China Has Relaxed Covid Testing Rules for Travellers

News has been released this week concerning new changes to the Covid-related testing rules applied to all international travellers looking to enter China in the near future.  

According to the reports, international travellers to China are now required to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow or rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours pre-departure. This is a great improvement on the previous testing rules, which stated that all travellers to China were required to take a PCR test 24 hours pre-departure and provide evidence of a negative test on arrival. 

China has clarified that the test results must be provided prior to travel in a Health Declaration Form, which many destinations require. This form can be found on the China Customs website, or alternatively, travellers can submit test results through the China Customs App or their WeChat social media account.  

These testing rules have been applied as a predominantly pre-travel measure, as most airlines will not check these test results on flights to China, though they might be checked by customs officers on arrival. It is also important to be prepared in the case that your chosen airline has different testing rules from the majority.  

Since this news was announced, the FCDO have now updated their advice on the Foreign Travel Advice page to reflect the changes. This will include all previous rules that are still valid as well as links to the relevant sites where results might be submitted. According to this update, any travellers that enter China with symptoms of a fever or with an abnormal Health Declaration might be asked to take an extra rapid antigen test on arrival. 

“Those who test positive will be asked to wear a mask and may be advised to self-isolate whilst symptoms remain (although there is no mandatory self-isolation for COVID-19),” the FCDO said.  

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