China: Authorities in Beijing mandate COVID-19 vaccination for some public venues and ease curbs on domestic travelers July 7 /update 12

Event

Officials in Beijing will mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for people to enter crowded public venues, including cinemas, libraries, and gyms from July 11. The restrictions will not apply to individuals who are medically exempt from getting the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as locations like restaurants and public transport. Authorities have yet to specify details of the mandate, such as the approved vaccines and the number of doses required.

Authorities will also ease restrictions on domestic travel to Beijing. Individuals who have traveled to towns with at least one local infection in seven days cannot enter Beijing, instead of the previously mandated 14 days. Residents from counties in border and port cities may enter Beijing. Additionally, Beijing will restart direct international flights to the city but officials have yet to announce a specific timeline for the resumption.

Domestic Restrictions
Eased COVID-19 restrictions are in effect in low-risk areas of Beijing. Dine-in services may resume at food establishments. Office workers may work on-site. Public transport, including bus, subway, and taxi services, may operate. Individuals must present a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 72 hours to enter public venues and transport. Shopping malls outside of locked down and controlled areas can operate. Public parks, cultural venues, and fitness centers can open at 75 percent capacity. Delivery couriers may enter residential communities but must place items at the door to minimize physical contact. Officials allow interprovincial group tourism in Beijing for fully vaccinated individuals.

Tighter curbs remain in medium- and high-risk areas. Authorities have designated 12 areas in Changping, Shunyi, Tongzhou, and Yanqing districts as high- and medium-risk as of July 7. Residents of and individuals with recent exposure to these areas must remain in their homes; exceptions may be possible for emergencies and essential reasons. Officials restrict travel to and from the affected communities. Authorities typically maintain measures until two weeks after the latest confirmed community case and will probably carry out several rounds of testing before easing restrictions. Authorities will usually distribute food and essential items to households under strict stay-home protocols.

Entry Requirements
People entering or exiting Beijing must take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours before departure and have a "green" health code. Travelers must also take nucleic acid tests within 24 and 72 hours of arrival in Beijing and cannot go to restaurants, gatherings, and crowded locations for seven days. Individuals from medium- and high-risk areas and sites under COVID-19 isolation measures cannot leave Beijing. Individuals must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days to enter airport terminals. Inbound international travelers must undergo seven days of centralized quarantine, followed by three days of home isolation. Increased health screenings are likely at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), and other transport hubs. Officials may suspend flights and ticket sales for travel from cities regarded as high- or medium-risk areas.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Confirm travel reservations to, from, and in Beijing.

Resources

Beijing Area Designation (Mandarin Chinese)
People's Government of Beijing Municipality