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

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