On April 25th, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced that PCR testing requirements for all overseas arrivals to the Chinese mainland will be scrapped.

Starting April 29th, all travelers to China can present an antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to boarding, dropping a PCR test requirement. In addition, airlines are no longer required to check pre-boarding PCR test results, according to the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning.

These new rules are in effect as of this Saturday, April 29:

-No COVID tests will be checked during check-in when flying to the Chinese mainland. 

-Instead of a PCR test result, passengers can show a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result issued within 48 hours before check-in. This result may be checked upon arrival to the Chinese mainland. 

-In other words, if you are planning on flying to the Chinese mainland, have a RAT kit ready to use before you check-in for your flight. 

A reminder for anyone traveling abroad from the Chinese mainland – while many countries have scrapped COVID testing requirements, you may still need to prove your vaccination status.

Make sure to double check the rules before you travel. According to Mao, China will continue to scientifically optimize its prevention and control policies based on the pandemic situation, and better safeguard the safety, health, and orderly exchange of Chinese and foreign personnel.