United States removes negative Covid test restriction for travelers from China, Hong Kong or Macau

Air travelers to United States from China, Hong Kong or Macau no longer need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test before boarding a flight, health officials said.

The change will go into effect March 10 at 3 p.m. in New York, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A traveler-based genomic surveillance program that was expanded to help catch potential new variants will stay in place.

However, the United States will continue to monitor cases in the China and around the world. The decision rescinds a rule the Biden administration implemented in January, after China abruptly lifted its stringent Covid restrictions and allowed the virus to spread unabated.

Fearing a massive outbreak could spawn the emergence of a new variant, the US also began testing samples at more airports. Cases, hospitalizations and deaths from the virus are now declining.

Cases and deaths have dropped off steeply in China since peaking around late December, according to data from the World Health Organization. Variants circulating in China have also largely been the same as versions of the virus seen spreading in other parts of the world.

China still demands PCR tests for travelers coming from the US, despite allowing people from some countries to provide rapid antigen tests. Results might be checked on a random basis upon arrival, according to a post from the Chinese embassy in the US.

Procedures for Entering the United States

When you arrive in the United States, you must show valid travel documents as part of the entry process. The documents you need and whether your passport needs to be valid for six months after your travel dates depend on the country you are arriving from and your citizenship or status.

About a million people a year receive Green Cards, designating them as new permanent residents of the United States. Many of those people arrive in the U.S. through an immigrant visa.