EU countries are lifting COVID testing requirements for travellers from China later this month

EU nations have agreed to section out pre-departure COVID-19 testing for travellers from China by the top of the month.

When China reopened its borders and eased its strict zero-COVID insurance policies final month, the EU initially didn’t agree on a unified strategy to incoming vacationers.

As issues mounted about China’s suspected lack of clear reporting on the virus, some nations ramped up their entry necessities to forestall its unfold and the EU really helpful introducing pre-departure testing.

Italy was one of many first European nations to tighten restrictions, ordering COVID-19 antigen swabs for all travellers coming from China – and was one of many first to ease them in late January. Spain quickly launched its personal testing necessities, adopted by France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium and Cyprus.

A press release launched by the Swedish Presidency on Thursday confirmed EU member states and Schengen Space nations have collectively agreed to drop pre-departure testing from the top of February.

Random testing of travellers from China can be carried out till mid-March when it, too, can be dropped.

What are the foundations for folks travelling into China?

On 8 January, China lifted its quarantine requirement for inbound travellers. A unfavorable PCR take a look at taken inside 48 hours of arrival continues to be required. Outcomes should be submitted on a Well being Declaration Kind through the China Customs web site.

Passengers displaying signs of fever could also be requested to undertake an antigen take a look at on arrival in China. Those that take a look at optimistic can be launched to self-quarantine if signs are gentle, or really helpful to go to a medical establishment for prognosis and therapy if signs are extra extreme.

This can be a main step in the direction of easing curbs on its borders, which have been largely shut since 2020. The principles have progressively been easing in latest weeks to facilitate each home and worldwide journey.

To enter Hong Kong, you need to present a unfavorable speedy antigen take a look at taken not more than 24 hours previous to departure or a unfavorable PCR take a look at not more than 48 earlier than. Testing on arrival is really helpful however not enforced. If you happen to take a look at optimistic for COVID-19, you’re now not required to isolate.

As of 6 February, passengers now not want to point out proof of vaccination to enter Hong Kong. Nor have they got to check or quarantine when travelling between Hong Kong and China.