New polio inspections now required for certain travelers

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? China has implemented polio inspections for travelers from nine countries.

What does the change mean? Travelers entering China from any of the specified countries, regardless of nationality, may be subject to on-the-spot checks for polio.

• Implementation timeframe: The public announcement took effect 1 and the policy will remain in effect for one year.
• Visas/permits affected: All visas.
• Who is affected: Travelers from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Syria.
• Impact on processing times: No direct impact.

Background: The entry/exit quarantine bureaus in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai have confirmed that they have implemented the policy issued Aug. 1 by the Administration of Inspection and Quarantine. The policy is being applied to all travelers from the nine countries, not only citizens of those countries. While the bureaus are not making it mandatory for these travelers to obtain an official polio vaccination certificate, travelers carrying such a certificate can likely avoid on-the-spot inspections upon arrival. Travelers suspected of having polio will be taken to the hospital for further examination.

BAL Analysis: Assignees traveling from the nine countries to China should obtain a polio vaccination certificate before traveling or at least be aware that they may be tested for polio upon landing in China.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in China. For additional information, please contact china@bal.com.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.