Dec. 11, 2020

In order to reduce cross-border transmission of Covid-19, starting from November 6, 2020, all Chinese and foreign passengers who are to fly from Eritrea to China will be required to take BOTH nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests and then apply for a green health code or a QR code for certified health declaration form before boarding the flight. The specific requirements are as follows:

1. Test Requirements

Passengers from Eritrea going to China via connecting flight must take their first nucleic acid and IgM anti-body test in the testing institutions recognized by the Chinese Embassy in Eritrea. Passengers must apply at the Chinese Embassy in Eritrea for a green health codes or a QR code for certified health declaration form with certificates of negative results of both tests.

Passengers must take both tests AGAIN in the transit country (from where to take a direct flight to China) and apply at the Chinese embassy/consulate in the transit country for a green health code or a QR code for certified health declaration form with certificates of negative results of both tests.

Passengers must take the first sampling and testing in Eritrea WITHIN 48 HOURS before boarding their flight to the transit country and take the second sampling and testing in the transit country WITHIN 48 HOURS before boarding to China.

The validity period of both negative certificates is 48 hours, starting from the date of sampling. Please check the website of the Chinese embassy/consulate in the transit country on how to perform the test and apply for a green health code or a QR code for certified health declaration form.

2. Chinese Passengers Applying for Green Health Code

Chinese passengers must upload to the WeChat Health Code App personal information and photos of their negative nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests results in Eritrea and in the transit country, which will then be examined and verified respectively by the Chinese Embassy in Eritrea and the Chinese embassy/consulate in the transit country. Then they will get the green health codes with the "HS" mark (visit the following website for more information about applying for the code: https://hr.cs.mfa.gov.cn/help_two/help-two/hs.html). Passengers must present the green code within its validity period to the airlines flying to China before boarding.

3. Foreign Passengers Applying for a QR Code for Certified Health Declaration Form

Starting from December 1, 2020, foreign passengers could log on to the website https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ via a computer or mobile phone to fill in information online, declare their health status, and upload test certificates and other materials. After verifying the above information, the Chinese embassy/consulate will issue a certified health declaration form (electronic version) through the above-mentioned website. The health declaration form (electronic version) is displayed in the form of a QR code with the "HDC" mark. Foreign passengers must present the electronic or printed version of the QR code to the airlines before boarding.

4. Reminders:

1) Please read the requirements carefully and follow them accordingly. Failure to obtain the green health code with the "HS" mark or a certified health declaration form in the form of a QR code with negative nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests results means you do not qualify for boarding the flight to China and will have to change your itinerary.

2) At present, many countries are adjusting their entry and exit policies according to the development of the pandemic. There are not many airports where the passenger can get tested in the transit area. It is recommended to carefully choose the transit flight route to China, check the transit country's entry regulations and its nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests requirements beforehand. Failure to enter the transit country or meet the requirements regarding the tests, the green code or certified health declaration form could result in being stranded and heightened infection risks.

3) The airlines may require an on-site inspection of the original negative certificates or keep a copy. Passengers are advised to bring the relevant materials and copies with them to the airport.

4) Eritrean National Health Laboratory is the nucleic acid and IgM anti-body testing institution recognized by the Chinese Embassy in Eritrea.

5) The test certificate must be complete and clear without alteration. Forging certificates and providing false information will bring corresponding legal liabilities, and any losses caused thereby shall be borne by the individuals concerned.

5. Contact information:

Ms. Zhao Zhen, 07638991,  Chinese Embassy in Eritrea,

Email: consulate_eri@mfa.gov.cn

Appendix: QR code of the WeChat Health Code App