China Closes Two Major Visa Application Centers in U.K. Until Further Notice

What’s new: The Chinese Embassy in the U.K. has decided to close its visa centers in London and Manchester, on Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 respectively, until further notice.

A statement from the embassy said that this was to comply with pandemic prevention advice, and that the websites of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in London and Manchester would provide updates on reopening arrangements.

Meanwhile, Sichuan Airlines announced that it would suspend China-bound flights from the U.K. transiting via third countries, starting from Tuesday midnight till further notice.

The background: As southeast England reentered Covid-19 lockdown due to a rapid spread of the disease, more than 50 countries and regions joined the growing list to countries to ban arrivals from the U.K. because of a newly discovered coronavirus strain spreading there.

In November, China suspended entry to inbound travelers from the U.K. with valid visas or residence permits as coronavirus cases rose.

In October, China tightened requirements for travelers from the U.K. by demanding proof of negative antibody tests in addition to nucleic acid tests as a Covid-19 resurgence worsened.

Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use.

Contact editor Heather Mowbray (heathermowbray@caixin.com)