Coronavirus: China bans non-Chinese travellers from UK amid COVID-19 second wave

The Chinese government has temporarily stopped non-Chinese travellers from the UK entering the country, due to the uptick in coronavirus cases.

The new border restrictions come as England enters its second coronavirus lockdown, closing bars, restaurants and non-essential retail, in an effort to slow the spread of the illness.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy in London said: "China has decided to temporarily suspend entry into China by non-Chinese nationals in the UK holding visas or residence permits still valid at the time of this announcement.

"The Chinese embassy and consulates in the UK will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration Form for the above-mentioned personnel."

Without a Certified Health Declaration Form, entry to China is denied.

It added that people that hold diplomatic, service, courtesy or C (for staff working on planes, trains and ships) visas are exempt from the new restrictions, and that those needing to visit for emergency needs are still able to apply for visas at embassies.

Those with visas issued after 3 November will also not be affected.

The advice from the UK for those wanting to visit China is to avoid all but essential travel, and those returning should quarantine for two weeks.

China also requires visitors to have had a negative coronavirus test within three days of their visit, with the Foreign Office saying to use a private test, rather than an NHS one.

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The restrictions for non-Chinese travellers from the UK will be "assessed in accordance with the evolving situation and any adjustment will be announced accordingly," according to the embassy.

China, where the outbreak began, has claimed that it now has the pandemic under control in the country, with its economy picking back up after its own lockdown restrictions.