U.S. weighs new measures for travelers from China as Japan says it will require negative Covid tests

For more than two years, overseas travelers have had to quarantine upon arrival in China because of Covid restrictions. Pictured here at Beijing International Airport on June 18, 2022, are passengers waiting to be taken to quarantine-designated destinations.

The new Covid rules for travelers from China are being considered by the U.S. government because of the Chinese government's release of virus related data.

There are mounting concerns in the international community on the ongoing COVID-19 surge in China and the lack of transparent data being reported from the PRC.

It is difficult for public health officials to take prompt measures to reduce the spread if they don't have this data.

The officials pointed out that Japan requires a negative Covid test for travelers coming from mainland China from December 30th.

Travelers from China will be required to take a pre-departure test if they don't have a valid vaccine certificate. Those travelling from Hong Kong and Macao will not be affected by the measures.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that there was a need for a science-based measures.

The current COVID situation in the world calls for a science-based response approach and joint effort to ensure safe cross-border travel, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and restore world economic growth.

India and the World Health Organization are concerned about the situation in China.

The officials said that the U.S. is following the advice of public health experts and considering taking similar steps to protect the American people.

Evelyn Cheng worked for CNBC.