China has activated a new health protocol that all those who wish to enter the country must comply with. This measure has been in place since 13 November 2022 due to a new coronary pneumonia epidemic.

According to what the University of Valencia Language Centre has learned through Yvie Wang, Full Professor and Rector's Delegate at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council confirms that "the notification of the further optimisation of the prevention and control measures for the new coronary pneumonia epidemic has been issued through the scientific and precise work of prevention and control".

It should be noted that Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)  is the leading university in foreign language teaching and ranks 57th out of 940 prestigious Chinese universities. 

With the notification of the new prevention measures, the Chinese embassies and consulates in Spain have adjusted the requirements related to the application of health codes for passengers traveling to China as follows:

1. Passengers must take a nucleic acid test 48 hours before boarding a direct flight to China.
2. Passengers travelling to China in transit are only required to take a nucleic acid test in one of the countries of origin or transit 48 hours boarding a direct flight to China.
3. The special prevention and control requirements for confirmation of recovery and pre-trip health monitoring for those with a history of previous infection, close contact, suspicious symptoms, "uncertain" test results and "grey zones" will be dropped.
4. How to apply for a health code:

1. Chinese nationals must apply for a health code through the international version of the Immunization Health Code mini-program (see Annex 1). Foreign nationals should go to https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ or use their mobile phone to scan the QR code (see Annex 2) to enter the login interface, register their account with their email address and fill in the information to apply for a health code.

Annex 1: Chinese health code

Annex 2: QR application access code

2. If you have taken tests in general hospitals or testing facilities in the consular district of the Embassy in Spain (except in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia) you must submit your health code application to the Embassy in Spain for approval. If you have taken tests in general hospitals or testing facilities in the consular district of the Consulate General in Barcelona (in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia) you must submit your health code application to the Consulate General in Barcelona for approval.

3. Complete the health code application accurately and upload it to:

I. A negative nucleic acid test report within 48 hours prior to boarding a direct flight to China

II. Flight itinerary

III. Passport or travel document

IV. Valid residence permit or visa to enter China issued after 28 March 2020 (only for foreign nationals, except those exempt from visa)

V. Previous notices and additional instructions issued in connection with health code applications that are not consistent with this notice are no longer applicable, and the relevant requirements shall prevail.