China has replaced its pre-travel PCR test requirement for inbound travellers with the cheaper, faster and more accessible antigen test, according to Simple Flying.
On April 25, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning announced at a press briefing in Beijing that negative PCR test results were no longer needed.
"We will continue to refine prevention and control policies in a science-based manner in light of the evolving epidemic situation to ensure the safe, healthy and orderly personnel exchange between China and other countries," added Ning.
She said airlines would not have to check proof of antigen tests.
The New York Times reports that Chinese embassies have advised that travellers arriving in China still need to fill out a health declaration form and that customs officials will conduct unspecified spot checks.
Data from China’s CAA shows that international flights that the country is operating are less than 30% of pre-pandemic levels, though its domestic levels are significantly higher.
In February, Director General of the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines, Subhas Menon, said it would take about a year for the country to recover its pre-pandemic capacity.
