The CDC has announced a requirement for a negative COVID-19 test for air passengers entering the United States from the People’s Republic of China.
Several other countries, such as France, quickly followed suit with their own requirements for air passengers from China. Countries including India have extended travel restrictions to additional countries such as Singapore, and Morocco has even banned travelers from China.
Several countries are closing their doors as Chinese tourists prepare to travel again.
Not only are these travel requirements frustrating for Chinese travelers, but their scientific basis is questionable, especially given the near-easing domestic COVID-19 policies of the issuing country.
Travel bans are often aimed at halting, or at least delaying, the introduction of new variants into a country. However, the effectiveness of such travel restrictions is questionable and, in the current situation, is targeted at China, with some omicron stocks spreading globally.
- Novazzi F
- Giambini E
- Rueka M
- and others.
Additionally, the COVID-19 test requirement will not stop the spread of the disease, as travelers may only test positive after departure. For example, previous travel restrictions targeting South Africa have not prevented the global spread of Omicron. This is because there has already been an introduction and then spread from several countries outside of South Africa. Alternative measures exist to limit the spread, such as wearing masks and testing and quarantine.
Discrimination from such ineffective policies can be long-lasting. COVID-19 is a pandemic, threatening the health of people around the world. Therefore, all communities must work together to face and fight against his COVID-19. Measures are needed to contribute to this ultimate goal of reducing deaths, hospitalizations and infections. Measures that reinforce discrimination against specific groups without an overarching scientific interest undermine the fight against COVID-19 and other global efforts to improve health equity.
So the downsides of these travel restrictions seem to far outweigh the potential benefits.

We declare no competing interests.
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Article information
Publication history
Publication date: January 30, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00052-X
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© 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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