China announced it is scrapping its yearslong centralized quarantine rules for overseas passengers—a major step toward easing restrictions on border travel amid the country’s mass reopening.
Starting on Jan. 8, 2023, international visitors will be free to cross the Chinese border on the mainland and Macao with a negative P.C.R. test result within 48 hours of departure, China’s top health authority National Health Commission (NHC) announced late Monday. Currently, new arrivals in China need to undergo extensive health screening before entering an eight-day inbound quarantine, including five in a designated hotel or quarantining center plus three at home.
Incoming passengers will still be required to wear masks on board but are exempt from health QR code checks upon landing, the commission said, meaning they do not need to submit COVID test results to a Chinese embassy or consulate prior to the journey….