Current China Entry policy
Jun 6, 2023, 7:22 pm
#2956
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: YouTube: @FindingFoodFluency
Posts: 441
Screenshots
The focus is on the flight that actually brings you into China (e.g. you even need to provide your actual seat number). WeChat is just a distributor channel for the system. The data resides on China government servers.
ETA Completing the form over a stable internet connection and grabbing a screenshot of the qr code is definitely a good idea, but you might be asked to update it upon arrival.
ETA Completing the form over a stable internet connection and grabbing a screenshot of the qr code is definitely a good idea, but you might be asked to update it upon arrival.
I wouldn't fill out the thing so soon, since it does expire 24 hours later.
Jun 6, 2023, 8:36 pm
#2957
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,288
I forgot about that 24 expiration rule, but now that you mention it, I've had a few codes expire on me. When I went back to the site, most of my previously entered info was still there. I just needed to make a few updates in order to generate a new code.
Jun 6, 2023, 10:14 pm
#2958
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
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Doesn't matter if screenshot or WeChat: it expires 24 hours after being issued.
Jun 6, 2023, 11:10 pm
#2959
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,288
Correct. And, if you try to scan an expired QR code upon arrival, you will be instructed to generate a new one. When it comes down to that, the kiosks are probably faster than fiddling with the WeChat MP or the native app because when you present your expired QR code to them, they pull up your profile so you can update it. After you confirm, they print out a small piece of paper with your new QR code.
Jun 6, 2023, 11:13 pm
#2960
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
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I suggest one doesn't let that happen: the app is good and remembers your previous inputs, but it is a little finnicky with logging in.
Better to generate the QR code before departure.
Jun 6, 2023, 11:14 pm
#2961
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,453
I suggest one doesn't let that happen: the app is good and remembers your previous inputs, but it is a little finnicky with logging in.
Better to generate the QR code before departure well in advance.
Jun 7, 2023, 4:42 am
#2962
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Is entry to Mainland China easier from HK versus from North America or even Tokyo? I'll be flying to Tokyo twice over the next 6 months. I'll also be in HK at that time. I wouldn't mind taking a two-day trip to Shanghai. I'm trying to avoid taking another RAT if possible. I do have a valid visa that I got pre-pandemic. I also wouldn't mind registering for the e-channel that @moondog mentioned earlier. I also want to try to get that elusive Chinese bank account and set up Alipay.
Jun 7, 2023, 4:55 am
#2963
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,288
The odds of anyone asking to see your RAT upon entry are extremely low, maybe even infinitesimal. However, consider your completed test a $2 insurance policy (probably even free, assuming you still have some spare US government issued RATs lying around) should you find yourself in a pickle at some point during your visit.
Jun 7, 2023, 9:15 am
#2964
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,247
Is entry to Mainland China easier from HK versus from North America or even Tokyo? I'll be flying to Tokyo twice over the next 6 months. I'll also be in HK at that time. I wouldn't mind taking a two-day trip to Shanghai. I'm trying to avoid taking another RAT if possible. I do have a valid visa that I got pre-pandemic. I also wouldn't mind registering for the e-channel that @moondog mentioned earlier. I also want to try to get that elusive Chinese bank account and set up Alipay.
Jun 7, 2023, 9:26 am
#2965
Join Date: Jun 2016
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Jun 7, 2023, 2:23 pm
#2966
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
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Posts: 6,453
Jun 7, 2023, 7:09 pm
#2967
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,288
Here is my personal approach to RATs that I've employed ever since RATs became okay, which I've surely mentioned in this conversation. I simply keep a new RAT kit in my carry-on that I'm prepared to use pre-flight or upon entry.
I am NOT encouraging others to use this approach because I would feel awful if any of our forum members/readers ended up in a worst-case scenario situation, based on my account., but I am PERSONALLY willing to accept the risk of "worst-case scenario".
Jun 7, 2023, 10:01 pm
#2968
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,453
Arrived at PEK a couple of hours ago.
RAT: yeah, I self administered a RAT before filling out the declaration, but also took an unused test with me, just in case. No one asked to see the RAT or its result, other than the QR code of course.
E-Channel: signed up for e-channel at PEK (after Immigration). Quite a bit of confusion by staff on how to do it, but it only took 10-15 minutes.
Let's see if it actually works though, on next exit.
RAT: yeah, I self administered a RAT before filling out the declaration, but also took an unused test with me, just in case. No one asked to see the RAT or its result, other than the QR code of course.
E-Channel: signed up for e-channel at PEK (after Immigration). Quite a bit of confusion by staff on how to do it, but it only took 10-15 minutes.
Let's see if it actually works though, on next exit.
Jun 8, 2023, 5:24 am
#2969
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Join Date: Mar 2010
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Arrived at PEK a couple of hours ago.
RAT: yeah, I self administered a RAT before filling out the declaration, but also took an unused test with me, just in case. No one asked to see the RAT or its result, other than the QR code of course.
E-Channel: signed up for e-channel at PEK (after Immigration). Quite a bit of confusion by staff on how to do it, but it only took 10-15 minutes.
Let's see if it actually works though, on next exit.
RAT: yeah, I self administered a RAT before filling out the declaration, but also took an unused test with me, just in case. No one asked to see the RAT or its result, other than the QR code of course.
E-Channel: signed up for e-channel at PEK (after Immigration). Quite a bit of confusion by staff on how to do it, but it only took 10-15 minutes.
Let's see if it actually works though, on next exit.
Jun 8, 2023, 7:06 am
#2970
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,453
Oh, and I had to fill out & sign a consent form "to collect data, images, biometric data, etc.".
(Have a 5-year RP)