🆕 When can students enter China? (Updated Weekly)
When can students enter China? Register here for our weekly email newsletter updates with all the updates.
Disclaimer: this article is for general information only, we do our best to keep it updated, but please check the most recent update with the embassy and your university.
Can students enter China? Currently, as of 8th January 2023 the Chinese border is opening, there is no longer any quarantine for students entering China. Applications are open for full-time international degree students to apply to Chinese student X1 visas.
Flights back to China remain somewhat limited, and the prices of flights could are still higher than before the pandemics. Some airlines are offering student discounts. Emirates, Trip.com, Pakistan International Airways.
Students will need to closely follow China’s epidemic procedures to return to China. Please contact your university and embassy for the latest information.
You can also check out some interviews with students in China on our Youtube here.
(Last updated February 2023).
8th January – Updates
- China announced that from 8th January, China is changing its COVID-19 entry requirements for all travellers entering the country.
- Note that eligibility for visas for travel to China remains restricted. Please register your email for updates on this page for further updates or contact your embassy and university for more information.
- From 8th January, there will be no quarantine for inbound passengers to China.
- If you are due to arrive in China on or after 8 January 2023, China time, you will need a negative nucleic acid test 48 hours before departure and have to wear protective masks onboard flights. You must submit your negative PCR test result by filling in the Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website, or through the China Customs App or WeChat account.
- Anyone reporting a positive test result will not be permitted to board a flight to China.
- Source, Source, Source, Chinese
Can Chinese Language Students Go to China?
At this point, only some Chinese language students are able to go to China. Most Chinese embassies are only granting X1 student visas (for programs longer than 180 days/1 semester), which includes all degree programs.
Chinese language programs are usually only 1 semester, which is less than 180 days, which would be an X2 visa. These visas are not being granted at this time.
The only way Chinese language students will have a chance is if they apply for a yearlong language program. But even then, there is no guarantee and we have only a few reports of Chinese language students going to China successfully.
Online Chinese language programs are still open and available for international students. You can read more here.
Will the Chinese border open fully in 2023 for all visas? Since the final decisions are made by the Chinese government, we cannot give exact dates. Register your email on this page for updates and we will keep you updated.
If you have been contacted by your university and given permission to return to China, please make sure to contact your university and the Chinese embassy in your country for the steps to return to China.
What can you do to learn more?
- Communicate with your university and Chinese embassy to your country. They will be the first to tell you if you can return.
- Check your email frequently.
- Check this page frequently – and sign up for the email
- Coordinate with your classmates from your country and university to find community and share information.
- Get vaccinated.
- If you will return to China when you are given notice, click here for more information.
📰 News Updates on Students’ Return to China
See More News for all Countries and Full Timeline Information ▶️▶️
🌐 Global Admissions
If you are looking for options to study outside of China we have Global Admissions to help you!
On Global Admissions, you can…
- Apply to universities around the world in one convenient application
- See which countries are open to international students
- Check out global scholarships
💉 Vaccine Requirements to Enter China
Will students need a vaccine to enter China? Yes, students must be vaccinated in order to return to China. The vaccines you get must be recognized by either China or the World Health Organization. If it is possible for you to get a booster shot closer to your departure date, we strongly recommend it.
A vaccine passport is a required document for visas/flights.
🏨 Quarantine Times and Costs
There is no longer any requirement for quarantine in China!
✍️ Applying for Intake 2023
Chinese universities are open to applicants from international students this application season. Learn more about applying to the 202 intake here!
China Admissions can help you prepare an application, communicate with the university, and update you on the latest China news.
Learn more about why you should apply early.
👩💻Online Courses
For students who cannot enter China yet, there is no need to pause your learning. We encourage you to take advantage of opportunities in your home country and online.
We have many exciting online courses available for students all around the world:
- 7 Apps to Learn Chinese for Free!
- Best online Chinese courses
- Best FREE Ways to Self-Study Chinese Online
- Free Online Classes: new opportunities every week!
If you are enrolled in a degree program in a Chinese university, it is up to the university to organize and schedule your online classes. They will vary depending on the university.
🧠 Maintaining Health & Building Mental Strength
Please also make sure to read the tips here on how to deal with challenging situations. Strengthening your mind is something that can benefit everyone, and it is important to make sure to take some time and attention to continually strengthen your mental health during this time.
- Turn off the news and social media
- Get some fresh air and regular movement
- Invest in your local community
- Have a hobby for yourself
- Make alternate plans
- Ask for help
- Stay connected!
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