China’s strict Covid-19 border controls show more signs of easing, as Zhejiang province cuts entry quarantine

  • Overseas arrivals to Zhejiang need spend only seven days in a central isolation facility, instead of 14
  • Beijing and Wuhan among cities already following relaxed rule, as China seeks to repair damage to travel and aviation sectors

Inbound passengers at Beijing international airport wait to be taken to centralised quarantine centres. Photo: AFP
China appears to be lowering its “great wall” of border controls, with entry rules for foreigners relaxed, international flights increased and quarantine time shortened.

The eastern province of Zhejiang will now require overseas arrivals to do only seven days of central quarantine, followed by another seven in home isolation. Most mainland authorities earlier required inbound travellers to spend at least 14 days in a central quarantine facility, then a week of self-monitoring at home.

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