Agree, no announcements yet regarding
- Existing long term visas that were suspended held by foreigners being reinstated
- No apparent change to limited issuance of single entry inbound visas for only for business, family, study purposes for foreigners.
- Based upon revised wording of regs it seems that despite the relaxation inbound travellers upon arrival into China will appear to be subjected to a rapid antigen test at the border and if positive it appears that it's "recommended" you could be carted off to a 'medical facility' - this is unproven and it remains to be seen what happens in practice. Update 27 Dec 22: based on initial statement from US Embassies it's unlikely there will be any form of quarantine.
Chinese citizens can still only depart China for business, family, study reasons or if holding foreign residence visas. Chinese citizens cannot leave China for tourism yet, and no announcement on the reopening of general availability to be able to renew Chinese passports. Announced 27 Dec 22 that Chinese citizens will be free to travel from 8 Jan 23 and apply for passports again.
- The "five ones" airline polity appears to be relaxed.
I would suggest that whilst the announcement that the inbound border is going to be relaxed, there's more announcements required before it's really open in both directions. Baby steps though....
If BA had some capacity to open up routes in Asia for S23, I still doubt they are they going to be putting capacity into China ahead of other Asian destinations...