IMPACT — MEDIUM

Many countries have implemented or are planning to implement COVID-19 entry requirements for travelers from China following a recent surge of COVID-19 cases. The countries that have implemented COVID-19 testing requirements include:

  • Australia. As of Jan. 5, travelers from China, Hong Kong or Macao must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure. Travelers who are under the age of 12 or have evidence that they have recovered from COVID-19 within 30 days before departure are exempt from the testing requirement.
  • Costa Rica. Beginning Jan. 9, individuals traveling from or who have been in China, Hong Kong or Macao within 14 days before intended arrival must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours before departure.
  • France. As of Jan. 5, travelers coming from China on a direct flight or with a layover must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure and submit a sworn COVID-19 statement.
  • India. As of Jan. 1, travelers ages 12 and older from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or Thailand must complete the self-declaration form before travel and submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure on this website.
  • Israel. Non-Israeli nationals traveling from China must have proof of a negative PCR test taken before departure to enter the country.
  • Italy. As of Jan. 4, travelers from China, Hong Kong or Macao must submit proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours or 48 hours before departure, respectively. Travelers must also take an antigen test upon arrival at the airport or within 48 hours after arrival.  
  • Qatar. As of Jan. 3, travelers arriving from China must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before departure.
  • South Korea. As of Jan. 5, all travelers from China must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours or 24 hours before departure, respectively, and register through the Q-Code System within 48 hours before departure. Korean nationals and long-stay foreign nationals must take a PCR test within 24 hours after arrival; short-stay foreign nationals must take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport testing center.
  • Spain. As of Jan. 3, travelers ages 12 and older from China must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure, a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure, or a certificate of recovery issued at least 11 days but no more than 180 days after the first positive PCR or antigen test.
  • Taiwan. As of Jan. 1, travelers on direct flights from mainland China must take a PCR test upon arrival. Beginning Jan. 6, travelers from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao must have proof of a negative PCR test or antigen test taken within 48 hours or 24 hours before departure, respectively.
  • United Kingdom. As of Jan. 5, travelers from mainland China must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within two days before departure. Beginning Jan. 8, random travelers from China will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. U.K. authorities have yet to set testing requirements for those arriving in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Additional Information: Other countries, including Canada, Japan and the United States have also implemented COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers from China. Additional countries are expected to do so in the coming days and weeks.

BAL Analysis: Recent COVID-19 testing requirement changes make travel from China to certain countries more difficult. Countries may add entry requirements and restrictions with little or no notice because of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in China. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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