Q1: Do I need any vaccinations to travel to China?
A1: Most international travelers do not need mandatory vaccinations to enter China. There are no widespread infectious diseases requiring vaccines like malaria. However, travelers arriving from yellow fever endemic regions must present a valid yellow fever vaccine certificate upon entry.
Q2: Who is required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate?
A2: Travelers must provide a yellow fever vaccine certificate if they:
Come from a yellow fever endemic country or region
Are traveling directly to China from an endemic area
Have transited through a yellow fever endemic region
Q3: What is yellow fever and why is a vaccine certificate required?
A3: Yellow fever is an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, commonly found in parts of Africa and Central/South America. It has a high mortality rate and strong contagiousness. The World Health Organization classifies it as a quarantinable disease, which is why China requires a valid vaccine certificate for travelers from affected regions.
Q4: How long is the yellow fever vaccine valid?
A4: The yellow fever vaccine is valid for 10 years from the date of inoculation. If re-vaccinated, the 10-year validity period starts from the date of the second vaccination. Travelers should confirm their certificate is valid before departure.
Q5: What happens if my yellow fever vaccination certificate is invalid or missing?
A5: If a traveler cannot present a valid yellow fever certificate upon arrival, Chinese Inspection & Quarantine authorities may:
Place the traveler under medical observation for up to 6 days
Require immediate vaccination at a local international travel healthcare center, followed by a 6-day observation period
Q6: Where are the main international travel healthcare centers in China?
A6: Key centers include:
Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center: No. 10, Dezheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Tel: +86-010-82403675
Shanghai International Travel Healthcare Center: No. 15, Jinbang Road, Changning District, Shanghai, Tel: +86-021-62685072
Guangzhou International Travel Healthcare Center: No. 207, West Longkou Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Tel: +86-020-87537322 / 86-020-87548300
Q7: Are there recommended vaccines for travelers to China that are not mandatory?
A7: For personal health, travelers are advised to consider vaccines such as influenza, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), pneumonia, and chickenpox. Additional travel vaccines like hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies may be recommended based on your travel itinerary and health conditions. Consult a travel medicine specialist for personalized advice.
