In addition to requiring direct and indirect arrivals from China to provide evidence of a recent negative test for Covid-19, the UKHSA said a sample of passengers arriving at Heathrow airport only would undertake PCR tests for Covid-19 on a voluntary basis. Positive samples will be sent for sequencing to screen for new variants.

The UK’s new pre-departure testing rules came into effect last week (5 January) ahead of China’s borders reopening, mirroring similar interventions by the US, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Malaysia and India.

Heathrow on Wednesday (11 January) warned fresh restrictions on travellers from China could set back the UK aviation sector’s recovery, arguing there was "no scientific basis" for the reintroduction of a pre-departure testing requirement for Chinese arrivals.

Transport minister Jesse Norman said the new measures would “remain under review”, confirming they would be amended if there was “greater transparency” in China’s sharing of its Covid infection levels – and an improvement in its number of cases. 

“While public health is a devolved matter and these measures currently apply only in England, the government continues to work closely with the devolved administrations,” said Norman. 

“The government recognises the impact that these temporary health measures may have on businesses and passengers. The situation remains under constant review and the UK is working with industry and closely monitoring the situation on the mainland while encouraging China to provide greater transparency on their Covid data.”