China’s Reduction of Covid Entry Requirements Hailed as “Game Changer” for Tourism

The current reduction of Covid entry requirements for China has been hailed as a “game changer” by China expert Wendy Wu Tours.

The UK Foreign Office revised its instructions for China on Wednesday (3rd May), stating that lateral flow tests, rather than PCRs, are now required for arrivals.

Wendy Wu Tours’ Gary King, director of trade sales, stated: “The removal of the PCR testing for fully vaccinated travellers is an absolute game changer for China tourism.

“As the UK’s biggest, and leading, China specialist, Wendy Wu Tours welcomes this news for everyone. China is now fully open and ready to welcome tourists back.”

The FCDO advisory said: “From 29th April 2023, China has changed its Covid-19 entry requirements for all travellers entering the country.

“You must undertake a lateral flow/rapid antigen test 48 hours before boarding your flight.

“You must declare your negative test result by filling in the Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website, or through the China Customs App or WeChat account.

“Airline officials will no longer check test results. However, upon arrival in China your test result may be checked by officials at customs.

“Passengers entering China displaying symptoms of fever, or with an abnormal Health Declaration, may be asked to undertake a 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).”

According to aviation data provider Cirium, the number of flights from the UK to China in May are still 30% less than they were in the same month in pre-pandemic 2019.

There are 265 flights, or close to 75,000 seats, scheduled to fly from the UK to the mainland of China.

In May 2019, there were 380 flights with a capacity of more than 100,000 seats. However, because to China’s stringent Covid travel regulations, no flights were planned between the UK and China in May. Management from Wendy Wu Tours traveled to China last month to inspect the infrastructure needed to facilitate the start of new tours later in May once Covid travel restrictions were loosened.