China still requires international travelers to undergo pre-departure COVID-19 tests and quarantine upon arrival, the customs office said on Friday, a day after it waived some reporting requirements for travelers going through customs. China, which has shortened quarantine periods and removed some testing and self-isolation requirements for incoming international travelers, still has some of the world’s strictest COVID-19 policies.
Chinese customs officials said Thursday that they have removed requirements for travelers to report COVID tests, previous infections and vaccination dates at customs to make entry more convenient. “This is not an easing of COVID control,” the customs office said in a clarifying statement on Friday, referring to the change in reporting rules. “There is no material change to the COVID requirements for incoming passengers.”
Travelers intending to enter China from other countries must still report tests and other COVID-related information to the Chinese embassy in order to obtain a digital medical board credential, according to the embassy’s website. The number of international flights to and from China has remained low compared to pre-pandemic times, complicating travel plans for many.
