Jan 12, Post-Zero Covid Travel News You Might Have Missed

Post-Zero Covid Travel News You Might Have Missed, Jan 12

Vincent R. Vinci, Managing Editor | Jan 12, 2023 10:53 am | Add a comment | 297 reads

China Preparing to Expand Airline Service to US: China’s Civil Aviation Administration is preparing to open more routes between China and the US, according to the Associated Press and China Central Television.

The report says American and Chinese airlines are among over 40 carriers that have submitted applications covering around 700 flights per week involving 34 countries. This comes after China reopened airline flights and over travel into and out of the country, with quarantine for international arrivals being dropped from Jan 8.

Countries with Covid testing rules for arrivals from China: As of press time, 14 countries currently have Covid testing requirements or travel restrictions in place for air travelers coming from China.

South Korea – Proof of negative PCR test result from test taken within 48 hours, or proof of negative antigen self-test result from test taken within 24 hours prior to departure. All passengers must undergo another PCR test after arriving in the country. Issuance of short-term visas for travelers from China has been suspended until Jan 31.
(Source: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/cn-zh/brd/m_21043/view.do?seq=87#)

Canada – Proof of negative PCR or antigen self-test result from test taken 48 hours prior to departure.
(Source: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-19-pre-boarding-test-requirements-china-hong-kong-macao)

Australia – Proof of negative PCR test result from test taken 48 hours prior to departure.
(Source: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19/)

France – Proof of negative PCR test result from test taken 48 hours prior to departure.
(Source: https://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/actualites/actualites-du-ministere/article/mise-en-place-de-mesures-sanitaires-pour-les-passagers-en-provenance-de-chine)

Qatar – Proof of negative PCR test result from test taken within 48 hours prior to departure for arrivals from Chinese mainland.
(Source: https://covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/travel-and-return-policy/Pages/default.aspx)

USA – Proof of negative PCR test result with two calendar days' validity or proof of recovery from Covid.*
(Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html)

UK – Proof of negative PCR test result from test taken within two calendar days before departure for arrivals from Chinese mainland (direct or indirect flights).** (Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19#travel-from-mainland-china)

India – Proof of negative PCR test result from test taken within 72 hours of departure for arrivals from Chinese mainland and Hong Kong SAR. (Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/)

Italy – Proof of negative PCR test result from test taken within 72 hours of departure or negative antigen test result from within 48 hours before departure for arrivals from Chinese mainland.
(Source: https://www.esteri.it/en/ministero/normativaonline/focus-cittadini-italiani-in-rientro-dall-estero-e-cittadini-stranieri-in-italia/)

Israel – Proof of negative PCR test result from test taken within 72 hours of departure for non-Israelis.
(Source: https://corona.health.gov.il/en/abroad/arriving-by-air/)

Spain – Proof of full vaccination (two shots) against Covid, or negative PCR test result from test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or negative antigen test result from test taken within 24 hours prior to departure.
(https://www.sanidad.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm

Malaysia – Mandatory testing on arrival for all arrivals from Chinese mainland and screening for fever and other symptoms.
(Source: https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/malaysia-responds-to-chinas-lifted-covid-restrictions-with-plans-to-tighten-borders)

Japan – Testing all arrivals from Chinese mainland on arrival plus proof of negative PCR test result from test taken within 72 hours of departure, from Jan 8.
(Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html)

Morocco – All arrivals from the Chinese mainland, regardless of nationality, are banned from entering the country.
(Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230102_08/)

European Union – Has recommended all member states require negative Covid tests from all arrivals from China, but not mandatory.

Unless mentioned otherwise, all the above countries require negative test results from arrivals coming from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR.

*Requirements pertain to those entering the US via Incheon International Airport (Seoul, South Korea), Toronto International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport (both in Canada), who have been to the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, or Macao SAR within ten days before their flight.

**Excludes Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

If you want to keep up-to-date with travel outside and around China or with things to do in Beijing, you can join our new Safe & Sane international and domestic travel WeChat groups or our Beijing Explorers group. To join, add TBJButler on WeChat (QR code below) and tell them which group you want to join.