A dozen countries have decided to impose new anti-Covid regulations on travelers from China, a country hit by a surge in cases since its decision to relax its strict health policy.
Travel to and from China could increase since Beijing announced the end, starting Sunday, of mandatory quarantines upon arrival in its territory, the last vestige of its so-called " zero-Covid" strategy .
Here are the countries that require a negative screening test or have other rules in place for arrivals from China:
UNITED STATES
Starting Thursday, the United States requires entry into the territory to have a negative Covid test taken no more than 48 hours before departure from China or a document proving that the passenger has recovered from the coronavirus in the previous 90 days.
Acceptable are "a PCR test or an antigen self-test administered and verified by an authorized provider or telemedicine service ," according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These rules also apply to travelers from Hong Kong and Macau .
European Union
In France , passengers arriving from China must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of their flight. Italy and Spain also require Covid testing.
Member states of the European Union are to discuss on Wednesday a common response to adopt, announced Sweden , which holds the six-month presidency of the EU.
Australia
A negative PCR test is also required before arrival in Australia , which cites "a lack of complete information" from Beijing regarding the wave of infections . It is required for all travelers from China, including Hong Kong and Macau.
Canada
Ottawa requires a test taken two days before departure from China.
United Kingdom
From Thursday, all passengers bound for a British airport must show a negative test before boarding in China.
The British government also reserves the right to test "a sample" of passengers upon arrival to monitor for the emergence of new variants .
Israel
Israel has "decided to order foreign airlines to accept foreign citizens on a flight from China to Israel only if they have been tested for Covid ," according to the Health Minister.
A "voluntary" screening center will also be set up for people returning from China.
Japan
At the end of 2022, Japan was one of the very first countries to implement new rules for visitors from mainland China, who were now the only ones subject to mandatory testing upon arrival.
People who test negative will be quarantined for seven days in designated facilities, and Tokyo will also restrict flights from China.
South Korea
South Korea has also taken steps to screen travelers from China, requiring them to provide a negative Covid test before and after arrival. Travelers from Hong Kong and Macau are exempt from these rules.
India
To enter its territory, India requires a negative test taken 48 hours before departure from China and other Asian countries.
Morocco
Morocco has adopted the strictest measure: it is simply banning entry into its territory to all travelers from China, " regardless of their nationality" .
And this from Tuesday "until further notice" , in order to "avoid a new wave of contamination in Morocco and all its consequences" , according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
