U.S. Tips For American Citizens Still In Shanghai

The U.S. State Department of State’s ordering of the departure of non-emergency American government employees and their family members from the U.S. Consulate General Shanghai today ups what it said on Friday was a voluntary decision to mandatory. (See earlier post here.)

“Our change in posture reflects our assessment that it is best for our employees and their families to be reduced in number and our operations to be scaled down as we deal with the changing circumstances on the ground,” a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said. “The employees and family members will depart on commercial flights. The Department ordered the departure due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.”

“Ambassador (Nicholas) Burns and other Department and Mission officials have continuously raised our concerns about the safety and welfare of U.S. citizens with People’s Republic of China officials. We have informed the government of the PRC about the ordered departure,” the spokesperson said.

If you’re still in Shanghai, U.S. help will continue to be available 24 hours per day across China to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens, according to the spokesperson. The ordered departure status of U.S. Consulate General Shanghai will be reviewed in 30-day increments. For U.S. citizens in Shanghai who wish to depart China, commercial flights remain available but are limited.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, the spokesperson recommended noting or considering the following:

• You can register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at http://step.state.gov

• For questions about accessing your confirmed flight due to local health control measures – email [email protected] or call +86 10 8531-4000 (press “0” for operator).

• For questions about access to food, water, medications, or supplies in Shanghai or for other urgent assistance – email [email protected] or call +86 10 8531-4000 (press “0” for operator).

• Contact your local neighborhood committee or employer for assistance with obtaining food delivery or bulk ordering. Food deliveries may be delayed, and the supply of certain items limited.

• For questions regarding other parts of China – contact the Embassy or Consulate General in your district at the contact information provided below.

• Review your personal preparedness to ensure you have a sufficient supply of money, medication, food, and other necessities for your family in the event of sudden restrictions or quarantine.

• Ensure all necessary documents are accessible and up to date, including travel and identity documents.

• Contact your family and friends immediately and share regular updates. They will be concerned about your well-being, so reach out to them however possible – via phone, text, social media, etc. – to let them know you are safe. Text and data services may work when voice services do not.

• Follow Mission China’s main social media channels: Twitter (@USAmbChina and @USA_China_Talk), Weibo (@美国驻华大使馆), and WeChat (@美国驻华大使馆).

In case of emergency, please call +(86)(10) 8531-4000. Further information can also be found at and emailing:

· Embassy Beijing: [email protected]

· Consulate General Guangzhou: [email protected]

· Consulate General Shanghai: [email protected]

· Consulate General Shenyang: [email protected]

· Consulate General Wuhan: [email protected]

See related posts here:

U.S. State Department Orders Non-Emergency Staff Out Of Shanghai

U.S. Tells Citizens “Do Not Travel” To Shanghai, Hong Kong Due To Covid Restrictions

@rflannerychina