Hong Kong Opening To Non-Residents

From 1 May, Hong Kong will end its ban on non-residents entering the city as it eases its tough zero-COVID policy.

The government issued a statement on 22 April announcing plans to ease restrictions in May as coronavirus cases gradually stabilise.

“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 dropped instead of risen,”
Statement from the Hong Kong Government

As such, Hong Kong's stringent pandemic measures will be adjusted to allow non-residents to enter the city starting on 1 May.

But Hong Kong, whose policies are closely aligned with those of mainland China, isn't abandoning its strict rules like mandatory quarantine just yet.

Rules For Inbound Travellers

Under the new entry system, travellers will take a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport, and those who are negative will be sent to a designated hotel to quarantine for seven days.

Prior to departure they must be fully vaccinated with a recognised vaccination certificate and test negative with a PCR test conducted 48 hours in advance. They must also present confirmation that they have reserved and pre-paid for accommodation at their quarantine hotel.

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.

Flight Suspensions

Hong Kong is also easing rules for suspending flights.

According to reports, from 1 May, the suspension will be reduced from seven to five days. And, flights will only be suspended if five or more passengers test positive upon arrival, from the previous threshold of three passengers.

The flight suspension policy makes planning a trip to Hong Kong difficult as routes can be suspended at short notice. As a result, airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have stopped flying to Hong Kong until later in the year.

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