US Announces New Covid-19 Rules For Travelers From China

The US has set new mandatory Covid guidelines for all Chinese visitors from 2023. The country has clearly mentioned that ‘Only Covid Negative Travelers Allowed’.

The US joined other countries in implementing restrictions due to an increase in infections on Wednesday by announcing new COVID-19 testing procedures for all tourists from China. All Chinese visitors to the US will need to take a COVID-19 test no more than 2 days prior to their trip and present a negative result before boarding their flight starting on January 5 2023. Anyone 2 years of age and older is eligible for the testing.

Federal health authorities said Wednesday, speaking on the condition of anonymity in a call with reporters, that travellers travelling directly from China or who were in the nation 10 days prior to their departure to the US will need to present either a negative PCR or antigen test for the coronavirus. No matter a passenger’s citizenship or level of immunisation, the requirement will take effect on January 5 at 12:01 a.m. New York time.

According to the personnel on the line, those who tested positive more than 10 days before their flight might substitute documents and proof of recovery from Covid for a negative test result. Before boarding flights to the US, airlines must confirm the results of the negative Covid test or provide confirmation of recovery. Also subject to the requirement are visitors from Macau and Hong Kong.

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Following China’s tight anti-virus measures being relaxed, the number of instances has increased throughout the country. The “zero COVID” policies of China had kept the infection rate low, but they also fueled public resentment and stifled economic development.

Similar measures have been taken by other nations in an effort to prevent the transmission of illnesses outside of China. Malaysia announced enhanced tracking and surveillance measures, and Japan would require travellers from China to have a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. Visitors from China are being subjected to virus checks in Taiwan, South Korea, and India.

The busiest travel period in China is often during the Lunar New Year, which starts on January 22. On Tuesday, China said that it would restart issuing passports for tourists for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020.

The US’s action marks a restoration to some international travellers’ obligations. In June, the Biden administration eliminated the final such directive. At that time, the CDC nevertheless advised travellers to the United States to get tested just before departure and stay home if they were ill.

Within weeks of the virus’s initial appearance in China three years ago, the US restricted entrance for foreigners coming from that country. Flights from China were diverted to specific airports where passengers were examined for the sickness, and Americans were permitted to return to their homes.