COVID-19 QUARANTINE IN CHINA

Eike Westerholt • January 21, 2021

Eike Westerholt, NetExpat Senior Consultant, is a dedicated leadership, team, personal coach and facilitator with 15+ years’ experience living and working in Germany and Asia. 

During the January 12th Global HR Think Tank session,  Eike shared her quarantine experience after traveling back to China from Germany in 2020. 

A stressful but manageable experience.

China decided almost one year ago to implement strong and strict measures of quarantine in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to ensure the safety of those living in China and traveling to China. While all measures are in place for safety and health reasons, China has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to violating quarantine policies. 


I currently work in Beijing as a NetExpat Senior Consultant and last year I decided to go back to Germany, where I am from, with my daughters for 2 weeks. My 2 week trip quickly turned into 4 months and upon return to China I experienced the quarantine myself so I want to share my first hand experience .


Preparation & Expectation Management

48 hour prior to boarding your flight you must have a negative NA and IgM Antibody test submitted to the Chinese Embassy/Consulate to apply for a green QR-Code with certified health declaration form (web-version or WeChat-APP)


Favor direct flights to China in order to avoid additional testing and verifications.


Temperature checks are required before boarding & during flight.


Be prepared to fulfill several steps, instructions are easy to follow:

  • Temperature check by officials onboard before leaving the airplane
  • Covid19 tests
  • Health questions
  • Passports collected and returned at quarantine hotel

  • You do not have a choice of hotel
  • Centralized facilities are used and standards may vary
  • Make sure you pick the right city of arrival!
  • Luggage is disinfected
  • You must pay for room and meals upon arrival or departure
  • 3 meals per day are provided with varying quality
  • Bottled water provided
  • Outside delivery not always allowed
  • Children can stay with parents 
  • Temperature reporting
  • Nucleic acid testing
  • Certificate at the end of quarantine

Transform Quarantine into an Opportunity of Connection & Learning

What to prepare for 2 weeks of quarantine?


  • A positive and constructive mindset!
  • Additional piece of luggage with original sealed food (e.g. cereal, snacks, chocolate, bread, nuts, dried fruits, instant noodles, tea, coffee etc.), cutlery, cleaning items (detergent, disinfectant, laundry, wet wipes) and extra towels
  • Books, movies, podcasts, music (prior download recommended), games, arts & craft
  • Workout (yoga mat, jump rope, apps) and Meditation
  • Download Apps (prior to arrival): WeChat, Translator, VPN, Netflix
  • Further Learning: Online courses, foreign languages
  • Stay in touch with family, friends, colleagues and travelers from your flight to socialise virtually

If you or someone you know are traveling to China, be sure to check the requirements for your specific situation prior to traveling as quarantine requirements could change. 


The Global HR Think Tank is run monthly and hosted by NetExpat. Come join us for a 45-minute conversation with leading industry professionals around the globe on topics that cover global mobility, talent management and diversity.
Learn more about the Global HR Think Tank

Share this post

July 21, 2026
Learn how businesses can build workforce agility through flexible talent strategies, empowering employees and driving long-term organizational success.
July 1, 2026
Patricia Biffi brings a rich blend of business acumen and global perspective to her role at NetExpat, shaped by her journey from Brazil’s dynamic fashion retail industry to building a new chapter in the United States. With nearly two decades of experience spanning commercial and marketing leadership, she developed a strong foundation in driving growth, building high-performing teams, and keeping people at the center of every decision. Having personally navigated the challenges of relocation and career reinvention, Patricia combines resilience, adaptability, and a people-first mindset with a deep appreciation for cross-cultural experiences and the evolving landscape of global mobility.
By NetExpat Account July 1, 2026
The pharmaceutical industry is operating under extraordinary and accelerating pressure. Patent cliffs heightened regulatory scrutiny, geopolitical instability, pricing constraints, and an increasingly complex global R&D and manufacturing footprint are pushing organizations to do more—faster, with fewer resources, and under intense public and stakeholder scrutiny. At the same time, demand for specialized talent has never been higher.  Unlike extractive or capital‑intensive industries such as oil and gas, pharma cannot rely on large financial incentives to drive international mobility. Scientific, regulatory, medical affairs, and quality expertise are scarce globally—yet many of the very professionals pharma needs most are reluctant to relocate. Dual‑career households, two‑income families, caregiving responsibilities, and reduced appetite for long assignments mean traditional mobility levers are no longer sufficient. In this context, Global Mobility (GM) is no longer just an enabler of relocation—it must become a strategic talent catalyst.
By NetExpat Account June 16, 2026
Whether driven by mergers, digital transformation, geopolitical shifts, or evolving market demands, change affects every corner of a global organization. And without the right support, teams can suffer, along with morale and alignment. Profit losses, decreased productivity, attrition and reputational damage are very real risks, and often signs that an organization’s change strategy failed to account for cultural context—both the organization’s internal culture and the cultural identities of its employees. Change is universal, but how we deal with it is deeply cultural. Even the most well-designed initiative can falter if it overlooks one critical factor: how people experience change. In global teams, that experience isn’t just shaped by roles, responsibilities, and team dynamics. It’s also shaped by the cultural norms, values, and perspectives each person brings to the workplace. And when leaders assume their teams will respond to change the same way they do, communications and processes can quietly unravel—sometimes under the radar and long before the negative impacts are fully recognized. To lead and address change effectively, business leaders need to understand the cultural lenses that shape how change is perceived, processed, and embraced (or rejected).
By NetExpat Community June 10, 2026
This blog post offers a glimpse into the exclusive content available to members of the NetExpat Community —designed specifically for the partners and spouses of transferees. From curated resources to peer-driven insights, this sample reflects the kind of meaningful support that helps partners/spouses feel seen, connected, and empowered.
By NetExpat Account May 13, 2026
Meet Pawl Mika, a globally minded leader at NetExpat whose international career and personal relocation experience shape his people-first approach to global mobility, client success, and team collaboration.
Car racing into sunrise
By NetExpat Account May 13, 2026
Navigating ambiguity in the automotive industry requires more than technical expertise. Discover how intercultural capability helps global teams improve communication, align priorities, and stay competitive under pressure.
By NetExpat Account May 5, 2026
Gabi brings a thoughtful, human‑centered approach to her work at NetExpat, shaped by a background in intercultural communication and international collaboration. With a strong belief that cultural competence is built through awareness, adaptability, and reflection, she designs practical, evidence‑based learning experiences that help people navigate complexity with confidence. Passionate about how adults learn and change, Gabi is motivated by creating solutions that make a real difference in how individuals and organisations work, connect, and thrive across cultures.
By Alain Verstandig April 13, 2026
Duty of care has long been central to global mobility—but its scope is widening. As organizations face new workforce expectations, diverse family profiles, and increasingly global teams, the question becomes: What does meaningful care look like today?
By NetExpat Account April 7, 2026
In a recent conversation with NetExpat, Mark Vaughan, Head of Global Mobility Policy at Maersk, offered a candid look at what it takes to modernize mobility policies in a way that is practical, inclusive, and aligned with today’s workforce realities.
Show More