The US is requiring Covid tests for Chinese tourists as China plans to reopen its borders. Other countries such as Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and India have also implemented stricter measures in response to the surge in Covid cases in China. Despite this, Beijing has insisted that coronavirus regulations should be based on science and accused certain countries and media of exaggerating the situation.
On Monday and Tuesday, China announced that it will be lifting its travel restrictions and ending quarantine for travelers entering the country starting on 8 January. Passport applications for Chinese citizens will also resume at this time. In response to this announcement, travel sites have seen an increase in traffic and some countries, including the US, have revised their travel rules. The US has announced that as of 5 January, all passengers traveling from China, Hong Kong, and Macau will be required to have a negative Covid test in order to enter the country in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
According to a statement from the US Department of Health, air passengers traveling to the US from China, Hong Kong, and Macau will be required to take a Covid test within two days prior to their departure. Those who have tested positive for Covid more than 10 days before their flight can provide documentation of their recovery in lieu of a negative test result. These measures apply to passengers traveling through a third country as well as those taking connecting flights through the US to other destinations.
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