13 Apr 2023 | 07:13 AM UTC
China: Authorities lift COVID-19 facemask mandate for public transport and certain locations April 13 /update 59
Officials lift COVID-19 facemask mandate for public transport and certain locations in mainland China, except healthcare settings, April 13.
Event
Authorities in mainland China have lifted COVID-19 facemask mandates on public transport, workplaces, and schools as of April 13. However, facemasks remain compulsory in healthcare settings, including hospitals and nursing homes.
Domestic Restrictions
Officials have lifted requirements for individuals to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test and green health code to take public transport or enter public venues. Persons traveling between cities and provinces are no longer required to present a negative PCR test result or undergo mandatory quarantine. Asymptomatic individuals or those with mild COVID-19 symptoms may self-isolate at home.
International Restrictions
Foreign nationals with valid residence permits and visas may enter mainland China for business, employment, education, tourism, medical, and family purposes. Foreigners holding valid visas issued before March 28, 2020, are allowed entry. Additionally, foreigners traveling to Hainan Island or arriving on cruise ships to Shanghai, as well as certain tour groups from Hong Kong and Macau to Guangdong, and from ASEAN countries to Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are eligible for visa-free travel.
Generally, international travelers no longer need to quarantine on arrival but must present a COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 48 hours before departure. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 before departing for China must postpone their travel until they obtain a negative test result. Passengers arriving from Azerbaijan, Brunei, Cambodia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, the Maldives, the Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam are exempt from the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test requirement and can take an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) within 48 hours before boarding; airlines will no longer check COVID-19 test results for such passengers.
All customs checkpoints between mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau are open. Individuals who have traveled abroad in the past seven days must present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours. Travelers entering mainland China by land from Macau and Hong Kong are no longer required to register in advance. Additionally, ferry services between mainland China and South Korea have resumed.
Most major airlines are gradually resuming international flights to mainland China.
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.
