China moves to reopen its borders

China, 27th December: Last week, China’s National Health Commission announced plans to remove the mandatory quarantine for travellers arriving from overseas as of 8th January 2023. Beijing eased all its COVID restrictions significantly in December. This reversal follows some lockdowns in large cities in November as well as some vocal street protests in cities across China in December.

Currently, travellers arriving from overseas must quarantine five to eight days in a hotel. As of 8th January, travellers will no longer be required to quarantine, but they have to provide proof of a negative PCR test 48 hours before arrival in China. The wearing of masks on flights bound for China will remain compulsory.