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Customs officers check documents as people travel from Hong Kong, to mainland China. AFP
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Cabin crew prepare to leave Pudong International Airport, in Shanghai. EPA
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After three years of lockdowns, China has reopened its borders to international travel. EPA
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Authorities lifted several major Covid-related entry restrictions as of January 8, including quarantine requirements for international arrivals. EPA
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A celebration at Hong Kong's Lok Ma Chau border checkpoint. Reuters
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A Hong Kong rail worker reminds passengers to bring their Covid test results as they travel to the mainland border. AFP
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Customs officers check documents as people travel from Hong Kong, to mainland China. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U7NFKAFJNVXUHB6FUSM4SCWVCI.jpg?smart=true&auth=b6a6f213d27f62edec9c4c200e0f5867349e5856be9d5ff4955270e94d9dc95d&width=400&height=225)
Cabin crew prepare to leave Pudong International Airport, in Shanghai. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QOCKSJXSVJVICUSHNQPDRVMDXE.jpg?smart=true&auth=95efa6eaf9a83dcda220c91e14da86fe74d6117ddf22c204b3c43228715bffe2&width=400&height=225)
After three years of lockdowns, China has reopened its borders to international travel. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BRBJFRQENXHMCU35X2WU6QANR4.jpg?smart=true&auth=46cdcc1438008998b88db4ac9a6729e957e193b477745595ac4e8082a3b85ae6&width=400&height=225)
Authorities lifted several major Covid-related entry restrictions as of January 8, including quarantine requirements for international arrivals. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IHA4JAPRBONPSC6QZDSKYQXIQE.jpg?smart=true&auth=c08dbc8296d87eac732f6c49a8b0d9d158561e2c62e7c91f3242852b21099730&width=400&height=225)
A celebration at Hong Kong's Lok Ma Chau border checkpoint. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/N6HL5S2MSFBO2FBFVHBM3PXYIE.jpg?smart=true&auth=e6c9c486aece1aeb8481e2fe19e03ecb250a5c83758ac3fa9b7a2af9a08eb485&width=400&height=225)
A Hong Kong rail worker reminds passengers to bring their Covid test results as they travel to the mainland border. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QZFLRMCJCEAU7SVUFZPFOUPOHY.jpg?smart=true&auth=5cfdafbc6bbcd95764b569ef9196db377f9bebcfb17876d774027c88e7a87679&width=400&height=225)
Customs officers check documents as people travel from Hong Kong, to mainland China. AFP
Why China's reopening has not yet led to a global Covid spike
Experts say risk remains as millions take opportunity to travel abroad
![Daniel Bardsley](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F4dcffed7-67d1-4c6f-b468-84a82d1ddd22.png?smart=true&auth=e4d7a6e3c76d7ec922e25339bc18538c62bc925936c2316006dc89b8a7becdc6&width=70&height=70)
Daniel Bardsley
01 February, 2023
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