China Launches NEW "International Travel Health Certificate"

On March 7, 2021, State Councilor Wang Yi announced the launch of the Chinese version of the "International Travel Health Certificate" at the Foreign Ministers' Press Conference of the "Two Sessions", and proposed a practical "China plan" for promoting the recovery of the world economy and facilitation of cross-border personnel exchanges. On March 8, the Chinese version of the "International Travel Health Certificate" WeChat Mini Program was officially launched, and Chinese citizens are welcome to use it.

(State Councilor Wang Yi announcing the launch of the Chinese version of the "International Travel Health Certificate" at the Foreign Ministers' Press Conference of the "Two Sessions" on March 7, 2021)

What is the Chinese version of "International Travel Health Certificate"?

The Chinese version of the "International Travel Health Certificate" is a comprehensive certificate that displays the holder's nucleic acid, serum IgG antibody test results and vaccination status. The health certificate contains an encrypted QR code for the relevant departments of various countries to verify the authenticity and read personal information. In addition to electronic display, it can also be printed to generate a paper version.

(Chinese version of "International Travel Health Certificate" paper sample)

How can I obtain my international travel health certificate?

There are two ways to do so:

1. Open WeChat, enter the mini program by scanning the QR code presented to you at an official channel, and select the "查看及出示国际旅行健康证明" (View and present International Travel Health Certificate) to operate.
   
   

2. Search for "防疫健康码国际版" (International Version of Epidemic Prevention Health Code) in WeChat to get the Mini Program, then open it and select "查看及出示国际旅行健康证明" (View and present International Travel Health Certificate) to operate. Before logging in for the first time, you need to verify your personal identity and travel documents.

("Epidemic Prevention Health Code International Version" Mini Program Interface)

What are the benefits of the Chinese version of the "International Travel Health Certificate"?

In the near future, as more and more countries reach mutual recognition arrangements for health certificates with China, the Chinese version of "International Travel Health Certificates" will play a greater role in promoting the healthy, safe, and orderly exchanges of transnational personnel and provide a solid guarantee for those traveling the world.

Source: “国际旅行健康证明”正式上线，长什么样？一起来看看

Does this work for foreigners?

This is exciting news for those that have been waiting to travel in or out of China more freely. The big question that will surely be on all foreigners' minds is whether or not this works for foreigners. It definitely was for us so we immediately gave it a try. Here's what we found:

 Screenshot of identification page for incoming travelers:

Screenshot of identification page for outgoing travelers:

Although the "incoming travelers" section has an option to select a passport as a form of identification, the mini-program is only in Chinese. Looking through the mini-program's frequently asked questions (FAQs) area we also found a couple of questions related to the subject:

Translation of the above: Foreigners should use the International Version of Epidemic Prevention Health Code found at website: https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ and submit test results and other materials to apply for a Statement of Health to board a plane with. For specific requirements, please consult the notice issued on the website of the local Chinese embassy and consulate.

Another related question answered in the FAQs is: "I do not have a resident ID card, can I apply for an international travel health certificate?"

Answer: I am very sorry, the international travel health certificate certification and inquiry function is only open to holders of mainland China resident ID card.

Although limited for foreigners at the moment, this new International Travel Health Certificate system is a great sign that we're headed towards more open and safer travel. If you would like to access the International Version of Epidemic Prevention Health Code for foreigners mentioned above now, click the 'read more' link at the bottom left of this article.

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