China lifts some restrictions on mandatory COVID-19 testing for people coming from countries like the US and has reduced the pre-departure quarantine period for some incoming visitors as it adjusts its strict measures to address the Omicron variant.
The slight relaxation was in response to factors including “coronavirus strains”, according to reports from Chinese embassies and consulates, without giving further details.
As of Friday, travelers from Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle will no longer need a PCR test seven days before flying, or an antibody test, according to announcements issued late yesterday by the Chinese US embassies and several consulates.
These travelers will again need to undergo two PCR tests within 48 or 24 hours of their flight – depending on the airport of departure – and an additional pre-flight antigen test, according to the announcements.
Travel to and from China has plunged during COVID outbreaks while the country insists on the policy of ‘zero COVID’ which included restrictions on the issuance and renewal of passports, mandatory quarantine for most travelers on arrival and flight cancellations.
However, the shorter incubation period of the Omicron strain allowed for a slight easing of restrictions for international travelers. The capital, Beijing, announced earlier this month that it had reduced the quarantine period at its headquarters upon arrival from 10 to 14 days, although the isolation would continue for another week.
Embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Bangladesh announced today that antibody tests were mandatory for travelers to China and that those who had recovered from COVID no longer needed to have chest X-rays.
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