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China Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from New Zealand to China

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended on public transportation.

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Can I travel to China from New Zealand?

Most visitors from New Zealand, regardless of vaccination status, can enter China.

Can I travel to China if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from New Zealand can enter China without restrictions.

Can I travel to China without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from New Zealand can enter China without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter China?

Visitors from New Zealand are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering China.

Can I travel to China without quarantine?

Travellers from New Zealand are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in China?

Mask usage in China is recommended on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in China?

Restaurants in China are open. Bars in China are .

GUIDELINE ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A CHINA VISA

Part 1. Information About Applying for Chin a Visa

Please read this guidance carefully before submitting your application.

1. The Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions in New Zealand reserve the right to interpret, amend and change the Chinese Visa requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China. We also reserve the right to review, delay, refuse and cancel your visa without providing specific reasons. Visa validity, duration of stay, and number of entries are determined on an individual basis. Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions in New Zealand are not liable for any financial losses as resulting from any above scenario.

You are fully responsible and liable  if  your visa become invalid or unused due to change of personal or unforeseen circumstances. The Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand shall not refund for any visa application fees.

2. Effective from 23 October 2023, the Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions in New Zealand will no longer require appointment for visa submission.

1) All applicants, including diplomats, government officials, but excluding visa applications for Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China, are required to access and complete China Visa Application Form through China Online Visa Application website ( cova.mfa.gov.cn ). Failure to provide accurate and complete information may result in the rejection of the application or denial of entry into China.

2)  Upon completion of the online form, applicants are advised to print out all forms and submit their application to the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand on any subsequent working day s , and fingerprint will be collected during the visit. There is no prerequisite for an appointment.

3) For individuals holding diplomatic and official passports, members of official delegations, or those applying for diplomatic, official, or courtesy visas, the procedures remain consistent and unchanged.

3. All applicants are required to have fingerprints collected, and the following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:

1) Applicants who under the age of 14 or over 70;

2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official, and courtesy visas; 

3) Applicants holding the same passport with fingerprints collected within 5 years. (The exemption will only be granted when the biometric sticker visa is still identifiable. Otherwise, the exemption will only be granted at the consular office where the fingerprints were originally collected.); 

4) Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints uncollectible;

5)  Between 10 August and 31 December 2023, eligible applicants applying for single or double-entry visas under the categories of business, tourism, short-term family visit, transit, and crew membership are exempt from the fingerprint collection requirement.

4. For New Zealand born children with Chinese descent when travelling to China for the first time:

1) A child born in New Zealand is a New Zealand citizen by birth or has other citizenship by descent, and at the time of child's birth, one of the child's parents is Chinese citizen holding New Zealand Permanent Reside Visa or have permanent residency of other countries, the child is not a Chinese citizen by birth, and the child is required to apply for a Chinese Visa. Please refer to Apply for Chinese Visa for New Zealand-born Children of Chinese descent with New Zealand Citizenship .

2) A child born in New Zealand is a New Zealand citizen by birth or has other citizenship by descent, and at the time of child's birth, both parents are Chinese citizen who do not hold New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa or have permanent residency of other countries, the child is a Chinese citizen by birth, and the child is eligible to apply for a Chinese Travel Document.  Please refer to "How to apply for a Chinese travel document", and submit your application via Chinese Consul App.

3) A child born in New Zealand is not a New Zealand citizen by birth, nor has other citizenship by descent, and at the time of child's birth, one of the child's parents is Chinese citizen, the child is a Chinese citizen by birth, and the child is eligible to apply for a Chinese passport.  Please refer to "How to apply for a Chinese passport", and submit your application via Chinese Consul App.

5. You may not change or withdraw your visa applications once they have been accepted for processing. Any supporting documents your provided will not be returned and please make additional copies if you wish to keep them. 

6. It normally takes 4 working days to process visa applications. If you are asked to provide further documents or certain documents need to be verified, we’ll get in touch with you regarding the timeline. In urgent situations, you can opt for our express processing service, but it requires the approval of a consular officer.

7.  Following the announcement of cancellation of visa submission appointment requirement, we're implementing measures to avoid overcrowding in our office and ensure efficient processing, we require all visas and passports to be returned by courier. Please bring a prepaid, self-addressed courier pack when submit your applications.

Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment. Please check your email promptly and make the payment through online banking. Once we confirm the payment, passport will be returned via courier. If you request expedited processing or booked a travel to China within two weeks after submitting the application, please inform the staff on-site when you submit the application, so arrangements can be made for you to pick up your documents at the office.

8.  Please be aware of that the Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand have never built-up partnership with any agencies, nor have given authorisation to any agencies to be the official visa agencies, we do not recommend an agency you can use, and we treat all applicants equally, and no individuals or agencies have received any special treatment or exceptions for their visa applications.

Part 2. Visa Category and Required Documents

• Visa Category

2. Basic documents

1)  Passport. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of bio-data page of your passport.

2)  Photo. Must be a recent coloured ID photo, facing forward and with light coloured background, and bareheaded. ( Click here to check the photo requirement ).

3)   Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for China visa in their country of citizenship). For non-New Zealand passport holder, when you apply for your China visa in New Zealand, you must provide the original and photocopy of evidence of your immigration status in New Zealand, such as citizen endorsement, residence, work or student visa.

4)  Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous China visas (applicable to foreign citizens those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship). If you are applying for a China visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page. If you have obtained China visas before and want to apply for a China visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any China visa labels, you should present a photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the page with your photo if it is separate, as well as the pages with your previous China visa. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

5)  Please click here to read specified requirement for New Zealand born child who is New Zealand citizen with Chinese descent and is applying for China visa for the first time.

3. Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category and Purpose of Travel

A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China

The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:

1)  Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2)  Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).

3)  Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).

Please Note:

A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance or and complete relevant formalities.

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:

1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.).

3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).

4) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by a relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:

2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).

For family reunion, the following documents are required:

1)  An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

a)  Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

b)  Information on the visit (a purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).

c)  Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.).

2)  Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

3)  Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

For foster care, the following documents are required:

1)  Foster entrustment notarisation issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China.

2)  Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.

3)  A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

4)  A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.

b)  Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures).

c)  Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.).

2)  Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual.

The applicant should submit the relevant certification in accordance with the relevant regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individual with special skills urgently needed by China,

1)  An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

a)  Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

b)  Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).

c)  Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.).

2)  A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit

3)  Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual.

"Immediate family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 and parents-in-law.

For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:

1)  An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

b)  Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).

c)  Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

2)  A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit.

3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.

For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.

1)  Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.

2)  Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

One of the following documents:

1)  Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security; if your intended work period is 90 days or less, you need to provide an Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China. You must apply for your visa before the commencing work date indicated on the Approval and you will be allowed to work only within the period of time indicated in the Approval.

2)  Original Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.

3)  Copy of Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.

4)  An approval document for commercial performance (original) issued by Chinese government authority for Cultural Affairs (only applicable to applicants for commercial performances in mainland China) and Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China, applicants must submit visa applications before the commence date shown on Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China, and shall not work more than the period of time shown on the approval letter.

5)  Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

Part 3 Visa Application Processes

• Complete China Online Visa Application Form
• Submit Visa Application and Fingerprints Collection
• Payment and Passport Collection
• Complete Visa Application Form Online

1. Please complete your China Online Visa Application Form through the China Online Visa Application website (cova.mfa.gov.cn). All applicants are required to complete the online application form, including diplomats, government officials, but excluding visa applications for Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China.

1)  Your application will be declined, or you can be refused entry permission to China if you provided inaccurate, false, or misleading information.

2)  You must upload an ID photo of yourself, and it must meet the visa photo requirement ( Click here to check the photo requirement ). Your application will be declined if you uploaded a photo of someone else. You will have to complete the online application and upload your own ID photo which meet the photo requirements.

3)  Applicant who was born in China (including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan Province), you must enter your name in Chinese characters, if applicable.

2.  Print out Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application.

Once you have completed China Online Visa Application Form, you must also print all pages of Visa Application form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application which generated automatically.

Applicant must sign at both "Applicant's Signature" on the printout of Confirmation of Online Visa Application and Visa Application form of the People's Republic of China. If someone assisted you in completing the application, the person who provided the assistance must also sign at "Signature" on the section 9 of Visa Application form of the People's Republic of China. Signatures must be a wet signature, we do not accept faxed, scanned, photocopied, and electronic signatures.

• Submission of Visa Application

B.1 Applicant to submit in person

B.2 Application submit via courier or post

1. Applicant to submit application to the office in person, and have fingerprint collected. Please note that the following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:

2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas; 

4) Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints uncollectible;

5) Between 10 August and 31 December 2023, eligible applicants applying for single or double-entry visas under the categories of business, tourism, short-term family visit, transit, and crew membership are exempt from the fingerprint collection requirement.

2. Please bring the following documents for your appointment:

1) Visa application form of the People's Republic of China;

2) Confirmation of Online Visa Application;

3) Original passport and photocopy of the bio-data page;

4) One paper-based photo;

5) Original or photocopy of supporting documents. ( Click to check "Supporting document for visa application" )

6) Prepaid envelope or courier package. Please make sure you have written the recipient's name, address and telephone numbers on the package;

7) Please make the payment via Internet banking as per instruction, make sure you have entered all required information and correct amount when paying your fee. ( Click to find out information about "Fees, Processing time and Payment methods" )

Please Note:

1) Applicant must submit applications to the corresponding consular office of the Embassy or Consulate-General in New Zealand in accordance with  consular district jurisdiction of the applicant's residential address in New Zealand . 

Application may be declined to process if received from areas outside consular district jurisdiction.

2) A pickup slip will be provided once your application has been accepted for processing and please keep the pickup slip in a safe place. You must present your pickup slip at the time of collection.

( Exclusive to applicants within the consular jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand who are exempt from fingerprint collection )

1. Applicants exempt from fingerprint collection may submit their applications through post or courier service. Applications from areas beyond the consular jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand may be rejected to process.

2. Please include the following documents when sending your application:

1) Visa application form of the People's Republic of China (remember to sign);

2) Confirmation of Online Visa Application (remember to sign);

4) One paper-based ID photo;

5) Original or photocopy of supporting documents; ( Click to check "Visa Category and Required Document for Visa Application" )

6) Prepaid envelope or courier package. Please make sure you have written the recipient's name, address and telephone numbers on the package.

3.Postal Address for Visa Application Submit to the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand (Wellington)

Consular Section

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in New Zealand

14 Hill Street, Thorndon

Wellington 6011

Please Note :

1) Passport is a valuable personal item, we strongly recommend you using courier delivery which provides tracking service, such as NZ Post, Courier Post, and NZ Couriers.  Sending applications via regular mail is not recommended.

2) The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand will not be responsible for any loss, damage to your passports and documents, or delays caused by the post or courier.

3) Application fee can only be made via internet banking. We will send you an email containing payment details once your applications have been accepted for processing. When making the payment online, please make sure to follow the instructions included in the email.

4)  We do not accept applications sent by post or courier for expedited visa application processing. Your application will be processed within the standard processing timeframe.

C. Payment and Passport Collection

1. Following the announcement of cancellation of visa submission appointment requirement, we're implementing measures to avoid overcrowding in our office and ensure efficient processing, we require all visas and passports to be returned by courier. Please bring a prepaid, self-addressed courier pack when submit your applications.

Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment. Please check your email promptly and make the payment through online banking. Once we confirm the payment, passport will be returned via courier.

2. If you request expedited processing or booked a travel to China within two weeks after submitting the application, please inform the staff on-site when you submit the application, so arrangements can be made for you to pick up your documents at the office.

Upon submitting your application in person at our office, you will receive a pick-up slip. Please ensure that you have your pick-up slip ready when you come to collect your passport and make the visa fee payment at the counter. In cases where the applicant cannot personally collect the passport, authorization can be given to someone else for collection. The authorized individual must also present the pick-up slip during collection and make the visa fee payment.

Please click here for Fees, Processing Time and Payment Methods.

Please note:

1. Expedited visa service is unavailable for application submit via courier or post, or visa and passport need to be returned by courier or post. It normally takes 4 working days to complete provided it meets the necessary criteria, and we will arrange courier service to collect and return the documents.

2. Passport is a valuable personal item, we strongly recommend you using courier delivery which provides tracking service, such as NZ Post, Courier Post, and NZ Couriers. Sending applications via regular mail is not recommended.

3. The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand will not be responsible for any loss, damage to your passports and documents, or delays caused by the post or courier.

Part 4. Fees, Processing Time and Payment Methods

Table of visa fee and processing time

(All fees accepted in New Zealand dollar, per person)

Visa fee waiver countries based on bilateral agreements.

(Last update on 1 November 2017)

Payment Methods

1. Internet banking. Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment.

The payment methods below can only be used at the counter.

2. Credit card (Visa and MasterCard)

4. UnionPay (Credit card, Debit card, QuickPass)

5. WeChat Pay

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New Zealand to restrict travel from China to protect against coronavirus

• Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
• Rt Hon Winston Peters

The Government is placing temporary entry restrictions into New Zealand on all foreign nationals travelling from, or transiting through mainland China to assist with the containment of the novel coronavirus and to protect New Zealand and the Pacific Islands from the disease.

This will take effect from tomorrow and will be in place for up to 14 days. This position will be reviewed every 48 hours.

Any foreign travellers who leave or transit through mainland China after 2 February 2020 (NZ time) will be refused entry to New Zealand.

Any foreign travellers in transit to New Zealand on 2 February 2020 will be subject to enhanced screening on arrival but, pending clearance, will be granted entry to New Zealand.

New Zealand citizens and permanent residents returning to New Zealand will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival back in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also raised its travel advice to New Zealanders for all of mainland China to “Do not travel”, the highest level.

“Cabinet convened last night to discuss the most up to date public health advice and recent developments in the spread of the virus. We have been advised by health officials that while there are still a range of unknowns in the way the virus is being transmitted, we should take a precautionary approach and temporarily stop travel into New Zealand from mainland China, and of people who have recently been in China,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

“It is critically important that we both protect New Zealanders from the virus and play our part in the global effort to contain it.

“I am particularly mindful that we are a gateway to the Pacific, and must factor that into our decision making.

“We have been in close contact with our partners in the past 24 hours, and I have spoken on multiple occasions with Prime Minister Morrison to ensure we are each aware of any changes to our systems, and the wider impacts given the frequent travel between our two nations.

“The decision of the US to put in place similar restrictions to those decided by Cabinet has had a knock on effect in terms of travel, leading Air New Zealand and other airlines to stop their flights from China.

“The Cabinet is acutely aware of the economic impact of the virus, including on tourism, the primary sector and education. I have asked Ministers to make contact with industry leaders to mitigate some of these impacts as much as possible,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters stressed this is not a decision that has been taken lightly.

“Ultimately, this is a public health decision. The outbreak has been well managed by China, and these temporary measures are to reinforce work being done to try and reduce human to human transmission.

“New Zealand has not had a confirmed case of the virus and the risk of outbreak is low and we want to keep it that way.  The health and safety of New Zealanders is our main priority.

“I have been in close contact with my Chinese counterpart on New Zealand’s decision and have conveyed New Zealand’s willingness to assist with China’s efforts to control and defeat the virus,” Mr Peters said.

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Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon: Security Situation

Reviewed: 19 April 2024, 16:31 NZST

On 7 October 2023, rockets were fired from Gaza across southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There is currently a large-scale ongoing conflict occurring in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza and within Gaza. Israel has expanded its ground operations in Gaza and military operations are expected to continue. Regional tensions in the Middle East are high and could escalate quickly, and the security situation could deteriorate with little or no notice. In ...Read More

Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games 2024

Posted: 17 April 2024, 09:26 NZST

Advice for travellers to France for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic GamesNew Zealanders heading to France for this year’s Olympic Games (26 July - 11 August) and Paralympic Games (28 August - 8 September) are advised to read the following information, in conjunction with the travel advisory for France. Before you goOver 15 million visitors from all over the world will be heading to France for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. New Zealanders travelling to the Games are strongly enc ...Read More

Outbreaks of Polio

Reviewed: 19 February 2024, 13:30 NZDT

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that can spread from person to person or through contaminated water or food. Many people who are infected don’t feel sick or have symptoms.  Some people have only minor symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs.  A small proportion of those with symptoms develop paralysis. The World Health Organization has advised of an increase in polio activit ...Read More

Pacific Cyclone Season: 1 November to 30 April

Reviewed: 26 October 2023, 14:45 NZDT

The Pacific cyclone season runs from 1 November until 30 April. New Zealanders travelling to the Pacific are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major cyclone approaches and given advice on precautions to take. If you are in an area affected by a cyclone, you should follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek suitable shelter. New Zealanders shou ...Read More

Viet Nam: Motorcycle Travel

Posted: 20 September 2023, 13:25 NZST

For adventurous New Zealanders, motorcycle travel can seem like a great way to see Viet Nam and travel around the country.  But travellers are reminded of the significant risks associated with motor cycle travel in Viet Nam.  Accidents are common and can result in serious injury and even fatalities.  Rental motorcycles are often poorly maintained and the helmets provided do not meet New Zealand safety standards. Roading conditions also bring additional risks and the riding habits you are use ...Read More

Reviewed: 12 June 2023, 15:50 NZST

The Ministry of Health is advising people travelling overseas (to any destination) to make sure they are fully immunised against measles before they go. While cases in New Zealand are rare because endemic measles has been eliminated here, the disease is regularly brought into the country through international travel. There are currently significant measles outbreaks overseas including in India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Somalia. For c ...Read More

Monkeypox outbreak

Reviewed: 12 June 2023, 15:32 NZST

About Monkeypox Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox and MPX) is a viral infection that is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has Mpox.  Current situationWhile anyone can get mpox, the current global outbreak has disproportionately impacted: -    men who have sex with men (MSM) -    people who have sex with MSM (this may include people of any gender or sexual identity, whether they are transgender, cisgender or non-binary). Men who have sex with men and their sexual ...Read More

Pacific Typhoon and Atlantic Hurricane Season

Reviewed: 24 May 2023, 08:34 NZST

Typhoons and hurricanes are currently affecting areas of Asia and the Americas. New Zealanders travelling to Asia and the Americas are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major storm approaches and given advice on precautions to take. If you are in an area affected by a typhoon or hurricane, you should follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek s ...Read More

Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania: Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)

Posted: 17 April 2023, 10:49 NZST

The Governments of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania declared their first outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD), on 13 February 2023 and 21 March 2023, respectively. The virus is transmitted from fruit bats to humans. Human-to-human transmission is possible through contact with body fluids (such as blood, saliva, urine, vomit, or faeces) of an infected person and contaminated surfaces or materials (such as bedding and clothing). MVD symptoms can be very sim ...Read More

Ukraine: Security Situation

Reviewed: 11 April 2023, 10:44 NZST

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks and heavy fighting occurring in several areas of Ukraine, including in and around Kyiv and other major cities. There are ongoing reports of gunfire, artillery bombardments, explosions and missile strikes. Civilians are being impacted. There is a real risk to life. There is also concern about military activity and shelling around Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. We advise New Zealanders in ...Read More

Top travel tips as Kiwis reconnect with the world

Updated: 5 March 2022, 00:25 NZDT

Kiwis will be excited to be able to travel again after the New Zealand Government announced the next steps to reconnect New Zealanders to the world. This includes removal of the need for vaccinated New Zealanders to self-isolate on return from any country, and dropping the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s global “do not travel” advisory which has been in place since March 2020. But before they go, travellers will need to make sure they have thought through the complexity of the n ...Read More

Brexit: New Zealanders in the United Kingdom

Reviewed: 5 February 2020, 15:15 NZDT

New Zealand citizens who continue to live in the UK now that it has left the EU can: use the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website tool to seek guidance on visa status and rights to stay.  find more information in the UK's Department for Exiting the European Union: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-exiting-the-european-union. If you are a New Zealander who holds a European passport, or who has a European spouse you should refer to guidance from the UK Governm ...Read More

Travelling as a Dual Citizen

Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:58 NZDT

What is dual citizenship or dual nationality?If you are a citizen of more than one country you are a dual citizen or dual national. This means you are a citizen of both New Zealand and another country at the same time. New Zealand allows dual citizenship and multiple citizenship but some other countries do not. A country could still consider you to be one of their citizens even if you don't accept that nationality if you: have a parent, or in some cases a grandparent, who is a citizen of that ...Read More

India: Severe Air Pollution

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:46 NZDT

Major cities in India have recently been experiencing severe levels of air pollution. Some of the most common health effects of air pollution include irritation of eyes, throat and lungs. For people with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis, breathing in air pollution can make these conditions worse.  New Zealanders in areas affected by the air pollution are advised to monitor pollution readings, such as those provided by the Air Quality Index website. If you have conc ...Read More

Drug Crime Overseas: Don't Risk It

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:44 NZDT

Every year New Zealanders put themselves at risk of arrest or detention for drug-related offences overseas. Remember that when you are overseas you are subject to that country's laws and penalties - no matter how harsh they may appear by New Zealand standards. In many countries, penalties for drug-related offences are severe. Possession, use or trafficking of even very small quantities of drugs can lead to lengthy imprisonment thousands of miles away from family and friends. New Zealand does not ...Read More

Mosquito-borne Illnesses

Reviewed: 10 September 2018, 09:05 NZST

Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses are common in the tropical and sub-tropical climates in many Pacific Islands, in North Queensland (Australia), Asia (including India), tropical Africa and Latin/South America. West Nile virus is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia. Dengue fever, chikungunya virus and Zika virus are spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito and cannot be spread directly from person to person. Malaria is caused by a parasite s ...Read More

Fiji: Meningococcal Outbreak

Posted: 29 March 2018, 17:03 NZDT

The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services has issued a public notice advising of an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Fiji. Though the risk for travellers to Fiji is low, people staying in local communities or for longer periods of time should be vigilant and aware of the symptoms of meningitis following an outbreak of meningococcal disease.Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes two very serious illnesses: meningitis (an infection of the membranes that cover the b ...Read More

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Other news features

• Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon: Security Situation Reviewed: 19 April 2024, 16:31 NZST
• Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games 2024 Posted: 17 April 2024, 09:26 NZST
• Outbreaks of Polio Reviewed: 19 February 2024, 13:30 NZDT
• Need a visa for travelling overseas? Reviewed: 6 December 2023, 14:35 NZDT
• Pacific Cyclone Season: 1 November to 30 April Reviewed: 26 October 2023, 14:45 NZDT
• Viet Nam: Motorcycle Travel Posted: 20 September 2023, 13:25 NZST

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China Entry and Exit Requirements and Procedures 2024

Until November 30th, 2024 , ordinary passport holders of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malaysia can enjoy a 15-day visa-free entry to China.  

You can start planning your trip to China now! We will provide you with a flexible, tailor-made private tour of China . 

China has opened its borders to tourists from March 15, 2023. If you are planning to visit China, it's important to understand the entry and exit requirements and procedures that apply to international travelers.

Now, inbound and outbound travelers no longer need to complete the China Health Declaration Form and don't need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result, either.

China Entry Requirements

To enter China, you must have a valid passport and a China visa unless you are eligible for a visa-free entry or a visa-on-arrival.

Note: Though you are not required to complete the China Health Declaration Card and provide the COVID-19 test result before entering China Mainland, you still need to inform the customs and cooperate for health checks if you have symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or if you've been diagnosed with a contagious disease.

Customs Procedures

China's custom channels are divided into two types: the red channel (also called the tax channel) and the green channel (also called a free channel).

Red Channel

Foreign travelers usually enter China through the red channel. They must declare first to customs after filling in the passenger baggage declaration form and can enter after the registration at customs.

The completed customs declaration form must be presented again when leaving China. The form must be filled in truthfully and accurately, and those who provide false information or fail to declare items will be subject to legal action by customs once identified.

The items exceeding the maximum limit listed in the document table should be processed according to other relevant provisions.

Green Channel

Foreign personnel who have been granted a diplomatic visa-passport or courtesy visa-passport by the Chinese authorities or granted free-of-examination courtesy can choose the green channel. But they have to show their credentials to the customs and the declaration document table filled according to the requirements.

Hygiene Quarantine Requirements for Entering China

Foreigners entering China must truthfully fill in health declaration forms as requested by border quarantine departments. Failure to report infectious diseases may result in punishment for evading quarantine and prevention from entering China upon identification. Those who have entered China without reporting an infectious disease may be ordered to leave in advance.

Infectious patients from affected areas must present a valid certificate of immunization-related diseases (commonly known as the "yellow book"). If they do not have a valid certificate, the Frontier Health and Quarantine infected organs will run a test for six days from the day they leave the infected environment.

Commodities from areas that may have been contaminated by infectious diseases or become media articles of epidemic diseases are subject to health and sanitation inspection and quarantine treatment.

People Forbidden from entering China

The following individuals are not allowed to enter China:

A. Those who have been deported from China are under the regulated age.

B. Those who are considered possible terrorists or may undertake violence and subversive activities after entering.

C. Those who are suspected of possible smuggling, drug trafficking, and prostitution activities.

D. Those who have mental illnesses or have leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, open tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.

E. Those who cannot afford what is needed in China.

F. Those who are considered to possibly engage in activities that endanger the security and interests of China after entering.

The frontier checkpoint has the right to prevent the following individuals from entering:

A. Those who have no valid passports, certificates, or visas.

B. Those who have forged, defaced, or other people's passports or certificates.

C. Those who refuse to be inspected.

D. Those who are forbidden to enter by the Ministry of Public Security and the National Security Ministry.

Exiting China

Foreign tourists must leave China within the allowed time limit of their visa from the allocated port. They must present effective passports or other effective certificates to the port border checkpoint.

People Forbidden to Leave China

A. Defendants in a criminal case or criminal suspects identified by the people's procuratorates, public security organs, or court.

B. Individuals are not allowed to leave the country due to unsettled civil cases according to the People's Court notice.

C. Others whose behaviors have violated China's laws and have been identified by competent authorities as needing pursuit.

The border authorities have the right to prevent the following individuals from leaving China:

A. Those who hold invalid certificates.

B. Those who have forged, defaced, or other people's passports or certificates.

C. Those who refuse to be inspected.

More Articles on How to Enter China

• How to Apply for a Visa to China
• Shanghai 144 Hours Visa-free Transit

Recommended China Classic Tours

• 8-Day Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai Tour
• 11-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai Tour
• 11-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Yangtze River, Shanghai Tour

We can also customize your trip based on your group size, budget, interests, and other requirements. Our professional travel advisors will give you recommendations according to your preferences.

Request a custom itinerary today and get one step closer to your personalized trip

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How to Visit China Without a Visa 2024 (Updated)

From December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and Malaysia can stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa for travel, business, transit, or visiting friends and family.

Starting March 14th, travelers from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can also enjoy this visa-free entry.

China's visa-free policies allow nationals of certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand to travel to China for stays ranging from 24 hours to 180 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.

If you want to plan a visa-free trip to China, just contact us.

Content Preview

• 1. 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies
• 2. 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies
• 3. 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies

4. Visa-Free Policy in Hong Kong and Macau

5. 6-day pearl river delta visa exemptions, 6. 6-day visa exemption for asean tour groups to guilin, 7. 15-day visa-free policy for singaporean & bruneian citizens, 8. shanghai 15-day visa-free policy for cruise groups, 9. hainan 30-day visa-free access, 10. apec business travel card holders, 11. holders of aliens' residence permits, 1. 144-hour visa-free transit policies: beijing, shanghai, guangdong....

Valid for : Travelers from 53 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand

Cities that can be visited : Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao; Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing; Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao; Chengdu; Xiamen, Kunming; Wuhan; Guangdong; Chongqing; Xi'an; and Ningbo.

One visa-free zone per transit : You can only visit the cities and their surrounding area covered by one policy zone before international transit, such as Shanghai and its surrounding area including Hangzhou and Suzhou or Beijing and its surrounding area including Tianjin. You can't travel from one visa-free zone to another: for example, Beijing to Shanghai visa-free travel is not allowed.

How to apply : You just need to apply for a temporary entry permit at your entry airport.

Key Requirement : You will need to be transiting via China to a third region or country. Find out more requirements on 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy .

Will My Route Qualify for China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

Quick test: will my route qualify for china 72/144-hour visa-free transit.

1. I will depart from (only applies to direct or connected flight):

2. I will arrive in China at [city], [airport / railway station / port].

3. My arrival date is...

4. I will leave for [country/region] from China (the bounding destination on the air ticket):

5. My departure date is...

6. My nationality is...

8. I have Chinese visa refusal stamps in my passport.

You qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour visa-free policy.

You qualify to enjoy China's 144-hour visa-free policy.

You don't qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free policy.

Reason you don't qualify:

• You must be in transit to a third country or region.
• You must leave the city area (prefecture or municipality) after the 72/144 hours (the 72/144-hour limit is calculated starting from 00:00 on the day after arrival, i.e. 24:00 on the arrival date).
• Your passport must be valid for more than 3 months at the time of entry into China.
• Your passport nationality is not eligible for the 72/144-hour visa exemption program.
• You have Chinese visa refusal stamps in your passport.

For example, with a New York – Beijing (transit) – Frankfurt itinerary, you can visit Beijing visa-free, staying for up to 6 days.

An "essential" Beijing trip takes about 3–4 days, including its must-sees like the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Check out our 4-Day Beijing Private Tour .

New York – Beijing – New York doesn't meet the visa-free transit policy requirements, because the policy requires that you must transit from China to a third region or country.

However, you can take advantage of the convenience of Hong Kong and Macau, which are considered as separate regions in the policy. The itinerary New York – Beijing – Hong Kong – New York or New York – Hong Kong – Beijing – New York is doable visa-free.

Transiting in e.g. Hong Kong, you could even access two visa-free zones and return home, e.g. USA–Beijing–HK–Shanghai–USA visa-free!

Just contact us to plan a visa-free tour. We have been providing visa-free tour services for many clients since the introduction of such policies. For any questions/problems throughout your trip, our travel consultants provide 24/7 support.

Here are some appealing China tours that you can experience with the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit :

• 5-Day 5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou Bullet Train Tour
• 4-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou, Water Town Culture Tour
• 4-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Night Tour
• 3-Day Chengdu Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour

2. 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: Guilin, Harbin, Changsha

Valid for : passport holders from 51 countries or regions, including the USA, the UK, Singapore, Canada, Australia, and Germany

Cities that can be visited : Guilin, Harbin, and Changsha

How to apply : You just need to apply for a temporary entry permit at the entry airport.

The transit requirement : You need to be going via China to a third region or country. Click to learn more about 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit .

Recommended Visa-Free Tours

• 3-Day Essence of Guilin
• 1-Day Harbin Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

3. The 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Valid for : Almost all foreign tourists

Cities that can be visited : This policy applies to most major cities in China with an international airport, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Tianjin.

How to apply : You just need to apply for a temporary entry permit at the airport.

Key requirement : You need to be going via China to a third region or country.

• 1-Day Beijing Highlights Tour
• 1-Day Shanghai Layover Tour

For most visitors, a visa is not required if traveling to Hong Kong and/or Macau.

Hong Kong : The former colony continues its liberal entry policies established by the British government. Citizens of about 160 countries can obtain visa-free entry for durations that range from 180 days to 7 days. For more detailed information, see Hong Kong's visa policy .

Macau : This territory's policies are more restrictive than those of Hong Kong. British nationals can stay for 6 months. Citizens of about 38 countries including those of the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea can stay for 90 days. For more, see Macau's visa policy .

For even greater travel opportunities, you can also plan a visa-free trip to the Chinese Mainland from Hong Kong or Macau by taking advantage of the visa-free policies mentioned earlier or the one below.

Recommended Visa-Free Tours from Hong Kong/Macau

• 5-Day Yangtze River Delta Bullet Train Tour
• 4-Day Beijing Private Tour

Just contact us to plan a trip from Hong Kong/Macau.

Valid for : international visitors traveling from Hong Kong and/or Macau

Cities that can be visited : those of the conurbation surrounding the Pearl River Delta including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Shantou.

How to apply : You will need to go with a registered travel agency, such as ours. The permitted tour group size ranges from three to 40 people including the guide.

• 4-Day Essence of Guangzhou and Shenzhen Tour
• 3-Day Kaiping and Foshan Tour

Valid for : ASEAN member citizens, including those of Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines.

City that can be visited : Guilin

How to apply : You will need to join a group tour with a registered travel agency.

Recommended Tours

• 5-Day Guilin Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour
• 6-Day Guilin, Longsheng, & Yangshuo Relaxation
• 4-Day Guilin Scenic and Ethnic Discovery

Starting from July 26, Singaporean & Bruneian citizens holding ordinary passports can enjoy a 15-day visa-free policy for visiting China for business, tourism, family visit, and transit purposes.

• 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
• 8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Ili (Best for Summer)
• 8-Day North Xinjiang Tour with Kanas (Best for Autumn and Winter)

Valid for : Foreign tourist groups entering China via a Shanghai cruise

Cities that can be visited : You are not only allowed to visit Shanghai but also many other coastal municipalities (Beijing and Tianjin) and provinces (Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan).

Requirements : You must arrive and depart on the same cruise and be received by a Chinese travel agent at the Shanghai Cruise Terminal (or Wusong Passenger Center).

Valid for : Ordinary passport holders from 59 countries including the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Cities that can be visited : Hainan Island

Requirements : Groups and individual tourists must book their tour through an accredited travel agency that's approved by China's National Travel Administration and registered in Hainan Province.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card holders can simply enter China with the card without applying for a visa.

Travelers who hold a valid APEC business travel card can stay in China for up to 60 days.

No visa is required for those who hold aliens' permanent residence certificates issued by the People's Republic of China Public Security Bureau (PSB).

Foreigners visiting China for study, employment, or working as resident correspondents must apply for Aliens' Residence Permits with the PSB within a month of arrival in China.

Popular Visa-Free Tours

If you want to enjoy a hassle-free tour that maximizes limited time in China, just contact us . The following itineraries, and any other ideas you may have, can be customized by us to fit your length of stay and other needs:

• 1-Day Beijing Great Wall Layover Tour : Visit the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall
• 2-Week Riches of China
• 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• 15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)
• Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 8 Days in China: Top 15 Tours and Itineraries (2024/2025)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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Boeing worried as China’s Comac lands major aircraft orders

Thomas Bywater

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A Comac C919 in service for China Eastern. Photo / Public Transport, Beijing Bureau Beijing Section

Your next overseas trip might be on a Chinese-built plane after a competitor of Boeing and Airbus announced major contracts for 200 aircraft to be delivered in the next six years.

China Southern is the latest airliner to order 100 aircraft from Comac, a Shanghai-based aircraft manufacturer. The relatively new aerospace company, founded in 2008, now has several major orders for aircraft to be delivered between 2024 and 2031, with a further 100 set to be delivered to Air China last week.

The C919 narrow-body jets are designed to be competitive with the current duopoly held by European company Airbus and American rivals Boeing.

The aircraft have been rolling out of the factories in Pudong at an alarming rate since being granted airworthiness certification by the CAA of China at the end of 2022.

Though seemingly very similar in cost, performance - and appearance - to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, the main advantage of the C919 is remarkable speed with regard to manufacture and fulfilment.

With Seattle-based Boeing hit by substantial delays to production and a worldwide parts shortage, it seems Comac is quickly becoming a serious competitor.

Aircraft are already in service, with the first Comac aircraft carrying paying passengers for the China Eastern airline last May.

The aerospace company reportedly had over 1000 C919s on order and has been able to offer a “substantial discount”, according to a Reuters report last year.

Despite having a listing price of $165 million, which is slightly higher than a new 737-800, Reuters suggested the state-owned China Eastern airline could be paying as little as around $90m per unit.

However, there is one thing that might slow the takeoff of the exciting new aircraft variant - its reliance on imported parts.

Chinese newspaper the Global Times challenged whether the planes could be considered “domestically manufactured” when Comac relies on international suppliers for 40 per cent of its components.

The aircraft engines especially, Leap jets sourced from General Electric, are in short supply.

However, these are tailwinds faced by all airline manufacturers at the moment. With Boeing’s quality control issues causing delays to delivery on aircraft, it is an increasingly attractive option for airlines.

Boeing’s Asia-Pacific division is forecasting competition from the C919 on its future orders, according to a CNBC interview with managing director Dave Schulte.

“It’s a similar sized airplane [to what] both Boeing and Airbus produce,” said Schute. “But for sure, it’s an airplane that is included in our long-term forecast.”

C919 aircraft head-to-head with Boeing and Airbus

Passengers: 158 to 192 seats - compared to 162 to 189 on a 737-800 or 140 to 170 on an A320

Range: 4075 to 5555km - compared to 3585 to 5445km on a 737-800 or 4800 to 6150km on an A320 or A320neo

Cost: $165m listing price - compared to $170 to $187 for a 737-800 or $168 to $180 for an A320

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Nato chief pulls up allies for slow aid as four killed in Odesa school missile strike

LIVE – Updated at 07:10

Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg condemned the slow delivery of aid from Ukraine ’s allies in the West and said “serious delays” allowed Russians to advance on the war frontline in the 25-month-old invasion.

“Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine, the Nato secretary-general said at a news conference in Kyiv with president Volodymyr Zelensky .

He added: “The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line. Lack of air defence has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces.”

With a massive delay of six months in clearance of aid in the US, Ukraine’s troops have suffered heavily to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield.

Mr Zelensky said new Western supplies have started arriving, but slowly. “This process must be speeded up,” he said.

On the war front, at least four civilians have been killed and 28 injured after a Russian missile attack hit an educational institution in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa. The injured include two children and a pregnant woman.

• Nato chief derides slow western aid: ‘Serious consequences'

Four killed in Russian missile attack on Odesa

• Kyiv’s troops forced back by intense fighting in east

North Korean missile hit Ukraine’s Kharkiv, say UN experts

North korea criticises us for supplying long-range missiles to ukraine, kcna says.

• Russia targets hotel housing ‘English-speaking mercenaries'

Ukraine’s troops hope new US weapons will turn tide as Putin’s forces advance in east

Ukraine’s top military commander has been uncharacteristically open about the fact that some of Kyiv’s troops have been withdrawn from several frontline positions in eastern Ukraine as Russia intensifies its attacks .

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi made the comments as Russian forces have been pressing hard since they captured their biggest prize this year, Avdiivka, north of Donetsk city, eastern Ukraine, in February.

Recently Russian forces have advanced to the town of Novokalynove, north of Avdiivka, and into Keramik, northwest of there. There has also been significant movement around Ocheretyne, and Moscow claimed on Sunday its troops captured Novobakhmutivka, 16km (10 miles) north of Avdiivka and, closer, heavy fighting is reported near Berdychi. On Monday, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed it has taken another village, Semenivka.

Moscow’s push has sought to take advantage of Ukraine running low of vital ammunition and weapons thanks to political infighting in the US Congress that delayed the passing of a $61bn (£48bn) aid package until last week.

Askold Krushelnycky speaks to a Ukrainian colonel in this report:

NATO's chief chides alliance countries for not being quicker to help Ukraine against Russia

NATO countries have failed to deliver in good time what they promised to Ukraine, the alliance’s chief said Monday, as Russia rushes to exploit its battlefield advantages before Kyiv ‘s depleted forces get more Western military supplies in the war that has lasted more than two years.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that “serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine.

Thirty men died trying to leave Ukraine to avoid mobilisation since war began

About 30 Ukrainian men have died trying to illegally cross Ukraine’s borders and avoid fighting in the war against Russia which started in 2022, an official in Kyiv said.

“Some lost their lives while attempting to cross a mountain river or traverse mountains,” said Andriy Demchenko, the spokesperson for Ukraine’s border service told the Ukrinform news agency.

He added: “Overall, since the full-scale invasion began, about 30 people have died attempting to illegally cross the border.”

Of these, 24 men alone have died while trying to cross the Tisa river on Ukraine’s border with Romania.

Additionally, Ukrainian border guards have uncovered about 450 criminal groups that have attempted to smuggle people across the border since the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Mr Demchenko said.

With some exceptions, Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country as they may be mobilised to fight, according to Ukraine’s martial law.

Ukraine faces worsening situation on eastern front thanks to intense Russian attacks, army chief says

Ukraine’s top commander has said Kyiv ‘s outnumbered troops have fallen back to new positions west of three villages on the eastern front where Russia has concentrated significant forces in several locations.

The statement by Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi reflected Ukraine’s deteriorating position in the east that Kyiv hopes it can stabilise once it takes delivery of U.S. weapons under a $61 billion (£48bn) aid package approved this week.

Ukraine faces worsening situation on eastern front, army chief says

Ukraine’s allies say slow arms deliveries have helped Russia

Nato countries haven’t delivered what they promised to Ukraine in time, allowing Russia to press its advantage as Kyiv’s depleted forces waited for military supplies to arrive from US and Europe, the alliance’s chief said yesterday.

“Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine, Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference in Kyiv with president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Outgunned, Ukraine‘s troops have struggled to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield. They were recently compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the east, where the Kremlin’s forces have been making incremental gains, Ukraine’s army chief said.

The Russian Defence Ministry claimed its forces had also taken the village of Semenivka.

“The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line. Lack of air defense has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

Kyiv’s Western partners have repeatedly vowed to stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

But vital US military help was held up for six months by political differences in Washington, and Europe’s military hardware production has not kept up with demand. Ukraine‘s own manufacturing of heavy weapons is only now starting to gain traction.

Now, Ukraine and its Western partners are racing to deploy critical new military aid that can help check the slow and costly but steady Russian advance across eastern areas, as well as thwart drone and missile attacks.

Ukraine's farm minister is the latest corruption suspect as Kyiv aims to undo recent Russian gains

A Ukrainian court on Friday ordered the detention of the country’s farm minister in the latest high-profile corruption investigation, while Kyiv security officials assessed how they can recover lost battlefield momentum in the war against Russia.

Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court ruled that Agriculture Minister Oleksandr Solskyi should be held in custody for 60 days, but he was released after paying bail of 75 million hryvnias ($1.77 million), a statement said.

At least four people were killed after a Russian missile attack struck an educational institution in a popular seafront park in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa.

One man also suffered a stroke attributed to the missile attack, regional governor Oleh Kiper said. The injured include a child and a pregnant woman.

Seven of the injured were in serious condition, including a four-year-old child, the official said.

The missile attack was carried out using Iskander-M ballistic missile with a cluster warhead, a missile known as harder to intercept, said Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk.

Public broadcaster Suspilne said the academy’s president, a prominent former member of parliament, Serhiy Kivalov, was among the injured.

“Monsters. Beasts. Savages. Scum. I don’t know what else to say,” Odesa mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said in a video posted on Telegram. “People are going for a walk by the sea and they are shooting and killing.”

Reuters Television footage showed the roof of the ornate building, a private law academy, all but destroyed after the strike. Firefighters were directing water on small fires still burning actively.

A student at the academy who identified herself by her first name, Maria, said the blaze was caused when the missile was intercepted.

“In front of my eyes, a missile was shot down, this was just in front of me. My doors were blown open and the glass was shaking. And then I saw this,” she told Reuters, pointing to the burning building.

“Just before this happened, we wanted to go down there for a walk, but thank God we weren’t there when it happened.”

Debris from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile was found in Ukraine’s Kharkiv when it came under attack on 2 January this year, according to the United Nations sanctions monitors.

The UN sanctions members informed a Security Council committee in a 32-page report seen by Reuters, concluding that “debris recovered from a missile that landed in Kharkiv, Ukraine on 2 January 2024 derives from a DPRK Hwasong-11 series missiles.”

Missile’s use in Ukraine is in violation of the arms embargo on North Korea, the report added.

“Information on the trajectory provided by Ukrainian authorities indicates it was launched within the territory of the Russian Federation,” officials wrote in a 25 April report to the Security Council’s North Korea sanctions committee.

Three sanctions monitors travelled to Ukraine earlier in April to inspect the debris and found no evidence that the missile was made by Russia. They “could not independently identify from where the missile was launched, nor by whom.”

“Such a location, if the missile was under control of Russian forces, would probably indicate procurement by nationals of the Russian Federation,” they said, adding that this would be a violation of the arms embargo imposed on North Korea in 2006.

Ukraine pushes to get military-age men to come home. Some neighboring countries say they will help

Ukraine’s foreign minister doubled down Friday on the government’s move to bolster the pool of fighting forces by cutting off consular services to conscription-age men outside the country, saying it was a question of “justice.”

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the policy would ensure men in Ukraine and those who have left were both treated fairly.

As EU election campaigns kick off in Germany, the Ukraine war, rise of far right are dominant themes

Several German parties on Saturday kicked off their campaigns for the election of the European Parliament in June with a focus on issues such as the war in Ukraine and support by many European voters for far-right nationalist parties across the continent.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ’s center-left Social Democrats, or SPD, launched their official campaign for the June 9 EU election with a rally in Hamburg, Scholz’s longtime home city.

Russia launches fresh missile barrage across Ukraine – but Kyiv fights back with drones

Russian missiles have pounded power facilities across Ukraine – with Kyiv saying it had launched its own major long-range drone attack into Russia .

The airstrikes by Moscow, carried out with ballistic missiles and cruise missiles fired by Russian strategic bombers based in the Arctic Circle, are the fourth large-scale aerial assault targeting the power system since the last week of March .

Russia launches missile barrage across Ukraine – but Kyiv fights back with drones

More footage of the Russian missile strike in Odessa

Below you can see more footage of the aftermath of a Russian strike on the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa.

Mexican film wins top prize at Moscow International Film Festival while major studios boycott Russia

A Mexican film has won the top prize Friday at the Moscow International Film Festival, which took place as major Western studios boycott the Russian market and as Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds into its third year.

“ Shame ,” a film by director Miguel Salgado and co-produced by Mexico and Qatar, was the most highly awarded film at the festival, which began in 1935 and which has been held annually since 1999. This year’s edition included more than 240 films from 56 countries.

Two Russian journalists jailed on 'extremism' charges for alleged work for Navalny group

Two Russian journalists were arrested by their government on “extremism” charges and ordered by courts there on Saturday to remain in custody pending investigation and trial on accusations of working for a group founded by the late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny .

Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin both denied the charges for which they will be detained for a minimum of two months before any trials begin. Each faces a minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of six years for alleged “participation in an extremist organization,” according to Russian courts.

Russian court places Forbes journalist under house arrest

A Russian court has placed a journalist from the local edition of US magazine Forbes under house arrest.

Sergei Mingazov was detained earlier on Friday on suspicion of spreading false information about the Russian army , according to the magazine.

Vladimir Torkonyak, an official from the Khabarovsk Regional Court said that the 55-year-old journalist was placed under house arrest for spreading “ fake news about the Russian army ” through a two-year-old post on a Telegram channel, reported Russia ’s state-owned RIA news agency.

Russian missile hits educational institution, kills two in Ukraine's Odesa

A Russian missile attack on an educational institution in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa on Monday killed two people and injured at least 17, officials said.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said 17 people had been injured, at least two of them in serious condition. The injured included a 12-year-old boy.

Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov put the number of injured at 20.

Pictures posted online showed an ornate building close to the seafront ablaze and smoke billowing skyward. Video footage, which could not be immediately verified, showed people receiving treatment on the street alongside pools of blood.

Public broadcaster Suspilne said the roof of the building, described as a legal academy, had been nearly destroyed. It said the academy’s president, a prominent former member of parliament, Serhiy Kivalov, was among the injured.

The Ukrainian Air Force had announced a harder-to-intercept ballistic missile threat ahead of the strike.

“NATO allies have not delivered what they promised,” Stoltenberg said at a news conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referring to delays by the U.S. and Europe in sending weapons and ammunition.

UAE and Ukraine conclude talks on bilateral trade deal

The United Arab Emirates and Ukraine have completed negotiations for a bilateral trade deal, according to a joint statement released on Monday, ahead of its formal signing.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will remove or reduce tariffs on a range of good and products, remove trade barriers and ease market access to exporters from both sides, the statement said.

In addition, the CEPA will also “support Ukraine‘s recovery and the rebuilding of key industries and infrastructure, while also helping to strengthen supply chains to the (Middle East and North Africa) region for major exports such as grains, machinery and metals.”

UAE-Ukraine bilateral non-oil trade reached $385.8 million in 2023, with joint investment worth about $360 million by the end of 2022 spanning sectors including logistics and infrastructure, travel and tourism, and advanced technology.

“We want to be ready for the next era of Ukraine,” Thani al Zeyoudi, UAE minister for foreign trade, told Reuters.

“It (the CEPA) is an important step for us to have another gateway to Europe through Ukraine,” Zeyoudi said, adding the deal will provide potential market access not only for goods but also services and allow UAE companies to build up connectivity to the European Union if or when Ukraine joins the bloc.”

US intelligence believes Putin probably didn’t order his rival Navalny’s killing, report claims

US intelligence agencies are said to have concluded that Vladimir Putin probably did not directly order the killing of his most prominent critic Alexei Navalny, who suddenly died in his Arctic prison cell in February.

The death of 47-year-old Mr Navalny, leading light of Russia’s opposition movement, was announced on 16 February. He had been serving a prison sentence on charges of extremism, which the international community decried as trumped up to try and silence a thorn in the side of the Kremlin.

World leaders have lined up to condemn the death, while a number of nations – including the UK and the US – have announced sanctions against those in charge of the prison in which Mr Navalny was held.

US intelligence believes Putin probably didn’t order Navalny’s killing, report claims

Russia is plotting attacks across Europe – and they’re only going to get worse

The Kremlin stands accused of everything from arson attacks in the UK to targeting GPS systems used to navigate flights, writes Keir Giles . As the country recruits more freelancers to act on its behalf, we should prepare for the dangers ahead:

Russia is plotting attacks across Europe - and they’re only going to get worse

Putin puts captured British armoured cars and American tanks on display after they were captured in Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has proudly displayed a selection of American and British tanks in Moscow after they were captured on the frontline in Ukraine.

A British Saxon armoured personnel carrier, believed to have been given to Ukraine in 2015, was among vehicles pictured parked in the Russian capital under red banners boasting “Our victory is inevitable”.

The display is part of a month-long exhibition, which also features an American Bradley tank, a Swedish CV90 and a French-made AMX-10RC armoured fighting vehicle.

Putin parades British armoured cars and US tanks captured in Ukraine

Latvians told to turn basements into bomb shelters amid fears Russia could target Baltic states next

Latvians have been told to convert their basements into air raid shelters amid fears that Vladimir Putin could target the Baltic states next.

Vilnis Kirsis, the mayor of Riga, Lativa’s capital , said people should be ready to shelter in their cellars

“We call on everyone during the big clean-up, but also afterwards, to ensure that your cellars and your basements can be used as shelters in case of emergencies,” he said.

Latvians told to turn basements into bomb shelters amid Russia attack fears

Killing of two Ukrainian soldiers may be political, German prosecutors say

German prosecutors on Monday said they were not ruling out a political motive as they investigated a Russian citizen arrested on suspicion of stabbing to death two convalescing Ukrainian soldiers over the weekend.

The soldiers - who had been recuperating in southern Germany - were found with serious stab wounds outside a shopping centre in the Bavarian town of Murnau am See on Saturday evening, according to police. One of them, aged 36, died at the scene, while the other, 23, succumbed to his wounds in hospital.

A 57-year-old Russian citizen was arrested in his home shortly after the act on suspicion of murder, police said.

Early indications suggest the three men had known each other.

“The motive for the crime is currently unclear, although a political motivation cannot be ruled out and is being investigated in all directions,” the prosecutor general’s office in Munich said as it took over the case.

Ukrainian consuls are clarifying information about the units in which the victims served and establishing contact with their families, the Ukrainian government said in a statement.

Nato chief criticises allies for not being quicker to help Ukraine

Nato countries have not delivered what they promised to Ukraine in time, the alliance’s chief said Monday, allowing Russia to press its battlefield advantage while Kyiv’s depleted forces wait for Western military supplies to arrive.

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that “serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine.

“Nato allies have not delivered what they promised,” Mr Stoltenberg said at a news conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to delays by the US and Europe in sending weapons and ammunition.

Ukraine‘s troops were compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the eastern region, where the Kremlin’s forces have been making incremental gains against their weaker opponent, Ukraine‘s army chief said Sunday.

The Russian Defence Ministry claimed on Monday that its forces had also taken the village of Semenivka.

Mr Stoltenberg said: “The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line.

“Lack of air defence has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces.”

Russia's war in Ukraine boosts EU case for further expansion, chairman says

Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine has given a fresh impetus to the European Union’s drive to admit more countries, the bloc’s chairman said on Monday, adding he hoped the 27-nation club and prospective new members would be ready by 2030.

European Council President Charles Michel spoke ahead of the 20th anniversary on Wednesday of the EU’s “Big Bang” enlargement that added 10 mostly ex-communist nations such as Poland and Hungary but also the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Cyprus to a bloc that had then comprised just 15 members.

“It was a call of history to unite European countries,” Michel told reporters of the 2004 enlargement.

“Twenty years later we face a similar challenge because there is this geo-political chaos, including because of this war by Russia against Ukraine. And facing this chaos is the geo-political strategy to reunify once again.”

He added: “Because of the war launched by Russia against Ukraine, there is a new impetus, a reinvigoration of the (EU) enlargement strategy.

“It is challenging. But what is the alternative? The alternative would be a terrible, irresponsible mistake from the EU,” he said, calling for the EU and candidate countries to carry out by 2030 the reforms necessary for a new enlargement.

Russia jails two journalists for ‘working with Alexei Navalny group’

Russia has jailed two journalists on extremism charges for working with a group founded by the late opposition politician Alexei Navalny .

Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin have been accused of producing content for Navalny’s YouTube channel, NavalnyLIVE, run by the Foundation for Fighting Corruption. The organisation, which is dedicated to investigating corrupt practices by Vladimir Putin, his associates and the ruling elite, has been declared an “extremist” body by the Kremlin.

Mr Gabov, arrested on Saturday, was accused of being involved in the “ preparation of photo and video materials” for the YouTube channel, Moscow’s Basmanny district court press service said.

“The enemy again massively shelled Ukrainian energy facilities,” said DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private electricity company, adding that four of its six thermal power plants had suffered damage overnight.

Read more from Chris Stevenson here:

Ukraine’s Zelensky urges US to speed up weapons deliveries

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that vital US weapons were starting to arrive in Ukraine in small amounts and that the process needed to move faster as advancing Russian forces were trying to take advantage.

Zelensky told a joint news conference in Kyiv alongside visiting NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg that the situation on the battlefield directly depended on the speed of ammunition supplies to Ukraine.

“Timely support for our army. Today I don’t see anything positive on this point yet. There are supplies, they have slightly begun, this process needs to be sped up,” he said.

The Russian defence ministry announced the capture of Novobakhmutivka on Sunday, another village close to Ocheretyne, which has become a focal point of fighting in recent days.

“Russian forces will likely continue to make tactical gains in the Avdiivka direction in the coming weeks,” the Institute for the Study of War said.

“The next line of defensible settlements in the area is some distance from the Ukrainian defensive line that Russian forces have been attacking since the seizure of Avdiivka in mid-February 2024.”

Russian forces advance in Ukraine's east

Russian forces advanced at points along the front line in Ukraine on Monday, taking a village in the Donetsk region, gaining better positions in the Kharkiv region and repelling a number of Ukrainian attacks, Russia‘s defence ministry said.

Russia controls about 18% of Ukraine - in the east and south - and has been gaining ground since the failure of Kyiv’s 2023 counter-offensive to make any serious inroads against well dug-in Russian troops.

President Vladimir Putin in February ordered Russian troops to push further into Ukraine after the fall of the town of Avdiivka where he said Ukrainian troops had been forced to flee in chaos. Ukraine said it withdrew from Avdiivka.

Russia‘s defence ministry said its troops had taken the village of Semenivka, northwest of Avdiivka. Russia said it had defeated Ukrainian forces and foreign mercenaries in a number of other villages in the area.

Russia also reported defeating Ukrainian troops in the areas of Synkivka in the Kharkiv region and at a number of other points along the front line. It also said it had struck Ukrainian drone workshops.

North Korea criticised the United States for supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, state media KCNA reported on Monday, citing a statement from the defence ministry.

The United States in recent weeks secretly shipped long-range missiles to Ukraine for use in its battle to fight off Russian invaders, a US official said on April 24.

On Sunday, the director of the Department of Foreign Military Affairs of North Korea’s Ministry of National Defence was quoted as saying in a statement: “The US has secretly supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine, sparking off uneasiness and concern of the international community.”

“The US can never defeat the heroic Russian army and people with any latest weaponry or military support,” the director said.

Military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow are growing which the U.S. and its allies see as escalating tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

Russian forces take control of village in Ukraine's Donetsk region

Russian forces have taken the village of Semenivka in Ukraine‘s Donetsk region, Russia‘s defence ministry said on Monday.

On Sunday, the ministry announced the capture of Novobakhmutivka, another village close to Ocheretyne, which has become a focal point of fighting in recent days.

Telegram unblocks chatbots used by Ukraine's security services

Ukraine said on Monday the Telegram messaging app had restored access to a number of chatbots used by Ukraine‘s security agencies to collect information about Russia‘s war effort after the services were briefly suspended.

The Dubai-based Telegram app founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov blocked a number of bots used by Ukraine to fight back against Russia‘s full-scale invasion, Kyiv’s military spy agency GUR said in a statement shortly after midnight.

A Telegram bot is an automated feature that allows the app’s users to submit or ask for information. Some of the bots run by Ukraine‘s government allow people to report the whereabouts of Russian military hardware and personnel inside Ukraine.

The GUR had said that “management of the Telegram platform unreasonably blocked a number of official bots that have opposed Russia‘s military aggression against Ukraine, including the (GUR) bot”.

By morning, Ukraine‘s Centre for Strategic Communication said that three affected bots, used by Ukraine‘s SBU security service, GUR and digital ministry for the war effort had been unblocked.

A Telegram spokesperson said bots were “temporarily disabled due to a false positive but have since been reinstated”, without giving further details.

Ukraine's farm minister welcomes end of Polish border blockade

Ukraine’s farm minister welcomed the ending of a months-long border blockade by Polish protesters, which he said followed productive talks with Poland.

“The negotiations that took place were not easy, but the main thing is that we have a result,” Mykola Solsky was quoted as saying in a statement from the ministry.

Polish protestors stop blocking cargo vehicles at Ukraine crossing point

Polish protesters have stopped blocking cargo vehicles at the Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska crossing point, The Kyiv Independent reported on Monday.

Ukraine’s Border Guard Service said in a statement that trucks carrying grain crops to Poland would still not be allowed passage, except for those transiting to other countries.

Zelensky says Ukraine is focusing on improving drone operations

Volodymyr Zekensky said Ukraine is making “every effort to increase our capabilities in drone operation” in a post on X today.

The Ukrainian president also thanked all those involved in the production which is helping to “protect Ukrainian skies”.

A Ukrainian court ordered the detention of the country’s farm minister on Friday in the latest high-profile corruption investigation, while Kyiv security officials assessed how they can recover lost battlefield momentum in the war against Russia.

Ukraine is trying to root out corruption that has long dogged the country. A dragnet over the past two years has seen Ukraine’s defense minister, top prosecutor, intelligence chief and other senior officials lose their jobs.

Read more here:

Ukraine spy agency says Telegram platform blocks its key bots

Ukraine‘s military spy agency GUR said on Monday that the management of the Telegram messaging platform has blocked a number of official bots that opposed Russia‘s military aggression against Ukraine.

“Today, the management of the Telegram platform unreasonably blocked a number of official bots that opposed Russia‘s military aggression against Ukraine, including the main Intelligence bot,” GUR said in a statement posted on the Telegram.

“Despite the blocking of our bot - your personal data is safe.”

Telegram’s press service did not immediately reply to Reuters’ request to comment.

A bot is a software application that can run on its own following instructions and is programmed to perform certain tasks. It can mimic conversation with people, among others, or collect content.

The Dubai-based Telegram messaging app, one of the most popular social media platforms, was founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after he refused to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on another social media platform, which he had sold.

Ukraine pushes to get military-age men to come home

Ukraine’s foreign minister doubled down on the government’s move to bolster the pool of fighting forces by cutting off consular services to conscription-age men outside the country, saying it was a question of “justice.”

“It’s about justice -- justice in the relationship between Ukrainian men abroad and Ukrainian men inside of Ukraine,” he said on Friday.

Earlier this month, Ukraine lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25 in an effort to bolster the size of its military.

“The situation at the front has worsened,” he wrote on the Telegram app, describing the “most difficult” areas as west of occupied Maryinka and northwest of Avdiivka, the town captured by Russian forces in February.

Record 30 per cent rise in Russian men aged 31-59 with disabilities

Russian demographers have recorded a 30 per cent increase in Russian men aged 31-59 with disabilities since 2023, attributing the rise to military casualties since the war began.

Russian journalists jailed on ‘extremism’ charges for alleged Navalny group work

Two journalists have been arrested in Russia on charges of “extremism” amid claims from the Kremlin they were connected to groups founded by late Russian politician and freedom fighter Alexei Navalny.

Journalists Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin both denied the charges of alleged “participation in an extremist organisation” with a penalty of six years in jail.

They are just the latest media personnel targeted amid a government crackdown on dissent and independent media that has intensified after the invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.

The Russian government passed laws criminalising what it deems as false information about the military, or statements seen as discrediting the military, effectively outlawing any criticism of the war in Ukraine or speech that deviates from the official narrative.

Forbes magazine Russian journalist Sergei Mingazov was also arrested on charges of spreading false information about the Russian military, his lawyer said on Friday.

Mr Gabov and Mr Karelin are accused of preparing materials for a YouTube channel run by Navalny’s Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which Russian authorities have outlawed.

Ukraine pulls US-provided Abrams tanks from the front lines over Russian drone threats

Ukraine pulls US-provided Abrams tanks from front lines over Russian drone threats