Australia has become the latest country to impose negative pre-departure COVID-19 test before boarding the aircraft for Chinese tourists travelling to Australia, effective January 5, 2023. So far, the UK, the US and France have made the restriction compulsory.
Of late, inconclusive detailed information about the epidemiological situation regarding Chinese COVID-19 infections has raised concerns in other countries, with many now deciding to request negative pre-departure tests.
Commenting on the situation, Australia's health minister, Mark Butler said: “I want to stress that the government welcomes the resumption of travel between Australia and China... I also want to stress that this is a temporary measure, reflecting the lack of comprehensive information right now about the situation in China."
Recent reports from local Chinese media have raised concern about the increasing COVID-19 infections as restrictions were finally eased.
However, Australia’s decision to impose the restrictions is temporary as the health officials monitor the situation. China will resume issuing passports and visas this week as it moves away from its COVID-zero policy.