More than a dozen countries have imposed new travel regulations on people traveling from China, as the world’s most populous country saw a surge in Covid cases following its decision to lift strict virus restrictions.
It is a place that has imposed mandatory Covid tests and other rules on arrivals from China, which Beijing has condemned as “unacceptable”.
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– United States –
From Thursday, the United States will require a negative Covid test taken within two days of departure – or documentation proving that the passenger has recovered from the virus in the past 90 days – for all entries from China.
Acceptable tests include “PCR tests or antigen self-tests performed and monitored by telehealth services or licensed providers”, according to the US Centers for Disease Control.
These rules apply to those traveling from Hong Kong and Macau.
– European Union –
Also from Thursday, all those arriving in France from China must show the result of a negative PCR test, or rapid antigen test, carried out less than 48 hours before the flight.
Italy and Spain are also implementing Covid testing requirements.
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The bloc said this week that its member states “strongly support” demanding Covid tests from passengers arriving from China and that arrivals be screened for the virus.
– Australia
Australia is also requiring people traveling from China – including Hong Kong and Macau – to provide a negative Covid-19 test before arriving, citing a “lack of comprehensive information” from Beijing about the outbreak.
-Canada-
Canada is asking people arriving from China to show a negative Covid test taken no more than two days before departure.
– English –
From Thursday, all people traveling to the UK from China will have to submit a negative test before entering.
The British government also said it would test “arrival samples” to monitor new variants.
– Israel –
Israel requires Covid tests for foreigners traveling from China, with screening centers set up to test arrivals who volunteer.
Also read: Airlines slam ‘ineffective’ Covid tests for Chinese travelers
– Japan –
Japan is one of the first countries to implement new rules on arrivals from China, which require a negative Covid test.
Those who test positive will be quarantined for seven days at designated facilities and Tokyo will also close flights from mainland China.
Starting Sunday, Japanese authorities will also test travelers from China upon arrival.
-Taiwan-
The self-ruled island of Taiwan – which China claims as its territory – has also imposed testing requirements, with state news agency CNA reporting that travelers from the mainland will be asked to undergo saliva-based screening on arrival.
-South Korea-
South Korea has also taken steps to screen travelers from China, requiring a negative Covid test before and after arrival.
Travelers from Hong Kong and Macau are included in the rule, which also requires all arrivals to take a Covid-19 test on their first day in South Korea.
– Ghana –
Ghana has become one of the first African countries to impose a ban on people traveling from China.
The foreign ministry said that, starting Friday, all arrivals from China must present a negative test before departure as well as submit to mandatory screening for the virus.
– India –
India requires travelers from China and some other Asian countries to present a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of departure.
– Qatar –
Qatar is asking all travelers from China to provide negative PCR results taken within 48 hours of departure, the Gulf state’s health ministry said.
Those infected upon arrival “must undergo health isolation”, state news agency QNA reported.
Also read: China travel ban is wrong, so kudos to Ramaphosa
– Morocco –
The north African country has taken some of the strictest measures, banning entry immediately for all travelers from China.
The ban took effect on Tuesday and will remain until further notice, “in order to avoid a new wave of contamination in Morocco and all its consequences”, the foreign minister said.
– Germany –
Germany said Thursday it would require a negative coronavirus test on arrivals from China as infections surged after Beijing’s sudden decision to lift strict restrictions.
Germany will change entry requirements at “short notice”, following recommendations from EU experts to tighten travel rules, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said in a statement.
Member states agreed Wednesday to recommend a “precautionary approach” amid fears that unmonitored arrivals from China could introduce new variants or subvariants of the coronavirus in Europe that could evade existing vaccines.
Lauterbach welcomed the EU’s “general response” to the growing number of cases in China.
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Passengers arriving from China will have to give “at least a quick antigen test” to enter Germany, Lauterbach said, without giving a specific date.
Germany will also carry out “spot checks to identify virus variants” and “waste water tests” for travelers from China, he said.
In the European Union, Italy and Spain have implemented Covid test requirements for arrivals from China.
From Thursday, France will also require passengers traveling from China to present negative test results.