Monitoring Desk
ISTANBUL: South Korea on Friday said it would require Chinese travellers to present negative COVID-19 tests.
“The South Korean government inevitably strengthens some anti-COVID-19 pandemic measures to prevent the virus spread at home because of the worsening situation in China,” said Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
New measures by South Korea include restricted short-term visas until the end of January for Chinese citizens, excluding diplomats, public officials, and humanitarian and important business purposes.
“By the end of February 2023, all arrivals from China will be required to produce either a negative PCR or antigen test for COVID-19 before boarding flights to South Korea,” Han Duck-soo said, according to Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency.
South Korea declares PCR test mandatory
The new arrivals must “receive a PCR test within 48 hours before their arrival or an antigen test within 24 hours before their arrival.”
“All Chinese travellers will also be required to receive a PCR test on the first day of their arrival to South Korea,” the prime minister added.
Seol’s announcement comes after Japan, the US, Italy, Malaysia, and Spain said they would require negative COVID-19 tests from travellers coming from China. But, Beijing has said the coronavirus requirements being imposed by countries on travellers from China should be based on science.
“China believes all countries’ responses to the coronavirus pandemic should be fair and scientific,” Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, said.
China is facing an explosive surge in infections after dumping its strict “zero-COVID” policy this month, following unrest and unprecedented protests in parts of the country.
