To join other countries in imposing limitations due to an increase in infections, the U.S. issued additional COVID-19 testing requirements for all travelers from China on Wednesday.
Following China’s tight anti-virus measures being relaxed, the number of instances has increased throughout the country.
China’s “zero COVID” regulations had reduced the country’s infection rate, but they also stifled economic progress and fueled public resentment.
All Chinese visitors to the United States must take a COVID-19 test no more than two days before their trip and present a negative result before boarding their flight starting on January 5.
Anyone 2 years of age and older are eligible for the testing.
Other nations have taken similar measures to prevent the transmission of illnesses outside of China.
Malaysia announced enhanced tracking and surveillance measures, and Japan will require travelers from China to have a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. Visitors from China are subjected to virus checks in Taiwan, South Korea, and India.
The busiest travel period in China is often during the Lunar New Year, which starts on January 22.
On Tuesday, China said it would restart issuing tourist passports for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020.
The U.S. decision marks a return to some international travel rules. In June, the Biden administration eliminated the final such directive.
At that time, the CDC advised travelers to the United States to get tested just before departure and stay home if they were ill.
Weeks after the virus appeared there three years ago, the U.S. blocked entry to foreigners coming from China early in the pandemic. Flights from China were directed to specific airports where passengers were inspected for disease, and Americans were allowed to return home.
But the virus was already circulating among Americans who had never traveled outside of the country.
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