Entry Regulations Hong Kong – Update 26 September 2022

published on 30 September 2022 | reading time approx. 2 minutes

Effective September 26, 2022, entry into Hong Kong is facilitated. In particular, the requirement for quarantine in a pre-booked hotel will no longer apply. The following arrangements now apply to entry into Hong Kong:

Online registration

Travelers must register before departure and provide the so-called "Health and Quarantine Information Declaration". In doing so, a QR code is generated, which must be presented during check-in. The code is valid for 96 hours.

Elimination of PCR test

A PCR test is no longer required for entry. Instead, a negative rapid test must be presented at check-in, which must be performed within 24 hours prior to departure. The test must also be indicated in the "Health and Quarantine Information Declaration".

Vaccination

Travelers 12 years and older not holding a Hong Kong residence permit must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination or a medical exemption certificate.

After arrival

At Hong Kong airport, a PCR test is carried out by the Hong Kong authorities. However, it is no longer necessary to wait for the test result. Instead, travelers can continue to their accommodation immediately after the test ("test and go arrangement"). The use of public transport is permitted.

Mediacal surveillance

During the first three days ("0+3"), the code of the digital vaccination certificate or the Hong Kong "LeaveHomeSafe" app is amber, i.e. all activities requiring a blue code from the app may not be undertaken. However, there is general freedom of movement. On the third day after entry, the code changes from amber to blue at 9am and no restrictions apply. These 3 days are followed by another 4 days during which travelers must monitor themselves.

Testing requirements

On the 2nd, 4th and 6th day after entry (the day of entry is day 0), a PCR test must be conducted at a recognized testing site (e.g. community health center, mobile testing station, recognized medical institutions). In addition, travelers must perform a so-called "Rapid Antigen Test (RAT)" on days 1 to 7. These tests can be done by travelers themselves. If a test is positive, the code turns red. For travelers, the same quarantine regulations and isolation measures apply as for local cases.

The new entry regulations are a significant relief. However, it should be noted that these regulations can change at any time and even at very short notice. Therefore, before traveling, the relevant website of the Hong Kong government should be consulted. Furthermore, it should be noted that these regulations apply exclusively to Hong Kong, but not to mainland China. For entry into mainland China, the relevant Chinese rules must be followed. Transit from a third country via Hong Kong to enter Mainland China is therefore currently not possible.