Hong Kong Reopens to Non-Residents
Starting May 1, Hong Kong will end its ban on non-residents entering the city as it eases its strict zero-COVID policy.
The government has announced plans to adjust restrictions as coronavirus cases gradually stabilize.
In a recent statement, officials noted, “Although daily passenger arrivals have increased since April 1 when the government lifted the flight bans from nine overseas regions, the ratio of imported cases has decreased instead of increased.” As a result, Hong Kong will permit non-residents to enter starting May 1—essentially the first time they’ve been allowed to do so since March 2020.
However, Hong Kong, aligning closely with mainland China’s policies, is not abandoning all its strict measures like mandatory quarantine just yet.
Hong Kong Rules for International Arrivals
Under the new entry system, travelers will undergo a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport. Those who test negative will need to quarantine at a designated hotel for seven days.
Prior to departure, travelers must be fully vaccinated and present a recognized vaccination certificate. Additionally, a negative PCR test conducted 48 hours prior to travel is required. Confirmation of prepaid accommodation at the quarantine hotel must also be provided.
Moreover, all arrivals must complete a health declaration form. Once the form is completed, passengers will receive a QR code that can be scanned at the airport for entry.
Hong Kong Flight Suspensions
Recent reports indicate that the penalty that enforces a seven-day route ban on flights bringing in three or more infected passengers will also be eased. From May 1, the suspension will decrease from seven to five days, and flights will only be suspended if five or more passengers test positive upon arrival.
A government spokesperson stated that they recognized the ban had been “too harsh, leading to suspensions of different routes and easily disrupting the itineraries of people coming back to Hong Kong.”
Local media highlights that Hong Kong has already suspended 23 flights in April, including routes from Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and KLM due to passengers testing positive or lacking necessary health documentation.
The existing flight suspension policy complicates trip planning to Hong Kong, as routes may be suspended at short notice. Therefore, airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have postponed flights to Hong Kong until later in the year.
Face Masks and Restrictions in Hong Kong
Wearing face masks is mandatory in Hong Kong, as coverings are required in both outdoor and indoor public spaces.
Restaurants have recently reopened for in-person dining, gyms are operational, and the limit on public gatherings has increased from two to four people per group.
Additionally, vaccine passes are necessary in most locations, including supermarkets, shopping malls, and restaurants.
