05 Jan 2023 | 06:40 AM UTC
China: Authorities to ease COVID-19 entry requirements for inbound travelers from Hong Kong from Jan. 8 /update 3
China to ease COVID-19 entry measures for travelers from Hong Kong effective Jan. 8. Pre-departure test requirements remain in effect.
Event
Officials in China will no longer require travelers from Hong Kong to undergo PCR test upon arrival from Jan. 8. However, passengers must still present a negative PCR test result within 48 hours before departure and complete a health declaration form. Authorities will only conduct COVID-19 testing on individuals who report experiencing COVID-19 symptoms on their health declaration form; travelers that test positive with mild symptoms may self-isolate at home or at another location. The government has announced that it will reopen its border with Hong Kong and gradually resume additional flights and ferry services, but did not specify details on checkpoints and quotas. Officials will resume issuing travel and business visas for mainland residents to travel to Hong Kong and Macau.
International Restrictions
China continues to impose border restrictions and bans entry for most foreign nationals. However, foreigners with valid Chinese residence permits for long-term study, APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders, people traveling at the invitation of provincial or municipal governments, and some family members of foreign employees with emergency humanitarian needs can apply to enter the country. Authorities also permit foreigners fully vaccinated with US- or Chinese-produced COVID-19 vaccines to apply for visas for work, business, or humanitarian reasons. Diplomatic personnel and C visa holders, generally flight and shipping crew members, are exempt from entry bans.
Effective Jan. 8, international travelers will no longer need to undergo quarantine but must take a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours before departure. Individuals with a negative result may enter mainland China without applying for a green health code from a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad. However, travelers that test positive for COVID-19 are barred from entering mainland China. Additionally, the National Health Commission will resume outbound travel of Chinese citizens and facilitate the visa applications of foreign nationals traveling to mainland China for work, business, education, and family purposes. Authorities will also lift ongoing controls on international airline flight volume based on COVID-19 testing outcomes for passengers.
Most major airlines are gradually resuming international flights to mainland China. The border between Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, and Macau is open; however, authorities could continue to restrict travelers to one entry and exit per day at the Gongbei, Qingmao, and Wanzai checkpoints.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by local health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
