CDC Lifting COVID Testing Requirements for Arriving Chinese Travelers

Image: Passenger at airport in Beijing, China. (photo via 06photo / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Passenger at airport in Beijing, China. (photo via 06photo / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:52 AM ET, Wed March 8, 2023

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it would drop COVID-19 testing for travelers arriving from China, starting on Friday.

According to Reuters.com, sources said the U.S. government would monitor coronavirus cases in China and around the world to adjust the protocols as necessary, but the CDC did not respond to requests for comment.

In January, the U.S. followed the lead of several other countries and implemented new rules requiring passengers on airlines arriving from China aged two and older to show a negative COVID test result taken no more than two days before departing from China, Hong Kong or Macao.

Japanese government officials announced last week that coronavirus-related restrictions on Chinese arrivals had been lifted. The decision came after China declared a "major victory" over COVID-19.

Last month, Macao announced plans to ease facial covering mandates as the region continues to adjust coronavirus-related requirements. The new guidelines no longer call for masks to be worn outside, with indoor venues-including the area's massive casino and shopping industries-being allowed to decide whether or not to mandate facial coverings.

In nearby Hong Kong, the region lifted its mask mandates, which were implemented in July 2020 and renewed every two weeks.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
A New Standard in Economy Travel: TAP Economy PrimeWednesday, July 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive look at TAP Air Portugal's new Economy Prime cabin and discover how it can...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
A New Standard in Economy Travel: TAP Economy PrimeWednesday, July 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive look at TAP Air Portugal's new Economy Prime cabin and discover how it can...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...