FCDO updates China advice after ‘game changer’ Covid rule relaxation

China specialist Wendy Wu Tours has hailed the destination’s latest relaxation of Covid entry rules as a ‘game changer’.

The UK Foreign Office updated its advice for China on Wednesday (May 3) to say that lateral flow tests are now needed for arrivals instead of PCRs tests.

Gary King, head of trade sales at Wendy Wu Tours, said: “The removal of the PCR testing for fully vaccinated travellers is an absolute game changer for China tourism.

“As the UK’s biggest, and leading, China specialist, Wendy Wu Tours welcomes this news for everyone. China is now fully open and ready to welcome tourists back.”

The FCDO advisory said: “From 29 April 2023, China has changed its Covid-19 entry requirements for all travellers entering the country.

“You must undertake a lateral flow/rapid antigen test 48 hours before boarding your flight.

“You must declare your negative test result by filling in the Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website, or through the China Customs App or WeChat account.

“Airline officials will no longer check test results. However, upon arrival in China your test result may be checked by officials at customs.

“Passengers entering China displaying symptoms of fever, or with an abnormal Health Declaration, may be asked to undertake a rapid antigen test on arrival. Those who test positive will be asked to wear a mask and may be advised to self-isolate whilst symptoms remain (although there is no mandatory self-isolation for Covid-19).”

May flight capacity from the UK to China remains 30% down compared to the same month in pre-pandemic 2019, according to aviation data firm Cirium.

A total of  265 flights are scheduled to depart the UK for mainland China – equating to nearly 75,000 seats.

This compares to 380 flights with a capacity for more than 100,000 seats in May 2019.

However, no flights were scheduled between the UK and China last May due to the country’s strict Covid travel restrictions.

Wendy Wu Tours management visited China last month to check on facilities to support the resumption of trips later in May, following the easing of Covid travel restrictions.