The Chinese government says it will begin issuing new passports as it eases anti-virus travel barriers, a move that could see millions of Chinese tourists travel out of the country for the Lunar New Year holiday next month. China stopped issuing passports in early 2020 under the world’s strictest anti-virus controls at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and tried to prevent students, businessmen and other travelers from going abroad.
Here are the latest announcements from the Chinese government:
China’s National Immigration Administration said it will start taking applications for ordinary passports for tourism from January 8.
It said it would resume issuing clearances to Chinese travelers visiting Hong Kong for tourism and business.
It raises the prospect of an influx of free-spending Chinese visitors to revenue-hungry destinations in Asia and Europe during what is usually the country’s busiest travel season.
Earlier, China removed quarantine requirements for incoming travelers from January 8. Earlier, tourist travel was restricted in China. Businessmen and others who were given permission were quarantined for up to a week.
The National Immigration Administration said the government would also restart express checkpoints at the borders with Hong Kong and Macau on 8 January.
But it also presents a danger, as tourists could spread COVID-19 as infections rise in China.
Tuesday’s announcement adds to those sudden changes that roll back a “zero-COVID” strategy that confined millions of families to their homes.
It kept the infection rate low but fueled public despair and crushed economic growth.
The government has removed or reduced most quarantines, testing and other regulations within China, joining the United States, Japan and other governments in trying to live with the virus rather than stamp out transmission.
Japan and India responded to China’s surge in infections by requiring virus tests for travelers to the country.
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