Although both the UK and France denied on December 29 that they would require testing for passengers from China, that changed today (December 30). UK Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced a temporary COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers from China in order to collect sufficient data. French President Emmanuel Macron also called for measures targeting travelers from China in response to concerns about possible new COVID-19 variants emerging there.

United Kingdom

Starting January 5, 2023, passengers traveling directly or via transit from China to England must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours before departure in order to be allowed to board. Upon arrival, passengers will also be subject to random COVID-19 testing. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are not included for now. However, the health secretary said the UK government will work with those regional governments with the goal of adopting a unified policy across the country.

The government said this policy will be temporary, with the goal of monitoring for and identifying any new COVID-19 variants and responding accordingly.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron likewise ordered public health measures for travelers from China in response to concerns among the French public about potentially dangerous new variants coming from China. Similarly, starting January 1, 2023, travelers flying directly or via transit from China to France must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours before departure.

In addition, passengers on flights from China to France must wear masks.