China reopens borders after three-year Covid-enforced lockdown

Travellers will no longer need to quarantine on arrival, but will still be required to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.

The move marks a significant change in the country’s Covid-19 policy as it continues to battle a surge in cases.

As a result, the UK government reintroduced pre-departure Covid-19 tests for arrivals from China last Thursday (5 January) – the same day EU officials recommended all passengers flying from China into the EU should be required to provide evidence of a recent negative test.

In response, Beijing threatened to impose reciprocal coronavirus travel curbs on arrivals from the West and other parts of the world.