Flying from Pudong? You’ll now need a negative Covid-19 test
Whether you’re planning a business trip that requires a flight out of Shanghai or a long-overdue getaway, here’s another item to add to your pre-travel checklist: a negative Covid-19 test report.
According to SHINE, following more cases in Pudong and Songjiang, a number of Chinese cities are now requiring all passengers flying from Pudong International Airport to show negative Covid-19 tests within 48 hours of departure before boarding.
Cities on the list include Beijing, Urumqi, Sanya, Haikou, Nanyang, Xi’an, Qingdao, Shenyang, Chongqing and Guiyang. For travellers heading up north to Dalian, Dandong or Harbin, you can get a nucleic acid test after landing if you don’t have a report; while those headed down south to Guangzhou will need to take a test in the airport upon arrival even with proof of a negative test pre-departure.
People planning a trip to Sanya will also need to take extra precautions. As a city with one of the stricter Covid policies, if you’ve been in Songjiang or Pudong within two weeks before your scheduled flight, you’ll need two negative nucleic acid test reports 48 hours before departure (with an interval of 24 hours). With one negative test result report you can still board the plane, but you’ll have to do another test upon arrival and then wait for the result.
Currently, passengers coming from Shanghai’s Hongqiao International Airport don’t officially require a negative test, but it’s still recommended to get one anyway and have the report ready so there’s no risk of not being able to board your flight. With policies being adjusted every day, it’s also probably a good idea to check in with Covid-19 prevention authorities two days ahead of travelling. You can find all test locations here and follow this guide on how to book.
The takeaway? Wherever you’re headed, it’s safest to get tested before you travel and carry the proof of a negative result with you.
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