Warning as Aussie tourists expected to ‘rapidly return’ to China

Australian tourists eager to return to China as it fully reopens its border are being warned things won’t be the same as they were three years ago.

China is fully reopening its border and welcoming back tourists for the first time since the Covid pandemic broke out three years ago.

Back in 2019, the Asian superpower was the fifth most popular country for Australians to travel to, with 608,000 people visiting that year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Intrepid Travel Asia managing director Natalie Kidd tells news.com.au she now expects Aussies to “rapidly return”, but things will look different.

“China is an amazing destination, with friendly people, fantastic food and iconic sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors,” Ms Kidd said.

“However, people need to understand that shops, hotels, restaurants and other amenities have been closed or operating at minimal capacity for close to three years, so it will take some time for these venues to be fully staffed and functional again.

“We know that many tourism workers have left the industry or lost jobs, so there will be many new people being trained as tourism restarts. It won’t immediately be the well-oiled machine that it once was.”

China resumed issuing all categories of visas, including for tourists, on Wednesday. Picture: Jade Gao/AFP

Ms Kidd said, though, there were benefits to being one of the early returning tourists, like a warm welcome for helping get businesses back on their feet and far fewer other tourists crowding iconic sites.

Here is what you need to know about visiting China.

‘Exercise a high degree of caution’

The country resumed issuing visas to foreigners on Wednesday, March 15, and places that were visa-free before the pandemic will be visa-free once again, including the island of Hainan and tourists on cruises passing through Shanghai port.

The Australian Government advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in China overall “due to ongoing local Covid restrictions”.

“To enter China, you need a nucleic acid test prior to departure,” the government’s Smartraveller website states.

It is a type of viral diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2.

“As previously advised, authorities have detained foreigners on the grounds of ‘endangering national security’. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention.”

In regards to current political tensions, Ms Kidd said foreign tourists are expected to be warmly welcomed in China but she does recommend travelling with a locally established company that can change your itinerary or provide support if the situation on the ground rapidly changes.

How Covid could impact your trip

The mandatory Covid test needs to be taken within 48 hours of boarding a flight to China and only those who test negative will be permitted to enter the country.

China became known for its controversial zero-Covid policy during the pandemic, which included severe measures like forcing people into quarantine camps, but it scrapped this strategy towards the end of last year.

Chinese travellers wait for trains in Shanghai on January 15 ahead of Chinese New Year – a very different scene to just a few months before. Picture: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

Ms Kidd said: “China’s Covid restrictions were significantly reduced at the start of the year so quarantine is not required if a traveller contracts Covid.

“Since the loosening of restrictions earlier this year, there have been no lockdowns and the expectation is any Covid infections will be dealt with privately rather than reverting to publicly mandated restrictions.”

Australia’s Smartraveller website says: “If you test positive for Covid-19 while in China, and your symptoms are mild or asymptomatic, you will be allowed to self-quarantine or exercise self-care at home.

“If your symptoms are more serious, you should consult local health authorities and relevant websites for the latest advice.”

Don’t forget travel insurance

Australians are being warned not to skip travel insurance to cut costs on their trip.

James Martin, a travel insurance expert at comparison website Finder, told news.com.au this could backfire in a big way.

“Without travel insurance, you could face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs if something goes wrong, be it for emergency medical treatment, losing your luggage or forced trip extensions if your plans get disrupted,” he said.

“In particular, medical care and evacuation costs can be very expensive in China. Most insurance policies do come with unlimited overseas medical coverage.”

Australian tourists are expected to be warmly welcomed by Chinese businesses. Picture: AFP

He said those heading to China should also consider insurance with Covid cover.

“It can include trip cancellation costs ahead of time. This may be especially useful for trips to China, where travellers still need a nucleic acid test before they depart,” Mr Martin said.

“It’s always best to take out cover as soon as you’ve confirmed your travel dates, to get the most protection from your policy.”

He added: “In addition to entry requirements for China, look at all countries you plan to visit or transit through.”

Qantas’ partnership with China Airlines

Qantas announced on Wednesday its frequent flyers members can now use points to book “Classic Flight Reward” seats on all China Airlines flights.

Previously, frequent flyers were only able to use points to travel on China Airlines between Australia and Taipei.