China’s spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, announced that as of August 30th, 2023, travellers won’t need to take a COVID-19 test to enter China.

This change will make it easier to travel to China and help the country’s economy and tourism industry. Removing the COVID-19 test requirement is part of an effort to simplify the entry process for those coming to China and to return travel procedures back to normal.

The new policy aligns with the government’s goal of boosting the economy and travel industry.

Despite previous efforts to increase international flights and group excursions, the number of travellers has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic has made many unwilling to travel abroad, which has hurt China’s tourism industry.

The apprehension among Chinese tourists about safety issues has emerged as a prominent hindrance to their consideration of international travel. A survey conducted in April underscored that concerns about unfriendly receptions, health risks, visa complications, and elevated expenses contributed to a staggering 58 percent of respondents reevaluating their plans to venture beyond mainland China in 2023.

Also, with China’s economy gradually rebounding, domestic travel has flourished. The relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions has triggered a surge in domestic air travel, with authorities anticipating a substantial revenue from the travel sector this year. Lesser-explored destinations beyond major cities, such as Chengdu, Kunming, Hangzhou, Xian, and Urumqi, have experienced a surge in popularity.

However, foreign visitors have demonstrated a heightened sense of caution. In response, China has taken a series of measures aimed at revitalising its inbound travel market and fostering a genuine recovery of the travel sector.

The imposition of stringent travel regulations and heightened safety protocols since the pandemic’s onset has significantly dampened international travel demand, leading to a substantial decline in the influx of foreign tourists to China. The prolonged requirement of pre-entry COVID-19 testing has undeniably diminished the allure of travelling to China.

After resuming applications for various visa types earlier in March 2023, including the reinstatement of visa-free policies, the latest governmental initiative seeks to rekindle interest in the China travel market and present the prospect of visiting China as a more enticing proposition.