More than a dozen countries have imposed new travel rules on travelers from China, as the world’s most populous nation faces a surge in Covid cases following a decision to ease strict virus restrictions.
Here’s a run-down of the places where mandatory Covid testing and other rules have been imposed on people arriving from China, which Beijing has condemned as “unacceptable”.
United States of america
Starting Thursday, the United States will require negative Covid tests taken within two days of departure – or documents proving travelers have recovered from the virus within the past 90 days – for all entries from China.
Acceptable tests include “a PCR test or an antigen self-test administered and monitored by a telehealth service or a licensed provider,” according to the US Centers for Disease Control.
The rules cover those traveling from Hong Kong and Macau.
The European Union
Also from Thursday, all people arriving in France from China must present a negative PCR test result, or a rapid antigen test, taken less than 48 hours before their flight.
Italy and Spain have also implemented Covid testing requirements.
Block said this week it “strongly encouraged” that member states demand COVID tests for travelers arriving from China and that arrivals are screened for the virus.
Australia
Australia is requiring travelers from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival, citing a “lack of widespread information” about the outbreak from Beijing.
Canada
Canada is asking travelers arriving from China to show a negative COVID test taken two days before their departure.
United Kingdom
From Thursday, all passengers traveling from China to the UK must present a negative test before boarding.
The UK government also said it would test “arrival samples” to monitor for new variants.
israel
Israel requires COVID tests on foreigners wishing to travel from China, setting up a screening center to test arriving volunteers.
Japan
Japan was one of the first countries to introduce new rules upon arrival from China, requiring them to present a negative COVID test.
Those testing positive will be quarantined for seven days at designated facilities and Tokyo will also bar incoming flights from mainland China.
Starting Sunday, Japanese officials will also test travelers arriving from China.
Taiwan
The self-governing island of Taiwan – which China claims as its territory – has also implemented testing requirements, state news agency CNA reported, asking travelers from the mainland to undergo saliva-based screening on arrival Will go
South Korea
South Korea has also taken steps to screen travelers arriving from China, requiring them to provide a negative COVID test before and after arrival.
Travelers from Hong Kong and Macau are covered in the rules, which will also require all arrivals to undergo a Covid-19 test on their first day in South Korea.
Ghana
Ghana has become the first African country to ban travelers from China.
Its foreign ministry said that, from Friday, all people arriving from China must provide a negative test taken prior to departure as well as undergo mandatory screening for the virus.
India
India requires travelers from China and other Asian countries to provide a negative Covid test within 72 hours of departure.
Queue
The Gulf state’s health ministry has said Qatar is asking all travelers from China to submit a negative PCR result within 48 hours of departure.
State news agency QNA reported that those who are infected upon arrival “must undergo health isolation”.
Morocco
The North African country has taken some tough measures banning entry outright for all travelers from China.
The ban took effect on Tuesday and will last until further notice, “to avoid a new wave of pollution in Morocco and all its consequences”, its foreign ministry said.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)