13/08/2020 Announcement by the Embassy of Greece on the coronovirus pandemic in China, international flights and entry into China by foreign nationals

Tuesday, August 11 2020

Visa issuance, right to entry to China: Greek citizens who wish to travel to China are informed that, as of March 28, 2020, entry into China by foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits is suspended. However, foreign nationals traveling to China for economic, trade, scientific or technological activities, on urgent humanitarian reasons or other essential purposes in China should apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates.

Flights availability / requirements upon arrival: The number of international flights to and from China remains limited. However, according to China’s Civil Aviation Authorities, as of early June China is increasing the number of international flights. Direct flights between Greece and China, carried by Air China, have been increased to two per week. Flights bound for Beijing are currently diverted to various designated first points of entry and perspective passengers are kindly advised to consult in advance air carries regarding the first points of entry and precise scheduling of arrivals.

Coronavirus test and quarantine requirements for passengers flying from Greece to China: Passengers departing from Greece need to fill in the Health Declaration Form that can be downloaded from the Chinese Embassy's website. China’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced, as of July 21, that passengers arriving to China should carry a certificate of negative Covid-19 test carried out within 5 days prior to departure at designated centers. At all first points of entry into China, all passengers are obliged to undergo nucleic acid testing and perform mandatory 14 day-quarantine in designated hotels, at their own expense. Additional quarantine requirements may apply depending on their final destination in China. Passengers are kindly advised before traveling to China to also consult the Chinese Embassy's website.

Procedures required for passengers flying from China to Greece: Regarding passengers travelling to Greece on all flights, they need to fill in in advance a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) form and receive a Quick Response (QR) code. Detailed information regarding procedures for arrivals of passengers to Greece can be found at: https://travel.gov.gr/ No coronavirus Covid-19 test is required to board direct Air China flights from Beijing, but tests may be randomly done upon arrival.

General precautionary measures: In Beijing and many other cities strict control measures are applied, such as controls at city entry and exit points, temperature measurement and mandatory use of a mask for entering buildings or public spaces as well as for the use of public transportation, etc. Furthermore, mobile applications monitoring health, travel and contact history are used extensively. Overall, according to the Chinese authorities, with the exception of the Province of Xinjiang and Dalian City in Liaoning Province, the spread of coronavirus is currently well under control in China. Before traveling within China, it is strongly advised to inquire with local authorities.

Regarding precautionary measures, the Embassy recommends that Greek citizens comply with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) travel instructions and refer to the Embassy's Announcements.

More information and instructions are available in the following sites:
https://eody.gov.gr/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-travellers/
https://www.mfa.gr/china/en/the-embassy/news/24032020-announcement-by-the-embassy-of-greece-on-new-measures-fighting-covid-19-outbreak-in-china.html
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/topics_665678/kjgzbdfyyq/t1761867.shtml
https://travel.gov.gr/