China Mandates PCR Testing for Entrants from Korea (Update)

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] The Chinese government has informed Korea-China airlines of its plan to conduct COVID-19 tests on arrivals from Korea starting next month on the 1st.

According to the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China on the 31st, the Civil Aviation Administration of China conveyed to airlines of both countries the policy to conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests at the arrival airport for passengers arriving from Korea. It is known that Korea is the only country for which China is implementing PCR testing on arrivals.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the notification, if the PCR test result at the airport is positive, the individual will be quarantined at home or accommodation. The Consular Section stated that details such as the specific PCR testing location and timing, costs and who will bear them, and the quarantine period will be announced after further confirmation.

This measure is interpreted as a response to the Korean government’s recent decision to extend mandatory COVID-19 testing and visa issuance restrictions for arrivals from China. Previously, on the 8th of this month, the Chinese government abolished quarantine for arrivals and also discontinued the previously implemented universal PCR testing.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.