(Finance) – The decision taken by South Korea to tighten health checks on passengers from China prompted the immediate reaction of the Beijing government, which blocked short-term entry visas for South Korean citizens heading to the country. The Chinese embassy in Seoul has called the measures taken by the South Korean authorities discriminatory.
The ban on entry visas to China it concerns all those who travel from South Korea or even just for transit. “The Chinese embassy and consulates will suspend the issuance of short-term visas to South Korean citizens”, reads a note posted on the diplomatic mission’s WeChat account, based on “instructions” received from Beijing. The measure will affect “South Korean citizens who visit China for business, tourism, medical treatment, transit and private business in general”.
The provision decided by the Seoul authorities, which dates back to the end of December, requires travelers arriving from China to present a negative PCR swab within 48 hours of departure; alternatively, a rapid antigen test within 24 hours, which must be followed by a PCR test after arrival.
The Japanfor its part, has protested with China for the stop to visas for Japanese citizens, also in this case as a response to the greater health checks arranged for passengers from China.
(Photo: by Erik Odiin on Unsplash)