China no longer conducts nucleic acid testing and centralized quarantine for inbound travelers

(ECNS) -- China will no longer conduct nucleic acid testing and centralized quarantine for all inbound travelers starting from Jan. 8, 2023, and outbound trips of Chinese citizens will gradually resume, said a statement released by the National Health Commission on Monday.

According to the document, China is to manage COVID-19 with measures against Class B infectious diseases, instead of Class A infectious diseases, from Jan. 8, 2023.

For inbound travelers, they need to take nucleic acid testing within 48 hours before their trips and those having negative results can enter China without the health code distributed by Chinese embassies and consulates in their countries. People who tested positive can only enter China after the nucleic acid testing result turns negative.

Besides, China will provide visa facilities for overseas travelers in terms of work, schooling, visiting relatives and friends, and outbound travel of Chinese citizens will gradually recover.