Ahead of the Shanghai world expo that is expected to bring a large influx of tourists, China has lifted a 20-year-old ban on entry for foreigners with HIV, AIDS, other sexually-transmitted diseases and leprosy.

The ban, which has evoked a great deal of criticism from home and abroad was removed after gaining more knowledge about the diseases and the realisation that it has a very limited effect in preventing and controlling diseases within the country, a statement by the State Council, the apex body of Chinese central government here said.