“Some countries have established entry restrictions aimed exclusively at Chinese travelers. This has no scientific basis and some practices are unacceptable,” said Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokeswoman, adding that China could “take countermeasures, based on the principle of reciprocity.”
China has kept its borders practically closed to foreigners since 2020. The country has not issued tourist visas for almost three years and imposes a mandatory quarantine on arrival.
This isolation measure will be lifted on January 8, but a covid test will continue to be required less than 48 hours before arriving in China.
The country is experiencing a sharp rise in infections after the severe sanitary restrictions imposed for years were eased without warning or preparation last month.
Here is a list of countries that require a negative test or other rules for arrivals from China:
– USA –
As of Thursday, the United States requires a negative covid test to enter its territory, mandatory 48 hours before leaving China or a certificate proving that the traveler contracted the disease in the preceding 90 days.
The US health authority accepts tests PCR or antigen autotest administered and verified by an authorized provider or by a telemedicine service.
These rules also apply to travelers from Hong Kong and Macao.
– European Union –
In France, passengers coming from China must present a negative PCR test or an antigen carried out 48 hours before the flight.
Italy and Spain also require a covid test to gain entry.
EU member states are scheduled to discuss a common response on Wednesday, announced Sweden, which holds the bloc’s six-month presidency.
– Australia –
Australia demands the presentation of a negative PCR and argues the “lack of complete information” on the part of Beijing about this wave of infections.
– Canada –
Ottawa requires a test carried out two days before departure from China.
– United Kingdom –
Starting Thursday, all passengers traveling to a British airport must submit a negative test before boarding China.
In addition, the British government reserves the right to impose tests on “samples” of travelers on arrival to control the appearance of new variants.
– Israel –
Israel “decided to order foreign airlines to accept foreigners flying from China to Israel only if the latter submitted to to tests for the covid”, according to the Minister of Health.
A center for “voluntary” tests for people returning from China.
– Japan –
Japan was one of the first countries to impose new rules for travelers from mainland China, who are now the only ones required to present a mandatory test upon arrival.
– South Korea –
South Korea also adopted measures for travelers from China by requiring the presentation of a negative test before your arrival and another after your arrival.
– India –
The authorities require a negative test performed 48 hours before leaving China and other Asian countries.
– Morocco –
Morocco was the country that adopted the strictest measures, prohibiting the entry into its territory of all travelers from China regardless of their nationality.
