Passengers wait to check in at Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 26, 2021. (File photo: Xinhua)

China's foreign ministry on Tuesday recommended that Chinese citizens avoid unessential cross-border travel, citing the still severe COVID-19 situation around the world.

Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for the ministry, said the recommendation was made to protect travelers' health and safety.