China removes mandatory COVID-19 test requirement for incoming travellers

BEIJING, Aug 29: China is set to reopen fully after isolating itself for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its move to reopen, China has announced that it will be removing the mandatory COVID-19 test requirement for incoming travellers.

As per an official statement issued by the Chinese government, this requirement will be removed from August 30, 2023, onwards.

"Starting from August 30, 2023 (IST), China-bound passengers will no longer be required to take COVID-19 nucleic acid tests or antigen tests, as well as declare the negative test results while filling the Exit/Entry Health Declaration Form before entering into China," read a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in New Dehli.

Starting from August 30, 2023 IST, China-bound passengers will no longer be required to take COVID-19 nucleic acid tests or antigen tests, as well as declare the negative test results while filling the Exit/Entry Health Declaration Form before entering into China. pic.twitter.com/aJcZMMKHLv

— Embassy of The People's Republic of China in India (@China_Amb_India) August 28, 2023

Starting tomorrow (Wednesday), tourists travelling to China will no longer need to show a "negative test" on arrival.

In January 2023, China put an end to the quarantine requirements for its citizens travelling back home. Over the past few months, the government has been actively working to increase the list of countries Chinese people can visit. China also increased the number of international flights.

Last year, China ended its "zero-COVID" policy after having it for more than two years. Under this policy, China placed strict curbs, controls, and lockdowns across the country. The government also carried out long quarantine periods for those who had been infected.

Beijing has been gradually working towards removing the restrictions it placed in 2020 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. After a pandemic that lasted three years, China is all set to reopen completely.