On the day, the Chinese Government is opening up for tourism and travel again, the US, Germany and other countries impose warnings.
The German Government is following other international trends in Europe, the United States, and other countries, now warning citizens to travel to the People’s Republic of China, including the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong and Macau.
This comes just a day before the Chinese Government is reopening its country to tourism. It comes at a time the Chinese Government is warning to retaliate.
Access to medical care, including treatment in hospitals and ambulance service, may be delayed or limited.
The COVID infection rates in China are the highest since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020.
The German Foreign Ministry explains and also warns on Twitter: The Chinese health system is overwhelmed already
As of Monday, the Peoples Republic of China will be categorized as a region of a high threat. Travelers to many countries now need a test before being allowed to enter many European or American countries.
Germany is now checking sewage water on aircraft arriving from China for traces of COVID.
Experts say that even after three years of isolation, the Chinese traveler is not ready to resume traveling yet.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “After nearly three years, it is great news that China is finally opening up.
Chinese visitors worldwide contributed U.S.$ 253 billion to the global economy in 2019, creating jobs and boosting regional economies. The recovery of the Chinese Travel & Tourism sector is very welcome. Introducing knee-jerk travel restrictions shows Governments have learned nothing about the behavior of this virus and continue to ignore the World Health Organisation’s advice that border restrictions do not stop the virus from mutating or moving around the globe. Reintroducing ineffective COVID testing to Chinese travelers is a step backward for the global Travel & Tourism sector.”
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO
Flights in and out of China are about 10% compared to the number of flights before the pandemic.
The number of flights from and to China is expected to double in the first half of 2023.
China started issuing passports again, and Chinese consulates around the world are instructed to issue more visas to foreigners. business, work, and student visas are a priority compared to tourist visas.
