Travel restrictions introduced in the wake of China’s reopening borders could cause others to travel with e-books.
But it’s not out of spite, said several Chinese travelers who spoke to CNBC.
That’s because some countries don’t let them in easily, they said.
The reactions of the Chinese who spoke to CNBC ranged from indifference to confusion and anger.
“Of course I think it’s unfair,” said one citizen, who asked to be called Bonnie. “But at the same time, we perceive what’s going on. “
So far, more than a dozen countries have announced new regulations for travelers departing from China. Last week, the European Union required Chinese travelers to get tested for covid before entering.
But covid testing is the problem, Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research Group, told Squawk Box Asia on Monday. “These policies are aimed only at mainland Chinese,” he said.
South African Mansoor Mohamed, who lives in China, agreed. “It’s relatively simple and affordable to do a Covid check in China, so it’s probably not my travel planning,” he said.
“However, I know that many patriotic Chinese colleagues and friends will go to those countries for now because the practice of screening only passengers from China is discriminatory,” he said.
Of course, China asks travelers to test negative before entering China, and has done so for 3 years.
The difference, Mohamed said, is that “every arrival [in China], of Chinese citizens . . . [is] subject to the same rules. “
Gao Dan told CNBC that he plans to leave Qinghai province for the first time in more than two years. But he said he would stay in China, adding that he had “not reviewed the policies of other countries,” according to a CNBC translation.
Other ebook trips abroad, but some to their most sensitive destinations, namely Japan and South Korea.
“When China said it would open its borders in January, all my friends said they would go to Japan and Korea,” Bonnie said.
But they couldn’t get visas, he said. ” So now they’re going to Thailand. “
Rein said Chinese travelers are now heading to Singapore and Thailand “both countries welcome us. “
Among the most sensible destinations sought by Chinese citizens after the announcement of the reopening of the borders, those are the only two that have imposed new restrictions on incoming Chinese travelers.