CDC Lifting COVID Testing Requirements for Arriving Chinese Travelers

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.

Trending Now

Travel Intel

Coalition Builds for Next Federal Aviation Administration Chief

Delta Air Lines Set to Open Flight Academy

Southwest Airlines Expands Partnership With Sabre

Miami Beach Removes Weekend Curfew for Spring Break Travelers

Travel Talk: Where Can the Travel Industry Improve?

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.