Russians may travel to China on antigen test

MOSCOW. March 1 (Interfax) - China has allowed Russian travelers to arrive with antigen tests instead of PCR tests for Covid-19, the Chinese embassy to Russia said.

"Due to the change in the Covid-19 situation and the need to facilitate mutual trips, passengers of direct flights from Russia to China are allowed to use antigen tests (including results of self-testing) instead of PCR tests from March 1," the embassy said.

The embassy said that the PCR or antigen tests should be made no more than 48 hours before boarding the plane. Travelers with negative test results will need to fill out an online health declaration.

Group tourism from China to 20 international destinations, including Russia, resumed in early February after a three-year pause caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Russia and China reinstated the agreements on visa-free travel of tourist groups but did not set the exact date for the resumption of such trips.