Due to the Spread of COVID-19... Russia Temporarily Bans Entry of Chinese Nationals Starting Tomorrow

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] Russia will temporarily ban the entry of Chinese nationals starting from 0:00 on the 20th to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to TASS news agency and others, Tatiana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister and head of the "COVID-19 Inflow and Spread Prevention Headquarters," announced on the evening of the 18th (local time), "Starting from 0:00 on the 20th, the entry of Chinese nationals through the Russian border will be temporarily suspended."

This is a strong measure in response to the accelerating spread of COVID-19 within China. All purposes of Chinese nationals such as studying abroad, tourism, and private visits are prohibited. This measure does not apply to Chinese nationals using Russian airports for flight transfers.

The Russian government also closed its Far East border and the Russia-Mongolia border last month to block the entry of Chinese nationals and announced a temporary suspension of issuing work visas to Chinese nationals. Most flights connecting Russia and China, as well as passenger train services between China and North Korea, were also temporarily suspended.

It is reported that Russia notified China in advance about this measure before implementing it.