March 27, 2020
China Imposes Temporary Entry Ban on Most Foreign Nationals
Beginning Saturday, China will temporarily ban foreign nationals — including those with valid visas or residence permits but excluding diplomats — from entering the country.
“The suspension is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation and the practices of other countries,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Immigration Administration said in a joint notice Thursday.
The same day, China reported 55 new cases of COVID-19 — with all but one coming from overseas — bringing the country’s running tally of imported cases to 595.
This month, Beijing and Shanghai announced that, in addition to serving compulsory 14-day quarantine periods, all travelers arriving from overseas would be tested for the coronavirus at local ports of entry.
(Copy URL and open in browser)