China Visa requirements / COVID-19

In order for us to obtain the certificate for you, we need the following documents:

• Health Declaration Form (download)
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your Chinese residence permits or visas
• Flight confirmation
• Test Result PCR COVID19 Nucleic Acid Test & Antibody Test
• Mobile number for emergencies

Please send these documents to the following e-mail address: 

The embassy issues the permits daily, 7 days a week.
(All information according to the Chinese Embassy)

Application for COVID-19 certificate (approval) by the Embassy of China:

• Application during opening hours: CHF 39.00 (excl. VAT)
• Application during the week, outside opening hours: CHF 79.00 (excl. VAT)
• Application on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday: CHF 139.00 (excl. VAT)

Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

The issue usually takes 5-24 hours, depending on the above selection of services. AVS cannot guarantee the processing time and the issuance of the certificate itself, as these are subject to the authority of the Embassy of China.

Starting from January 20th, the test of serum-specific IgM antibodies must be done by professional medical staff through venous blood sampling. The test report must also clearly indicate the words Serum, IgM, and Venous. The report must also clearly state the specific test method, such as (1) Colloidal gold; (2) Chemiluminescence; (3) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (4) For other test methods, please also specify what kind of technique is used.

Starting from January 20th, the nucleic acid test report must indicate nucleic acid (NAAT), Rt-PCR, etc., as well as specific sampling methods, including (1) Pharyngeal swab; (2) Nasopharyngeal swab; (3) Other testing methods, please also specify what kind of technique is used.

Starting from January 20th, the Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Switzerland will only accept the test results from the published test agency (see Testing Institutions). The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Switzerland will verify the authenticity of the results with the testing agency. Passengers are requested to inform the sampling and testing agency to agree to disclose the test results and personal information to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate during the test.

Passengers are requested to isolate themselves at home after sampling and testing, minimize contact with the outside world, and be sure to take personal protection during the trip to the airport, so as to avoid affecting your health and travel to China.

In general, nucleic acid and IgM antibody tests can be performed at any legal medical institution in Switzerland with test qualification. The corresponding tests must contain the following information: Name and date of birth of the applicant, name of the doctor, name and address of the medical institution, date of sampling and test results. Preferably also the passport number of the applicant. The Embassy and Consulate General of China have prepared a list of relevant medical facilities for reference purposes. The 2 tests can be performed at one medical institution or at 2 separate institutions.

Please make sure that the date of taking the tests is not earlier than 2 days before your departure date and that you have the right type of tests done. EXAMPLE: Do not inadvertently perform the antigen, IgG antibody tests that do not meet the requirements.

1. What is the requirement for passengers to collect and test nucleic acid and IgM antibody samples within 48 hours of boarding?

This is based on the date of sampling and not on the specific hour of sampling. For example, if you plan to board the aircraft on November 15, you must provide certificates of two negative test results with the date of sampling from November 13 (inclusive) to November 15.

2. My flight goes from Switzerland via a third country to China. The transit time is only 1-2 hours. Can I take a flight to a third country using the health code or the HDC form issued by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in Switzerland?

No. You will have to repeat the nucleic acid test and the antibody test in the transit country and apply for the HDC code at the Chinese embassy or consulate general in the transit country.

It is recommended that you choose a direct flight to China from your current country of residence. If the condition does not allow this, please contact the immigration authorities of the transit country as soon as possible to find out if both tests can be performed directly at the transit airport or if it is possible to enter the transit country for testing and reserve sufficient time for both tests.

3. If I come to Switzerland from a third country and take a direct flight from Zurich to China, can I board the plane at Zurich Airport with the HDC code issued by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in the country of departure?

Not after 20:00 on November 8, Swiss local time.

There are no test facilities in the transfer area of Zurich Airport. Passengers who do not enter Switzerland or who do not have sufficient transit time cannot perform the tests and run the risk of being rejected and stranded when boarding the aircraft. Therefore, please be careful when choosing a transit flight via Switzerland to China.

4. What are the special requirements for passengers flying directly to Beijing via a third country?
According to the announcement on the Beijing Municipality website, passengers flying directly to Beijing on international flights should be citizens of the countries or regions from which the flight departs. If your flight from Switzerland to Beijing via a third country, please contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in the third country to find out whether you are eligible for the flight or not.