Foreign spectators banned from Winter Olympics 2022

Organisers of the 2022 Winter Olympics have ruled that no foreign spectators will be allowed to attend the games in Beijing (including the Paralympics).

To be held in February, tickets will be sold exclusively to spectators residing in China’s mainland, who meet the requirements of strict COVID-19 countermeasures.

All athletes and Games participants who are fully vaccinated will enter a closed-loop management system to move only between venues for training, competitions and work. A dedicated Games transport system will also be put in place.

Games participants who are not fully vaccinated will have to serve a 21-day quarantine upon arrival in Beijing.

Athletes who can provide a justified medical exemption will have their cases considered.

All vaccines recognised by WHO or related international organisations, or approved officially by the countries or regions concerned, will be accepted.

The International Olympics Committee and Paralympic Committee said in a statement, “The IOC and IPC welcome the decision to allow for the sale of tickets to spectators residing in China’s mainland. This will facilitate the growth of winter sports in China by giving those spectators a first-hand Olympic and Paralympic experience of elite winter sports, as well as bringing a favourable atmosphere to the venues. However, all parties feel for the athletes and the spectators from around the world, knowing that the restriction on spectators from outside mainland China had to be put in place in order to ensure the safe holding of the Games this winter.”

Seven is broadcasting the Games in Australia which are held between 4 and 20 February, while the Paralympic Winter Games will be held from 4 until 13 March.