China bans entry of non-Chinese nationals from UK, Belgium amid second wave of COVID-19

Beijing on November 4 announced a ban on entry of British nationals into China due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ban would also apply to those currently holding a valid visa or residence permits. The Chinese Embassy in the country said that it will no longer issue a certified health declaration form to non-Chinese nationals in the United Kingdom. The move comes amid the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the United Kingdom and a large chunk of Europe.  

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'Suspension is temporary' 

"Entry by holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy, or C visas will not be affected. Foreign nationals visiting China for emergency needs may apply for visas at the Chinese Embassy or Consulates. Entry by non-Chinese nationals in the UK with visas issued after 3 November 2020 will not be affected. The suspension is a temporary response necessitated by the current situation of Covid-19," the Chinese Embassy in the UK informed. 

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Beijing has also barred arrivals from Belgium, India, and the Philippines in order to safeguard against cross-border transmission. Meanwhile, Chinese and foreign nationals heading to China from or via Belgium, are required to take nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests and then apply for a certified health declaration form before boarding the flight. "It is recommended that passengers bounding for China avoid transiting via Belgium," the Embassy in Belgium said. 

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Europe is currently witnessing the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic raging havoc across the region with several countries reimposing lockdowns to block the spread. The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated from China, has infected over 48 million people and has killed 1.23 million worldwide. 

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