nz to china pre travel covid 19 tests

• Notice of Pre-Departure COVID-19 Testing for China-Bound Flights on Christmas and New Year Holidays    (2020-11-20)

• Asia Briefing
• China Briefing
• ASEAN Briefing
• India Briefing
• Vietnam Briefing
• Silk Road Briefing
• Russia Briefing
• Middle East Briefing

China Removes All Pre-Entry COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Inbound Travelers

China has announced the removal of all pre-entry COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers entering the country, effective from August 30, 2023. This move aims to stimulate inbound tourism, normalize travel procedures, and aid the recovery of China’s travel industry.

On August 28, 2023, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made a significant declaration. Starting from August 30, 2023, travelers heading to China will not have to undergo COVID-19 nucleic acid tests or antigen tests.

The withdrawal of COVID-19 testing requirements will considerably ease the entry process for travelers coming to China.

This will improve travel convenience and is a big step towards normalizing travel procedures in China. It also aligns with the government’s efforts to fully reopen the Chinese economy and revive its travel industry and allied sectors.

Behind the decision: China’s travel landscape in 2023

As the summer tourist season of 2023 draws to a close, a distinct contrast has become visible. While local attractions like Beijing’s Forbidden City buzzed with activity, foreign tourists were notably scarce.

Indeed, efforts to increase international flights, including the China-U.S. agreement to raise round-trip flights, didn’t bring back the pre-pandemic surge in travelers. Even the recent lifting of bans on group tours to overseas destinations is yet to bring forth a drastic revival.

In other words, the aftermath of the pandemic left travelers hesitant to venture abroad, impacting China’s inbound tourism.

Safety concerns remained a significant deterrent for Chinese tourists considering overseas trips. An April survey found that worries about unfriendly receptions, health risks, visa issues, and high costs influenced 58 percent of respondents to reconsider leaving mainland China in 2023.

On the other hand, as China’s economy gradually rebounded, domestic travel flourished. The relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions led to a surge in domestic air travel, with authorities anticipating a whopping RMB5 trillion (US$700 billion) in travel-related revenue this year. Destinations beyond the big cities, like Chengdu, Kunming, Hangzhou, Xian, and Urumqi, gained popularity.

On the flip side, foreign visitors also exhibited more cautiousness. Now, China seems to have taken several steps in order to reinvigorate its inbound travel market, to facilitate a genuine recovery of the travel sector.

Impact on the inbound travel industry

Stricter travel regulations and heightened safety protocols since the onset of the pandemic have taken a toll on international travel demand, causing a substantial decline in foreign tourists’ footfall in China.

The extended requirement of pre-entry COVID-19 testing, while understandable from a public health standpoint, severely dampened the appeal of traveling to China.

After reopening applications for all types of visas earlier in March 2023 , including the resumption of visa-free policies , the government’s latest move aims to rekindle interest in the China travel market and make the prospect of visiting China more alluring.

COVID-19 precautions during travel in China

While China has made substantial strides in reducing travel-related restrictions, it’s essential to remain mindful of COVID-19 precautions during your journey. The virus still lingers in the environment, necessitating a prudent approach to travel safety. Common-sense preventive measures remain crucial as you navigate the country.

Practicing hygiene measures akin to those exercised in other countries is advisable. Regularly washing your hands or using hand sanitizer, wearing a mask in public spaces, and avoiding crowded areas when possible are key practices. Notably, mask mandates in public transport, restaurants, bars, stores, malls, and parks have been lifted. However, it’s noteworthy that the government continues to encourage voluntary mask usage.

It’s imperative to underline that certain settings maintain specific mask requirements. In nursing homes and medical institutions, mask-wearing remains obligatory. Additionally, if you test positive for COVID-19, wearing a mask is compulsory.

These targeted measures underscore China’s dedication to both personal and communal well-being.

As you embark on your travels within China, a comprehensive understanding of these evolving guidelines will contribute to a seamless and safe journey. By blending prudence with newfound freedoms, travelers can responsibly explore the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences that China has to offer.

China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates . The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.

Please contact the firm for assistance in China at [email protected] . Dezan Shira & Associates has offices in Vietnam , Indonesia , Singapore , United States , Germany , Italy , India , Dubai (UAE) , and Russia , in addition to our trade research facilities along the Belt & Road Initiative . We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand , Bangladesh .

• Previous Article China Extends the GBA IIT Subsidy to the End of 2027
• Next Article Shifting Attitudes and Expectations for Work in China’s Post-Pandemic Era

Our free webinars are packed full of useful information for doing business in China.

DEZAN SHIRA & ASSOCIATES

Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed.

Want the Latest Sent to Your Inbox?

Subscribing grants you this, plus free access to our articles and magazines.

Get free access to our subscriptions and publications

Subscribe to receive weekly China Briefing news updates, our latest doing business publications, and access to our Asia archives.

Your trusted source for China business, regulatory and economy news, since 1999.

Subscribe now to receive our weekly China Edition newsletter. Its free with no strings attached.

Not convinced? Click here to see our last week's issue.

Search our guides, media and news archives

Type keyword to begin searching...

New Zealand won’t require visitors from China to show COVID test

‘There is minimal public health risk to New Zealand,’ COVID-19 minister Ayesha Verrall said of visitors from China.

The New Zealand government said it will not require travellers from China to produce a negative COVID-19 test on arrival, bucking a trend that has seen a number of countries implement testing measures as COVID cases surge in China .

New Zealand’s COVID-19 minister, Ayesha Verrall, said in a statement on Wednesday that a public health risk assessment had concluded visitors from China would not contribute significantly to the number of cases in the country.

Keep reading

Australia shunned health input on china covid tests, letter shows, eu considers alignment on china passengers as covid cases surge, china blasts ‘unacceptable’ covid curbs on travellers, ‘majority’ of eu states back covid test for travellers from china.

“There is minimal public health risk to New Zealand,” the minister said.

“Officials have done a public health risk assessment including working through scenarios of potential case numbers among travellers from China. This confirmed these visitors won’t contribute significantly to our COVID case numbers meaning entry restrictions aren’t required or justified,” the minister said.

Officials will be asking some travellers from China to do voluntary tests to gather more information, which Verrall said reflected New Zealand’s concern alongside that of the World Health Organization (WHO) about China’s lack of information sharing.

New Zealand is also planning to trial testing waste-water on international flights to see if this can replace targeted and voluntary testing of individuals.

New Zealand has decided against pre-departure tests for China. COVID-19 Minister Ayesha Verrall says "public health measures are not required to protect New Zealanders" due to the prevalent variant in China. pic.twitter.com/nltOkZVHs2 — Ben McKay (@benmackey) January 4, 2023

A number of countries including Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are requiring that travellers from China produce a negative COVID test over concerns about the scale of the country’s outbreak and scepticism over Beijing’s health statistics.

China has criticised these moves as discriminatory.

Health officials from the 27-member European Union are due to meet on Wednesday to build a coordinated response to the implications of increased travel from China.

Most EU countries favour pre-departure COVID testing for travellers from China, the European Commission said on Tuesday.

China, which has been largely shut off from the world since the pandemic began in late 2019, will stop requiring inbound travellers to quarantine from January 8. But it will still demand that arriving passengers get tested before they begin their journeys.

Meanwhile, WHO officials met Chinese scientists on Tuesday, after having invited them to present detailed data on viral sequencing and share hospitalisation, deaths and vaccinations data before the meeting.

The WHO will communicate later, probably at a Wednesday news briefing, the result of that meeting. A spokesperson earlier said the agency expected a “detailed discussion” about circulating variants in China and globally.

Infections in China have spiked after the country dropped its strict zero-COVID policy on December 7.

All international arrivals in New Zealand are asked to test if they become symptomatic, with the country providing free tests at the airport.

Government has no plans to COVID-19 test all travellers from China, says it's 'unjustified'

• Molly Swift

Related video: Australia imposed mandatory pre-departure tests on travellers from China against expert advice. Meanwhile NZ is still weighing up the decision Credits: Images - Getty Images; Video - Newshub.

The Government won't force travellers from China to take a COVID-19 test to enter New Zealand as cases there continue to skyrocket.

The Government announced on Wednesday that imposing entry restrictions on travellers from China is "unjustified" and New Zealand will not join other countries in enforcing restrictions.

It comes as Australia announced its move to introduce mandatory COVID-19 testing, joining countries including France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Spain, the Republic of Korea, England and the US.

More from Newshub

COVID-19 Response Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said in a statement there is a minimal public health risk to New Zealand from China arrivals.

"In response, officials have done a public health risk assessment including working through scenarios of potential case numbers among travellers from China. This confirmed these visitors won't contribute significantly to our COVID case numbers meaning entry restrictions aren’t required or justified," Dr Verrall said.

The minister said there is a minimal public health risk to New Zealand since the prevalent COVID-19 variant in Chinda, BF7, hasn't caused significant outbreaks in countries that have already been exposed to the BA5 variant, including New Zealand.

The announcement comes as COVID-19 case numbers in China are thought to be surging.

Last month, China's switch from its "zero-COVID" policy it had maintained for nearly three years led to infections sweeping across the country.

There has been speculation that the number of cases in China is being deliberately underreported, however, the Chinese government has rejected these claims.

Last week, World Health Organization (WHO) officials met with Chinese officials about their recent surge, urging them to share real-time data so other countries could respond effectively.

Dr Verrall said the Government shares the WHO's concerns about the lack of information sharing and will be asking travellers arriving from China to help officials gather more information.

In the coming weeks, the Government will be temporarily emailing a random sample of people who have recently arrived from China to ask them to undertake a RAT test and share that information with health authorities. The test is voluntary and has been used previously during the pandemic and boosted a high uptake from international visitors.

"It is important to note that new COVID variants can arise from across the world, not just China, which is why we’re reminding arrivals from all countries to take the free RATs at the airport and test if they develop symptoms once in New Zealand," Dr Verrall said.

ESR scientists will also conduct a pilot test of wastewater from international flights in the coming weeks and assess the feasibility of this method replacing the targeted and temporary voluntary testing announced on Wednesday.

Dr Verrall also reminds people to remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations to be best protected against hospitalisation and reduce the risk of severe disease from the virus.

"New Zealand continues to welcome visitors and tourists, and we ask that everyone follows the current public health measures which include staying home if you are unwell and isolating if you test positive for COVID-19," Dr Verrall said.

Navigation for News Categories

Mandatory covid-19 testing for china travellers overreaction, nz officials reported saying.

Travellers from China will be required to prove a negative Covid-19 test prior to visiting Australia. Photo: HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP

New Zealand health officials agreed with their Australian counterparts that introducing mandatory Covid-19 testing for travellers from China was an overreaction, official correspondence suggests.

Australia is implementing the measure anyway, while officials here are yet to announce a decision.

It comes as Covid-19 case numbers in China are thought to be surging, and the World Health Organisation urges Beijing to provide more data.

In a letter addressed to the Australian health minister, seen by RNZ, the chief medical officer of Australia, Paul Kelly wrote there was not "sufficient public health rationale" to tighten restrictions.

He said he had discussed the situation with New Zealand public health officials via a health protection committee on 30 December. The officials involved were not named in the letter, but Kelly wrote that the parties were of the same view.

"There is strong consensus that implementation of any restrictions to travel from China at this time would be inconsistent with the current national approach to the management of Covid-19 and disproportionate to the risk."

A public health risk assessment was completed here after Australia changed its travel requirements, and ministers received advice on the matter last night, but there is no word on when a decision might be announced.

Duty Minister Stuart Nash earlier said the situation in China was unfolding rapidly.

"Our response will remain proportionate to the potential risks posed by travellers and in the context of the international situation."

Copyright © 2023 , Radio New Zealand

• Full coverage

Related Stories

Covid-19: nz 'assessing health risk' after australia announces china traveller testing.

From 5 January, travellers from China to Australia will be required to have a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test, and New Zealand says it is now assessing the health risks as several countries move…

Covid-19: Expert says NZ should impose China pre-departure test rule

Epidemiologist Michael Baker says New Zealand should follow Australia and other countries in implementing a requirement for negative Covid-19 predeparture tests for travellers from China.

Covid control entering 'new phase' in China as cases surge - president

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for more effort and unity as the country enters a "new phase" in its approach to combating the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Zealand

• New Auckland surgical building cannot open due to lack of staff
• Companies 'not interested' in public-private partnerships for schools, government warned
• Fire investigators to probe cause of blaze that engulfed Auckland lodge
• Police investigating shotgun attack on rugby team's van in Hawke's Bay
• Firearms Minister accused of misleading public on gun stats
• New names floated for street and park on site of historic abuses

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

Top News stories

• The transport policy that has people fuming
• New Zealand claim twin titles at Hong Kong Sevens

New Zealand RSS

Follow RNZ News

• Health Declaration Form.PDF
• Notice on the Change of Payment Methods for Consular Fees    (2020-10-29)
• NOTICE ON FURTHER REGULATING PRE-DEPARTURE COVID-19 TESTING    (2020-09-30)
• Circular on Mandatory Negative Result of Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test as a Prerequisite for Boarding China-bound Flights Departing New Zealand    (2020-08-27)
• Announcement of Implementation of China Online Visa Application Form and Appointment for Visa Application Submission    (2020-07-29)

Covid-19: National Party backs moves to impose pre-travel testing on Chinese travellers

Vaimoana Mase

Share this article

National Party leader Christopher Luxon. Photo / Mike Scott

National Party leader Christopher Luxon is backing any potential move to reintroduce mandatory Covid-19 testing for travellers from China, amid the latest outbreak of the deadly virus.

Luxon told Newstalk ZB that although they were not party to the official health advice being given to the Government, it was “obvious” New Zealand would follow other countries who have reintroduced travel restrictions on Chinese travellers.

“I think when you look at what other countries have actioned in the last 24 to 48 hours, that it’s quite sensible for us to be putting some risk mitigation in place.

“I presume that we’ll expect to hear that we’ll be aligned with Australia by the end of the day today with Stuart Nash, as the Duty Minister making that decision.”

The US, Canada, Taiwan, Britain, Japan and South Korea have already made similar policies for people entering their borders from China.

Australia yesterday became the latest country to announce it would be introducing mandatory testing of people coming from the East Asian country due to what it described as a rapidly developing situation.

Australian health minister Mark Butler said its Government had made the decision amid the absence of comprehensive information about the Covid situation in China.

In recent weeks, harrowing images out of China have shed a light on what the reality is on the ground - hospitals filled with sick people lying on floors due to lack of beds available; as well as overwhelmed funeral homes.

“The Australian government shares the concerns expressed by a number of governments and particularly the World Health Organisation,” he said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, travellers from China will need to provide a negative test before their flight. The [WHO] has described such measures as understandable.”

The advice from the country’s chief health officer, Butler said, was that the dominant strain in China is now the Omicron subvariant BF.7. The subvariant is thought to be in Australia already and has been so for several months.

The new rule is effective from Thursday.

Although Australia has reintroduced the rule for Chinese travellers, Australian officials stressed that the country was still in a good position in the fight against Covid.

Luxon acknowledged that pre-travel rapid antigen testing, at least, would suffice and that he was sure the NZ Government would do the right thing.

Asked what he would do in this situation, he said he would be following the official health advice being offered by the experts.

“I’d follow the advice...as much as possible. Because I think it’s really important that you really take the advice from the officials and the experts who are really living in that world - that really understand it deeply and are expert at it.

“That’s what we should always be doing - a science-based approach, evidence-based and take the assessment from the experts.”

- additional reporting: News.com.au

Latest from New Zealand

Major critic of Māori and Pasifika study rooms Act’s Parmjeet Parmar fronts up to Cameron Bennett

Act Education spokesperson Parmjet Pamar faces her critics

Kea Kids: This obstacle course may look easy… but try it with a dead pig on your back!

Principal bids farewell, paves way for new leadership era

Hot-pool heartbreak: Family of missing man wish they had chance to say goodbye

Kids missing school to feed families