On April 26, the U.S. Department of State announced that students with programs starting after August 1 will no longer be affected by the "travel ban" and can fly directly to the U.S.
Click the link below for details:
Official Announcement: U.S. Travel Ban Lifted! Chinese Students Can Fly Directly Starting August 1!
With the lifting of the student travel ban, many students are eager to return to the U.S. for the fall semester and resume in-person classes and campus life. We previously published a detailed visa application and appointment guide.
Click the link below for details:
U.S. F/M Student Visas Resume Issuance! Detailed Visa Application and Appointment Guide Here!
Today, CheersYou（清柚教育） brings you once again a super detailed flight information and return strategy, hoping to assist all students heading to or returning to the U.S.
Summary of China-US Direct Flights
Currently, there are 18 direct flight routes from China to the U.S. The general routes remain largely unchanged from before the pandemic, operated by China's four major airlines and three major U.S. carriers.
Based on the latest flight announcements
Although policies have now been relaxed, you should still try to choose refundable or changeable tickets to avoid sudden policy changes that could lead to non-cancelable or non-changeable flights and tickets.
Since the travel ban was lifted on April 26, prices for direct China-US flights have been soaring, surging fivefold overnight! Tickets that were originally 6,000 yuan suddenly jumped to over 20,000+.
We have also compiled some current August ticket prices; later prices may still adjust at any time. Although ticket prices keep climbing, some flights have very few remaining seats.
Students planning to go to the U.S. before September are advised to keep a constant eye on the latest flight developments, monitor various booking platforms, and secure a satisfactory ticket early to plan ahead!
Transit through Third Countries/Regions to the U.S.
Due to the surge in demand and prices for direct flights, many international students are also considering transit via third countries/regions.
Via Hong Kong to the U.S.
Transit through Hong Kong is currently a relatively reliable option. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's current transit policy allows passengers departing from Mainland China to travel onward to the U.S., provided the following three conditions are met:
1. The two flights must be booked on a single ticket.
2. Transit time at Hong Kong airport must be within 24 hours.
3. Obtain all boarding passes for the connecting flights at the point of origin, and check baggage through to the final destination.
Additional restrictions:
Any passenger who has stayed in Brazil, India, Ireland, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, or the United Kingdom for more than two hours in the past 21 days will not be allowed to enter Hong Kong.
Via Singapore to the U.S.
In addition to Hong Kong, Singapore is another relatively reliable transit option.
Preparations for transiting through Singapore:
1. Obtain a Singapore visa (personal visa applications are not accepted).
2. Download the Air Travel Pass (ATP) and the TraceTogether app (Singapore's local health code).
3. Prepay for the on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test at Singapore airport and keep the payment receipt.
4. Purchase travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment, and print the confirmation page to have on hand.
4. Upon arrival, take a taxi to the designated isolation hotel; you are not allowed to leave the room during isolation.
5. Wait 24-48 hours for the test result, which will be sent to the front desk. If the result is negative, you can immediately end isolation and move freely.
Tips (the following URLs are for reference only)
Visa agencies accredited by the Singapore Embassy: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Beijing/Consular-Services/Visa-I...
ATP application website:
https://capels.caas.gov.sg/atp
Airport testing appointment:
safetravel.changiairport.com
Insurance can be purchased from insurers recommended by the Singapore Immigration Department:
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health/travelinsurance
Singapore hotel website:
www.sha.org.sg/green-lane-travellers
Note:
Singapore tickets are relatively expensive, and flights from China to Singapore must be direct; transit via Hong Kong is not allowed!
Q&A
1. Where should I buy tickets?
It's best to buy from official websites and avoid third-party platforms or ticket scalpers to prevent fraud.
2. Is a COVID-19 test still required?
Currently, for direct flights to the U.S., you need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result from within 3 days (72 hours) before departure when presenting to immigration officers. Details: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-air-travel.html
If you are not flying direct and need to transfer elsewhere, please verify the specific testing requirements of each location in advance.
3. When can I travel to the U.S.?
According to U.S. Department of State requirements, international students may not enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before their program start date. For example, if the program starts on August 31, students may not travel to the U.S. before August 1.
Finally, CheersYou（清柚教育） reminds all students heading to the U.S. to plan your itinerary, schedule your visa appointment as soon as possible, and purchase tickets early.
If you haven't bought tickets yet, don't panic. First confirm your program start date and purchase tickets at the right time. If you have any questions, please contact the relevant organizations at the earliest opportunity.
