UK Drops China Covid Travel Tests as Threat Dims
Britain is scrapping its precautionary Covid testing regime for travellers from China. The move wipes out on-arrival testing at Heathrow and soon ends pre-departure test rules. Officials say the virus threat from China has eased, with no new variants of concern detected.
Heathrow Testing Ends Today
- From Friday 17 March 2023, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stops voluntary Covid tests for passengers arriving from China at Heathrow.
- The programme began in January to quickly spot any new variants arriving from China.
- So far, 3,374 people have been tested, 14 were positive—but none were dangerous variants.
Pre-Flight Tests Axed From April
- From 5 April, travellers from mainland China to England no longer need a negative Covid test before flying.
- This follows UK laws that enabled the rules but are now expiring.
Why the Change? China Opens Up & Variants Match UK’s
China has stepped up sharing of testing, vaccination, and genomic data, showing more transparency about its Covid situation. Latest reports reveal the variants in China are the same as those already in the UK. The Chinese CDC says all regions have passed their infection peaks.
The UK’s move aligns with international partners like the EU, who are also easing border checks on travellers from China.
Officials stress they remain vigilant. The government has contingency plans ready to jump into action if any new, dangerous Covid variants emerge from abroad.
