Hong Kong No Longer Require PCR Tests on Arrivals

Beginning 29th December, Hong Kong will no longer compel incoming travelers to submit to an obligatory PCR test.

Following the announcement that the quarantine requirement for visitors to China will no longer apply starting on 8th January, the authorities continued to relax the nation’s zero-Covid policy.

The city of Hong Kong, a special administrative territory of China, has likewise abandoned the requirement for its vaccination pass, which permitted entry to certain locations and other actions.

Only negative results from PCR tests completed within the last 48 hours or rapid antigen tests (RAT) completed within the previous 24 hours are now needed for entry into Hong Kong.

During the first five days, daily antigen tests are optional.

With the exception of the mask mandate, there are no longer any limitations on the size of groups that may congregate in public.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, stated: “The new measures mark a key milestone for tourism revival and the full reopening of the tourism doors of Hong Kong.

“We believe this will attract visitors to Hong Kong from around the world. Taking into account the pace of outbound travel resumption in different visitor source markets, HKTB will gradually step up its promotions worldwide to uphold Hong Kong’s status as a world-class travel destination.”

In the meantime, the US has joined a growing list of nations requiring Covid testing of travelers from China.

According to the BBC, mandatory screenings have also been announced by Italy, Japan, Taiwan, and India, however Australia and the UK have not.

The UK’s home office and transport officials will decide on Thursday whether to impose Covid restrictions on travelers coming from China like the US and other nations have done.

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association, commented on the US curbs: “We look forward to welcoming Chinese travellers back to the United States.

“The Biden administration’s highly targeted Covid testing approach is reasonable and appreciated.”