28 Aug 2023 | 09:36 AM UTC
China: Authorities lift COVID-19 test requirements for inbound travelers from Aug. 30 /update 61
Officials in mainland China lift COVID-19 test requirements for inbound travelers from Aug. 30. Visa rules continue for most countries.
Event
Authorities in mainland China will lift COVID-19 testing requirements for all inbound travelers from Aug. 30. Passengers are no longer required to undergo pre-entry negative nucleic acid or antigen testing.
International Restrictions
Minimal international restrictions are in effect as of Aug. 28. Officials have resumed visa issuance for business, employment, education, tourism, medical, and family purposes. Foreigners holding valid visas issued before March 28, 2020, are allowed entry. Brunei and Singapore citizens are eligible for 15-day visa-free entry to mainland China. 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.
Foreign travelers passing through mainland China can transit without a visa through three exemption policies. The 24-hour visa-free transit is valid for travelers with connecting tickets to a third country within 24 hours. Additionally, 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transits allow citizens of 53 designated countries to transit without a visa for 72 or 144 hours, provided they have connecting transportation tickets to onward destinations.
All customs checkpoints between mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau are open. 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 are in operation.
Most major airlines have resumed international flights to mainland China.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and requirements.
