China Heritage Tours - Preparation Checklist

Preparation Checklist

Document Requirements

	Obtain or locate passports for all Heritage Tour participants. Very important! All passports must be valid for SIX (6) months beyond the dates of this trip.
	Child’s Chinese passport, in addition to valid American passport, is required by the PRC if this is the first return visit to China.
	Mail Application to China Heritage Tours with:
		appropriate deposit and application fee
		signed Waiver(s) of Liability
		photocopies of the ID pages of each traveler’s valid US passport, and
		a photocopy of the ID page of your child’s Chinese passport
	Wait to book airline tickets until confirmation of participation by tour contact person
	Forward all flight information to tour contact person.
	Prepare Chinese visa application(s) and apply.
	If only one parent is accompanying the adoptive child on this trip, the other parent must write a letter stating that he or she is aware that the traveling parent is leaving the country on the dates specified with the child and that they give permission for the travel. This letter must then be signed and notarized and carried with you during the trip. Failure to obtain and carry this document could result in denied access to international flights and/or entry to the PRC.
	Photocopies of your child's original adoption papers in Chinese and English.

Health Requirements

It is very important to be aware that this can be a physically strenuous trip. Summer weather in China is often extremely hot with high humidity. Access to many of China's most important and interesting sites is by foot and often requires extensive walking, sometimes uphill and/or on uneven ground. While some of the places we visit are indoors and air conditioned, many are by definition outdoor attractions such as the Great Wall, the gardens of Suzhou, or the Chengdu Panda Research Center, requiring considerable walking, hiking, and/or standing. Please note that unlike the USA, facilities for the disabled are not often readily available in China. Additionally, many days are very busy and completely filled with activities and travel. It is essential, therefore, to consult with your personal physician regarding your fitness prior to making a commitment to join the Heritage Tour, particularly if you have an concerns regarding your ability to fully participate.

If you have a pre-existing health condition that participation on this Tour could negatively impact or if you have other health restrictions, you must obtain a physician's note stating that you are physically able to participate.

Check with your physician about personal medical needs and vaccinations as soon as your participation is confirmed. The following inoculations are normally recommended for travel to China: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus plus. Your physician may also recommend Typhoid pills.

Strongly Recommended

We very strongly advise and recommend that you purchase comprehensive medical and travel insurance prior to your departure. In the event that you or your family members become ill or injured prior to or during the trip, the trip or flights are cancelled, or you are substantially delayed, then medical and travel insurance, including evacuation coverage, is invaluable. Neither FCCEX nor COEA can or will assume financial responsibility for medical or transportation costs.

Additional Highly Recommended Travel Tips

	Call all credit card services you plan to use (take at least 2) and advise them of your international travel plans.
	Reconfirm international flights 72 hours before departure.
	If necessary, begin an aerobic exercise program at least six weeks before departure. Walking and stair climbing are both good activities.
	Start hydrating at least 72 hours before depart. This allows for better jet lag recovery and helps when it is hot. Adults should drink at least eight 8oz. glasses of water per day and children at least six 8oz. glasses
	Stop mail and newspaper delivery. Provide for pet care.
	Arrange for transportation to the airport and from the airport to your home upon your return.
	Once in China, carry some Chinese currency for taxi to hotel if necessary. Otherwise, hotels usually offer a decent exchange rate. Be sure to keep all exchange receipts. At the end of the trip you can convert your Chinese currency back to US currency.