On September 4, the Chinese Embassy in the United States released an important notice: Comprehensive Nucleic Acid Testing Measures for Passengers Traveling to China from the United States
This is a significant update affecting every traveler returning to or departing for China, whether nonstop or transiting, and it replaces the previous health code requirements.
The original text is below:
I. Scope of implementation
(1) Chinese and foreign nationals on a direct flight from the U.S. to China must complete a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within 3 days before boarding, and board with a negative test result along with either an "HS"-marked green health code (for Chinese citizens) or a Health Status Statement (for foreign citizens). For example, if the departure date of your direct flight to China is October 10, you should provide a negative test report dated between October 7 and October 10.
(2) The requirement remains in effect for Chinese and foreign nationals departing from the U.S. on commercial flights to China via a third country or region, requiring a negative nucleic acid test result and either an "HS"-marked green health code or a Health Status Statement. Please refer to the U.S. Embassy notice of August 7 for details. Please note: starting at 00:00 Eastern Time on September 15, passengers (Chinese and foreign) transiting via a third country or region from the U.S. to China must provide a negative nucleic acid test result that is valid within 3 days before boarding the final segment to China. For example, if the departure date of your last flight segment to China is October 10, you should provide a negative test report dated between October 7 and October 10.
(3) Chinese and foreign passengers departing from a third country and transferring directly through the U.S. to China must, respectively, board with either an "HS"-marked green health code that is still valid and verified by the Chinese embassy or consulate in that third country, or a Foreigners' Health Status Statement. Passengers who transit through the U.S. without meeting boarding requirements face a high risk of being stranded and may even be sent back to their origin.
(4) Starting at 00:00 Eastern Time on September 15, the practice of Chinese nationals boarding with a 14-day health code (with airplane icon) is no longer applicable for passengers on direct flights to China from the U.S. or those departing the U.S. and traveling via a third country or region to China. The previous arrangement that did not require foreign passengers to submit a Health Status Statement for direct flights from the U.S. to China is also no longer applicable.
Please read each item carefully and check the official website for the exact steps and procedures; otherwise, it could affect your trip.
Embassy official text: Notice on Comprehensive Nucleic Acid Testing Measures for Passengers Traveling to China from the United States