Global: COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for Travelers from China

Last Updated on March 20, 2023

The government of China announced that the country will lift COVID-19 restrictions for all international travelers on 8 January 2023. The country has been under strict COVID-19 measures since March 2020.

Many governments across the globe are beginning to introduce new entry measures for travelers departing the region due to concerns of new variants and vaccination rates in China. Below is a list of updates.

Australia

The government of Australia will introduce pre-departure testing measures for travelers departing from China, Hong Kong and Macau beginning 5 January 2023. These travelers will be required to undergo COVID-19 PCR testing no more than 48 hours prior to departure.

Canada

The government of Canada lifted COVID-19 entry restrictions for travelers arriving from China, Hong Kong or Macau on 17 March 2023. As a result, travelers from these locations will no longer be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.  

Costa Rica

The government of Costa Rica announced that travelers who have visited China, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan within the past 14 days will be required to provide proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry into Costa Rica. Travelers over the age of 12 departing from these locations are also required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Cyprus

The government of Cyprus introduced additional COVID-19 entry measures for travelers from China on 15 January 2023. As a result, all travelers aged 12 and older departing from China will be required to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure.

European Union

The European Commission released a statement regarding travel to and from China to coordinate member states’ travel approaches. In the announcement, the Commission urges states to consider implementing additional entry testing measures at international airports, encouraging travelers to wear masks while traveling and implementing pre-departure COVID-19 testing, if necessary.

France

The government of France will require all travelers over the age of six arriving from China to wear a mask when traveling. Effective 5 January 2023, the government will require all travelers over the age of 11 arriving from China to provide proof of the following:

  • A COVID-19 PCR or antigen test was taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure;
  • A signed certificate attesting that the traveler:
  • Has no symptoms of COVID-19
  • Have not been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • Agree to undergo randomized PCR testing upon arrival
  • Agree to undergo additional testing up to 15 days after arrival in France
  • Agree to undergo a seven-day isolation period if the traveler tests positive for COVID-19

Germany

The government of Germany will require travelers from China to present proof of a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test upon arrival. The government will also take additional steps to monitor for spikes in COVID-19 rates and implement additional measures accordingly.

Israel

On 6 January 2023, the government of Israel introduced additional COVID-19 entry measures for travelers arriving from China. As a result, travelers who have departed from China or who have been in China within seven days before departure for Israel will be required to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel.

These measures will not apply to Israeli citizens, permanent and temporary resident holders and spouses or minors of Israeli citizens.

Japan

The government of Japan announced that all travelers departing from China (except Hong Kong and Macau) or who have traveled through the country in the last seven days will be required to undergo an on-arrival COVID-19 test effective 30 December 2022.

In addition, travelers arriving or who have traveled through China in the last seven days who cannot provide proof of vaccination will be required to undergo pre-departure COVID-19 testing.

Luxembourg

The government of Luxembourg introduced additional travel recommendations for travelers arriving from or traveling to China, including being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, wearing a mask while traveling, and social distancing when possible.  The government of Luxembourg announced that it will follow Germany’s guidance on travel to and from China. As a result, travelers are recommended to avoid non-essential travel to China.

Netherlands

The government of the Netherlands will require all travelers over the age of 11 from China to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result prior to departing for the Netherlands effective 10 January 2023.

The negative test must be taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure and be either a NAAT, PCR or rapid antigen test. Travelers will be required to provide proof of the negative test result upon arrival at Schiphol airport. The test must be translated into Dutch or English.

Singapore

The government of Singapore announced that travelers from China will no longer be subject to quarantine measures upon entry effective 8 January 2023. However, all travelers entering Singapore from China will be required to undergo PCR testing 48 hours prior to departure.

As part of the pre-departure process, travelers departing from China will be required to submit a pre-departure form, which includes information on the PCR test result, a verification QR code and any other passenger contact information.

Travelers will not be required to undergo PCR testing upon arrival,

Visa-exempt entry for Chinese nationals has not resumed. Nationals of China will need to continue to apply for a visa to enter Singapore.

South Korea

The government of South Korea announced that it will restrict the issuance of short-term visas to nationals of China until 31 January 2023.

In addition, all travelers arriving from China will be required to submit a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours before departure or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure beginning 5 January 2023. Visas may be issued for essential corporate operations and humanitarian purposes.

All travelers from China permitted entry into South Korea will also be required to undergo testing upon arrival. These travelers must also use the Quarantine Information Advance Input system (Q-CODE) before departure. Travelers are required to enter a residential address and a valid phone number.

Spain

The government of Spain will require all travelers arriving from China to undergo health control measures upon arrival. This will include a temperature control check, a documentary check and a visual check for COVID-19 symptoms. All travelers will be required to show proof of vaccination, proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.

Sweden

The government of Sweden will require travelers from China to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival beginning 7 January 2023, regardless of the traveler’s vaccination status. Travelers holding residence permits or long-term residency in the European Union or the European Economic Area may be exempt from testing requirements. These measures will remain in place until 28 January 2023 and may be extended at the government’s discretion.

Taiwan

The authorities of Taiwan announced that travelers from China, Hong Kong or Macao will need to provide proof of having undergone PCR testing within 48 hours of travel, or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of travel.

The Philippines

The government of the Philippines intends to introduce additional COVID-19 travel measures for travelers departing from China.

United Kingdom

United Kingdom 

The government of the United Kingdom (UK) will introduce a voluntary, on-arrival COVID-19 testing program for travelers arriving from China beginning 17 March 2023.  Effective 5 April 2023, the government will also lift the requirement for travelers to provide proof of a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test when departing from mainland China.  

Vietnam

The government of Vietnam announced that travelers arriving from China who do not display symptoms of COVID-19 will not be required to undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival. The government will require travelers to undergo a quarantine period if they are suspected of having COVID-19 upon arrival.


Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.