boarding the direct flight from Belgium to China. Those who tested negative can board their flight. Travelers are no longer required to obtain a health code from the Chinese Embassy before departure. After testing negative, travelers need to declare their negative PCR test result by scanning the QR code below, by using the China Customs APP or by filling in the health declaration form on the following website (click here).

Those who tested positive before departure from Belgium need to postpone their travel until they have a negative test result.

Upon arrival in China, no more nucleic acid test and/or quarantine will be required, and travelers are free to travel to their final destination.

Visa for China

The Chinese Embassy further facilitates the application for Chinese visas for various purposes, including diplomatic, official, crew, permanent residence, non-commercial visits, transit, commercial visits, family reunion or short visit, personal affairs, study and work.

Here are some interesting website links for traveling to China from Belgium:

Domestic travel within China

Traveling within China has become easier since the abolition of the zero-covid policy. Temperature controls and specific regional policies may still be imposed at certain areas (such as airports and stations, access to buildings, shops, public transport, public places). Wearing a mouth mask remains mandatory.

Travel from China to Belgium

Chinese people can also applyf or a visa again to leave their country. However, same as in all Schengen member states, before they are allowed to enter the country, all travellers originating from China have to wear mouth masks and submit a negative corona test, taken not more than 48 hours prior to their departure from China.

Here are some interesting links for traveling to Belgium from China:

Please contact the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC) in case you need more information.

Important note: Above information is valid at the time of publication. Please check the relevant websites and inform yourself accordingly at the time of your departure.