China will block most foreigners from entering the country – including those with valid visas and residence permits – to ‘slow the spread’ of the coronavirus pandemic, the foreign ministry said.
“The suspension is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that the measure will take effect from midnight on Saturday.
The authority also ordered foreign airlines to reduce their international routes to China to one per week and only operate one route into the country.
“In accordance with the need for epidemic containment, CAAC may issue policy to further reduce the total number of international passenger flights,” the regulator said in a statement.
