China and 12 Countries Including the US Ease Entry Quarantine Rules... South Korea Not Included

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Chinese authorities have eased quarantine standards for travelers entering China from 12 countries, including the United States, Thailand, and Spain. South Korea was not included in this relaxation measure.

According to Chinese media on the 19th, Chinese authorities will eliminate the requirement for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken 7 days before entry and self-monitoring procedures for travelers from 12 countries including the United States. The requirement for a negative serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) test certificate, previously required for unvaccinated individuals, will also be abolished. However, travelers must still undergo a PCR test within 48 hours or 24 hours before boarding and an antigen test within 12 hours before boarding.

The countries with relaxed entry quarantine regulations are the United States, Thailand, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Bangladesh, Egypt, Poland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sudan, and Serbia.

Chinese authorities stated, "This adjustment of quarantine standards is a measure taken after considering various factors such as the current COVID-19 situation and characteristics of virus variants."