Traveling to China Post-COVID: What Rules Still Apply in 2025
China dropped its zero-COVID policy in late 2022, but some travel rules remain. Here's what's changed, what's stayed, and what you need to know before booking.
Traveling to China Post-COVID: What Rules Still Apply in 2025
Short answer: China fully reopened to tourists in 2023. No COVID tests, no quarantine, no vaccine certificates are required. However, health code apps still exist domestically, and some hospitals and venues may request temperature checks.
What’s Gone (Completely)
| Rule | Status | Date Ended |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-departure COVID test | ❌ Not required | January 2023 |
| Quarantine on arrival | ❌ Not required | January 2023 |
| Vaccine certificate | ❌ Not required | Never required for tourists |
| Health declaration form | ❌ Not required | November 2023 |
| Flight capacity limits | ❌ Lifted | March 2023 |
Travel to China in 2025 is functionally identical to pre-pandemic procedures at the border.
What Remains
Health Code Apps (Domestic)
Apps like Jiankang Ma (健康码) still exist but are rarely enforced:
| Location | Usage |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | May require health code for entry |
| Some government buildings | Occasional checks |
| Public transport | Essentially never |
| Hotels, restaurants, shops | Never |
Most travelers will never need to download or use these apps.
Mask Culture
Mask-wearing has declined sharply since 2023 but remains common in:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Public transport during flu season
- Some elderly populations
As a foreigner, wearing a mask is optional and attracts no attention either way.
What Changed Permanently
| Aspect | Before COVID | After COVID |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile payments | Dominant | Even more dominant; cash nearly extinct |
| Contactless check-in | Rare | Universal at hotels and airports |
| Domestic tourism | Split between online and offline | Almost entirely app-based booking |
| International flight prices | Competitive | Higher due to reduced route capacity |
Health Precautions to Consider
| Concern | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Air pollution | Northern cities still have bad air days; check AQI |
| Food safety | Same as pre-COVID; street food is generally safe |
| Medical facilities | Excellent in major cities; bring travel insurance |
| Respiratory infections | Winter flu season can be intense; masks help |
The Bottom Line
China is fully open. The COVID era left behind faster digital adoption and higher flight prices, but the border experience is back to normal. If you delayed your China trip during the pandemic, there’s no longer any health-related reason to wait.