To minimize the risks of spreading the COVID-19, China has imposed tightened travel restrictions for inbound travelers arriving in China from high risk countries.
Passengers departing from high risk countries, such as Republic of Congo, Seychelles, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Saudi Arabia, would be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine before travelling to China. Passengers have also been warned that they must take direct flights to China and if there are no direct flights, they must have only one connection en-route.
The Foreign Ministry of China has no official statements regarding the latest travel restrictions. However, at least eight Chinese embassies in the above-mentioned countries have official notices about new travel rules.
The statement from the embassy in Saudia Arabia outlines that all passengers traveling to China must take a specific “flight SV884” of Saudia Airlines and undergo a 14-day self-isolation prior to departure.
Passengers arriving from Zimbabwe must not have more than two layovers on commercial flights and “must be isolated and managed at least 14 days before boarding”, according to Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe.
The Embassy in Egypt carried a statement saying that all travelers must present a document issued by their employer, student union or school proving that they have been in a 14-day self-isolation prior to departure.
Chinese embassies in Algeria, Republic of Congo, Seychelles, Pakistan, and South Africa stated that all passengers “must self-quarantine at least 14 days before boarding” to China.
Previously, inbound travelers were required to present a negative test for COVID-19 and antibodies certified by a Chinese embassy or consulate prior to departure and undergo a 21-day self-isolation upon the arrival in China.
