inbound travel hong kong declaration

Inbound travel restrictions explained

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here .)

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said that while Hong Kong’s primary advantage is being a gateway to the Mainland, certain factors must be taken into account when devising anti-COVID-19 strategies.

She made the statement during a media session ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting.

Mrs Lam explained that if Hong Kong decided to resume quarantine-free travel with the Mainland, the city’s anti-pandemic practices would have to be more in line with the Mainland’s in order to give Mainland authorities confidence to enable Hong Kong people to travel to the motherland without being subject to a 14-day quarantine plus seven days of health monitoring.

“If Hong Kong was to loosen the boundary controls for people arriving from overseas or adopt what other countries have done - so called live with the COVID-19 virus - then the chances of resuming travel with the Mainland would be reduced.”

The Chief Executive stressed that in Hong Kong’s anti-COVID-19 strategy, controlling the importation of possible cases is a very important part of that plan of action.

“So I can only say to those representing the financial sector that we have to look at it in its context. The context is that Hong Kong’s primary advantage lies in being the gateway to the Mainland.

“If businesses established in Hong Kong could not go into the Mainland, I think it will significantly reduce the attractiveness of Hong Kong as an international business hub and an international financial centre,” she added.

Hong Kong International Biotechnology Convention 13-16 September 2023 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Inbound Travel

Points to Note Before Arrival at Hong Kong

• Before departing to Hong Kong, please pay attention to the relevant boarding, quarantine and testing arrangements.
• All inbound persons are required to complete the online Health Declaration Form of the Department of Health ( www.chp.gov.hk/hdf/ ) prior to their arrival at Hong Kong.
• Inbound persons arriving from overseas places or Taiwan are required to conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) with a negative result within 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure of the flight to Hong Kong. These persons are advised to complete the online Health Declaration Form after they have obtained the negative RAT result. After submitting the declaration and upon confirmation of boarding requirements being met, the system will generate a green Health Declaration QR code. Please save the QR code (which can be a downloadable version of the QR code, a screen shot or a printout).
• Please present the green Health Declaration QR code at check-in for verification by airlines for boarding. Please also show the QR code to the border control point staff upon arriving at Hong Kong.
• For arrival via Hong Kong International Airport, the QR code is valid for 96 hours; for arrival via land control points, the QR code is valid for 24 hours.
• Please  click here  to read the relevant FAQs for more information on the arrangement for declaration of non-local COVID-19 vaccination record.
• Arrivals holding a visa with insufficient validity period will be denied entry.

• Please show the health declaration QR code to the border control point staff upon entering Hong Kong. The QR code is valid for 96 hours for arrival via Hong Kong International Airport; for arrival via land control points, the QR code is valid for 24 hours.

Quarantine Measures for Inbound Travellers

For other most updated information, please also refer to  daily press releases .

The boarding and quarantine arrangements applicable to a person arriving at Hong Kong depend on:

• What places the person has stayed in on the day of boarding for/arrival at Hong Kong, or the 7 days before that day
• For non-Hong Kong residents aged 12 or above who have stayed in overseas places, only persons who have fulfilled  vaccination requirement  are allowed to board a flight to Hong Kong.

All inbound persons must pass temperature checks upon arrival. Those found with symptoms will be referred to the Department of Health for further handling.

Inbound persons are required to undergo medical surveillance,  self-monitoring  and compulsory testing in accordance with the relevant regulations. Please refer to the tables below and the “  Testing Arrangements on Testing for Persons Arriving at Hong Kong” section  for more information.

Testing Arrangements for Persons Arriving at Hong Kong

Inbound persons aged three years old or above on the date of arrival at Hong Kong have to undergo PCR-based nucleic acid testing by professional swab sampling at a  Community Testing Centre (CTC)  or  mobile specimen collection stations  (for free), or at  recognised local medical testing institutions  (self-paid), as specified in the relevant testing requirement above. The days of a person’s arrival at Hong Kong is counted with the day of arrival at Hong Kong as Day 0. For example, for a person who arrives at Hong Kong on 26 September 2022, the “1st day/Day 1” would be 27 September 2022, the “4th day/Day 4” would be 30 September 2022, and the “6th/Day 6” would be 2 October 2022. Please also refer to the  distribution and collection points on deep throat saliva / stool bottle collection points  as appropriate.

Inbound persons from overseas places and Taiwan, who are three years old or above on the date of arrival at Hong Kong, are also required to undergo RATs daily (negative result should be confirmed before leaving the place of residence) until Day 7 of their arrival at Hong Kong. Relevant persons should (a) undergo the tests as per the guidelines provided together with the RAT kits; (b) take a photo immediately after reading the RAT result, and keep the photos of the RAT test results for inspections when requested by Government personnel; and (c) record the results in the health surveillance form.

Persons who have conducted the compulsory testing must keep the SMS notifications containing results of the test and the relevant medical certificate (if applicable) for checking when a prescribed officer requires the persons to provide information about their undergoing the specified test.

Persons who have only stayed in the Mainland, Macao or Taiwan

If only stayed in Mainland China or Macao

Persons applicable:

• Inbound persons who have only stayed in the Mainland or Macao on the day of boarding for/arrival at Hong Kong or during the 7 days before that day (including those arriving at Hong Kong via land boundary control points or the airport)(i.e. persons arriving at Hong Kong under the  Return2hk Scheme  and  Come2hk Scheme )

Document requirement:

• Green Health Declaration QR code (The Government recommends persons who have fulfilled vaccination requirement (10)  to declare their vaccination records in order to comply with the requirement to be issued the Provisional Vaccine Pass)

Quarantine and testing requirement:

• Self-monitoring  for 3 days; and
• On Day 2 of arrival at Hong Kong, undergo  PCR-based nucleic acid test

(For persons who have stayed in any place on the  List of At-risk Places under the Return2hk / Come2hk Scheme  on the day of arrival at Hong Kong or the 7 days before that day, they are required to undergo an extra  nucleic acid test  on Day 1)

The days of a person’s arrival at Hong Kong is counted with the day of arrival at Hong Kong as Day 0. For example, for a person who arrives at Hong Kong on 26 September 2022, the “2nd day/Day 2” would be 28 August 2022.

Other Points to Note:

• For arrangement on designated persons under “Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation” (Cap. 599C), please refer to this  webpage .

If stayed at Taiwan

• Inbound persons who have stayed in Taiwan on the day of boarding for/arrival in Hong Kong or during the 7 days before that day (excluding those who have stayed in any place outside China)

Boarding requirement:

• Green Health Declaration QR code (The Government recommends inbound persons who have fulfilled vaccination requirement (10)  to declare their vaccination records in order to comply with the requirement to be issued the Provisional Vaccine Pass); and
• RAT (can be self-administered or by professional swab sampling) conducted within 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure with a negative result and declare via the Health Declaration Form

Medical surveillance requirement:

• Medical surveillance for 3 days, and during the period, subject to Amber Code restrictions under  Vaccine Pass ;and
• Undergo daily RATs (negative result should be confirmed before leaving the place of residence);
• On Day 2, undergo  PCR-based nucleic acid test  after obtaining negative result of RAT on the day; and
• Those who are consecutively tested negative can complete medical surveillance with Amber Code restrictions ending at 9 a.m. of Day 3

Self-monitoring requirement:

• Self-monitoring  in the subsequent 4 days;
• Undergo daily RATs (negative result should be confirmed before leaving the place of residence) until Day 7; and
• On Days 4 and 6, undergo  PCR-based nucleic acid tests  after obtaining negative results of RATs on respective days

The days of a person’s arrival at Hong Kong is counted with the day of arrival at Hong Kong as Day 0. For example, for a person who arrives at Hong Kong on 26 September 2022, the “1st day/Day 1” would be 27 September 2022 and the “7th day/Day 7” would be 3 October 2022.

Persons who have stayed in overseas places

Flight schedule depends on a variety of factors, including weather, air crew availability, logistics issues, business considerations, etc., please check with the relevant airport authorities and/or airlines for latest information of flight schedule.

* All places outside China *

• Inbound persons who have stayed in any place outside China during the relevant period (the day of boarding for/arrival at Hong Kong or during the 7 days before that day)
• Fulfilled vaccination requirement (10) (11)  (Applicable to non-Hong Kong residents aged 12 or above on the scheduled day of departure of the flight to Hong Kong)
• Green Health Declaration QR code (The Government recommends inbound persons, regardless of Hong Kong residents or not, who have fulfilled vaccination requirement (10)  to declare their vaccination records in order to comply with the requirement to be issued the Provisional Vaccine Pass); and
• Undergo daily  RATs  and keep photos of the test results (negative result should be confirmed before leaving the place of residence) until Day 7; and
• On Days 4 and 6, undergo PCR-based nucleic acid tests and keep the SMS notifications containing the test results after obtaining negative results of RATs on respective days

(10)   Persons that fulfill relevant vaccination  requirement include:

• Persons who are fully vaccinated; or
• Persons who (i) are unfit for vaccination due to health reasons with relevant proof issued by a medical practitioner; or (ii) have received one dose of recognised COVID-19 vaccine and hold a vaccination record but certified by a medical practitioner that they were unfit to receive the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine because of health reasons after receiving the first dose of vaccine, and board a flight to Hong Kong on or after 14th day after receiving the said first dose of vaccine. The relevant medical certificate must indicate the relevant health reasons in English or Chinese.

(11)  Unvaccinated children aged 11 or below, regardless of Hong Kong residents or not, are allowed to board for Hong Kong.

The above general boarding requirements are not applicable to the following persons:

• A person who is in transit/transfer in Hong Kong;
• A person designated by the Chief Secretary for Administration under section 4(1) of either the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C) or Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap. 599E); and
• A person who is a Hong Kong resident, and who has commenced his/her journey in Hong Kong and is deemed as an inadmissible person by the authorities of the place of his/her destination

If a traveller coming to Hong Kong fails to comply with a requirement to provide information, or knowingly or recklessly provides any information that is false or misleading in a material particular, he or she is liable on conviction to the maximum penalty of a fine at level 3 ($10,000) and imprisonment for six months.

The operator of the flight to Hong Kong should submit to the Department of Health before the flight arrives at Hong Kong a document in a specified form confirming that each relevant traveller has, before being checked-in for the flight to Hong Kong on that aircraft, produced for boarding on the aircraft the documentary proof to show that the above conditions are met (  template  ). The above-mentioned inbound travellers who fail to produce the relevant specified documents will be refused to board the flight.

Amber Code restrictions under Vaccine Pass

• Relevant inbound persons are not required to undergo compulsory quarantine, but are under three days of medical surveillance, during which they are subject to Amber Code restrictions, and are not allowed to enter  high-risk premises involving mask-off or group activities , as well as  other premises requiring key protection  (Note). They can conduct daily essential activities of lower risks, such as taking public transport, going to work, entering supermarkets and markets, etc.

Note :  Premises regulated under Cap. 599F which are subject to “active checking” of the Vaccine Pass :

• Premises required to use the QR Code Verification Scanner and is regulated under Cap. 599F, i.e. catering business premises (including bars or pubs), amusement game centres, bathhouses, fitness centres, places of amusement, indoor places of public entertainment, party rooms, beauty parlours and massage establishments, club houses, clubs or nightclubs, karaoke establishments, mahjong-tin kau premises, indoor sports premises, swimming pools, cruise ships, indoor event premises, barber shops or hair salons and religious premises.
• Premises required to inspect the Vaccine Pass visually as far as feasible, i.e. outdoor places of public entertainment, outdoor sports premises and outdoor event premises.

Other premises : residential care homes for the elderly, residential care homes for persons with disabilities, schools and designated healthcare premises.

A person holding an Amber Code who works or study at those premises, or receives services at the designated healthcare premises, are not subject to the restriction under the Vaccine Pass. However, their entry will subject to any additional rules or requirements imposed by the employers or persons-in-charge of individual premises in accordance with their own needs.

Other Points to Note

• According to the epidemic development and needs, the Government will arrange other rounds of virus testing for inbound persons. Please refer to relevant instructions for details.
• Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901 which operates from 9am to 6pm.
• Pursuant to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J), the Government published in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, requiring relevant inbound persons to undergo COVID-19 test(s) on specified day(s) after arrival. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notice commits an offence.

Please refer to this  webpage .

If exemption of quarantine arrangements are applicable to the person arriving at Hong Kong, please refer to relevant webpage

• Exemption from Compulsory Quarantine Arrangement for inbound travellers from the Mainland, Macao or Taiwan
• Exemption from Compulsory Quarantine Arrangement for inbound travellers from foreign places

Information From Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP).

(https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/index.html)

Last revision date: 7 Nov 2022

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Trending Topics

Follow our news, recent searches, visiting hong kong soon here's what you need to know about the revised entry rules, advertisement.

While arrivals no longer face restrictions on moving around - provided they test negative for COVID-19 - there are still several regulations in force.

Passengers arriving at Hong Kong International Airport on Dec 8, 2022. (Photo: AFP/Isaac Lawrence)

Ashley Tham

SINGAPORE: From Wednesday (Dec 14), international passengers arriving in Hong Kong will no longer face COVID-19 movement controls following the axing of a mandatory mobile application.

Travellers were previously issued an "amber code", which meant they could not visit venues like restaurants or bars for their first three days in Hong Kong. 

Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau said on Tuesday that "international arrivals don't have any restrictions" after the easing of COVID-19 rules.

"So the same day they step off the aircraft, they are free to enter any premises," he added.

While arrivals no longer face restrictions on moving around - provided they test negative for COVID-19 -  there are still several regulations in force.

Inbound travellers to Hong Kong have to be fully vaccinated and undergo a pre-departure Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours before the scheduled time of departure.

After submitting their negative test result and vaccination records via a health and quarantine declaration form, a green health declaration QR code will be generated for visitors for presentation at their airline check-in counter. 

Upon arrival, they must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at the Hong Kong International Airport and on their third day in the city. 

The PCR tests can be conducted at community testing centres, mobile specimen collection stations or any recognised local medical testing institution.

Travellers are also required to undertake RAT testing for the first five days of their visit and report the results through Hong Kong's electronic COVID-19 Medical Surveillance System. 

Snap Insight: Hong Kong lifts all travel curbs – could this be the test balloon for China’s reopening?

Here's everything new you'll want to experience when you're in Hong Kong

Masks are also still compulsory both indoors and outdoors, unless engaging in exercise or in country parks, while group gatherings are currently capped at 12 people. However, people are able to go to nightclubs and banquets. 

For those intending to visit eateries or drinking establishments, Mr Lo said visitors will "need to show a photograph or paper record of their COVID-19 vaccines at some venues which require it".

Hong Kong has followed closely in China's footsteps in enforcing a zero-COVID policy but began scaling down the tight regulations in the last few months. 

COVID-19 rules that travellers to Hong Kong must continue to follow:

Inbound travellers to Hong Kong have to be fully vaccinated and undergo a pre-departure RAT test within 24 hours before the scheduled time of departure.

Two PCR tests - one at the airport and one on the third day of their visit.

RAT testing for the first five days of their visit, with results to be submitted online.

Mask-wearing remains largely compulsory both indoors and outdoors.

Group gatherings of more than 12 people in public places are not allowed.

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Travelling to Hong Kong? Here's what you need to know

A guide to help you prepare for your entry into the city

Photograph: Tatum Ancheta

International travellers are free to come to Hong Kong, and there are no more restrictions upon arrival.  If you have some enquiries about travelling to the city, we've compiled a guide to help you with everything you need to know when entering Hong Kong, from things to prepare before arriving at Hong Kong International Airport to all the steps you must take as soon as you land.  

RECOMMENDED:  Keep updated with the  latest Covid-19 measures in the city . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Who can visit Hong Kong now?

Hong Kong has already dropped the vaccination requirement for Hongkongers and international arrivals. Unvaccinated residents and non-residents will be able to enter the city without restriction .  

What are the requirements to enter Hong Kong?

With Covid-19 measures now eased in Hong Kong, including arrival restrictions, international travellers looking to explore the city are now free to enter. Of course, if your country requires a visa to visit Hong Kong,  please obtain one before your trip . 

Negative RAT or RT-PCR test results before boarding are no longer required . 

Will they allow entry if my visa is expiring?

If you're not a permanent Hong Kong resident and travelling under a work or tourist visa, ensure your visa has a sufficient validity period, or you will be denied entry. 

The Immigration Department (ImmD) provides electronic services for visa application and 'e-Visa' arrangements , allowing applicants to complete the entire process without going to the immigration office in person. Suppose your visa is under renewal and is getting delayed. It is best to send an authorised representative to the ImmD office to fix your reentry as emails and phone calls will take a long time. 

Visit this link to see ImmD online services for acquiring Hong Kong visas. 

Can arrivals move freely around the city?

Yes, Covid-19 regulations have already eased in Hong Kong. You can freely  explore all the incredible things to do in the city . Mask-wearing mandate, the last major rule to fight against Covid-19, has been lifted since March 1. 

For more clarity,  here's our guide on everything you need to know  about Hong Kong's current Covid-19 restrictions. 

Do I still need to take Covid-19 tests?

You don't need to present negative Covid-19 results when you arrive at the Hong Kong airport, but the government recommends taking daily RAT until the fifth day of arrival (arrival date count as Day 0). Those who take the test may voluntarily declare the result  via the Department of Health's Electronic Covid-19 Monitoring & Surveillance System (eCMSS) .  

Ok, so you finally booked your flight, what to do next?

To ensure a smooth and efficient arrival, prepare all your travel documents, including visa for non-Hong Kong residents. 

What time should I go to the airport for departure? 

Delays, cancellations, and a whole lot of waiting may happen before departure, so make sure to be at the airport at least three hours before your flight. Account for extra time if you encounter any problems with airline check-in. 

Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport

Yes, you're finally in Hong Kong, but not just yet. You still have a few more steps to finish before entering. Though the new system significantly cuts the waiting time in the airport, the influx of inbound travellers may affect processing time.

After landing, all inbound persons will pass through temperature checks upon arrival. Those with symptoms will be referred to the Department of Health for further handling. If you're cleared, you can proceed with immigration procedures, baggage collection, and continue taking public transportation to your hotel or home.

What are the options for airport transfers?

Travellers arriving in the city can take public transport to their destination. Those who want a limousine service can contact their hotels for arrangements.  One of the fastest ways to travel from the Airport to the city is through Airport Express.

Find more information  here . 

What if I tested positive for Covid-19?

Hong Kong government no longer issue isolation orders to infected Covid-19 cases since January 30. The government advises symptomatic persons to stay at home to rest and avoid going out. Those who are asymptomatic can go out at will or go to work.

If you belong to high-risk groups and suffer from fever, cough, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhoea, the government recommends that you seek medical attention. 

For more information, visit this  link .   

Got more questions?

The government has set up a page for all your questions about inbound travel to Hong Kong . Due to the changing nature of Covid-19 measures, please  visit this link  to keep updated with the latest travel regulations. 

Feel free to roam Hong Kong!  These itineraries will give you a dose of inspiration . Looking for hotel accommodations during your trip?  Here's a guide to some of our favourite Hong Kong hotels  – all tried and tested by our editors. You can also check out   the most romantic hotels  in the city or schedule a weekend getaway from the  best beachside hotels ,  boutique hotels , or  luxury camping spots in town .  

You've been gone a while, here's what's new in HK

50 most incredible things to do in hong kong.

• Things to do

Whatever you're looking for, there are plenty of places to visit and activities to keep you entertained in the 852. 

50 Best bars in Hong Kong

A definitive list of the 50 best Hong Kong bars to visit right now.

50 Best restaurants to try in Hong Kong

The best places to eat in the city, from traditional Japanese and fine French to hipster hangouts, hidden gems, and everything else in between.

New restaurants to try in Hong Kong

The latest and greatest restaurants to get stuck into this month

New bars to try in Hong Kong now

A  list of new drinking dens to add to your bar-hopping itinerary. 

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Latest entry requirements to Hong Kong

13 April 2023

LATEST ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO HONG KONG

With effect from  1 April 2023 , all pre-departure and post-arrival quarantine and testing requirements for inbound travellers to Hong Kong  have been lifted .  All inbound travellers must pass temperature checks upon arrival and those found with symptoms will be referred to the Department of Health for further handling. 

The Hong Kong Government recommends all inbound travellers to undergo daily RATs using self-arranged RAT kits from the day of arrival (i.e. Day 0) until Day 5 after arrival at Hong Kong. Travellers may voluntarily report their RAT results and health status via the  Electronic COVID-19 Monitoring & Surveillance System (eCMSS) .

All mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing measures were lifted with effect from 1 March 2023.  As mask-wearing is still an effective way to reduce the risk of virus transmission, people entering medical facilities or residential care homes for the elderly or residential care homes for persons with disabilities will still need to follow the mask-wearing requirement.  The local Government appealed to the public to wear a mask when having respiratory symptoms.  Persons with weakened immunity or chronic disease(s) should also wear a mask when they are in a poorly ventilated place. 

What happens when you test positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong?

For persons tested positive after arrival at Hong Kong, please refer to the  webpage on Points to Note for Persons who Tested Positive .

See  https://www.coronavirus.gov. hk/eng/inbound-travel.html  for information and FAQs pertaining to travelling to Hong Kong. 

24-hour telephone hotline for inbound travellers: +852 2125 1999

LATEST ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO MACAO

With effect from  1 April 2023 , travellers aged 4 and above  entering Macao   from   foreign places,  or  entering Hong Kong from Macao  will not need to present any proof of COVID-19 testing. 

For the latest information on Macao’s latest entry requirements, please refer to:  https://www.ssm.gov.mo/apps1/ preventcovid-19/en.aspx# clg17458 . 

TRAVELLING TO SINGAPORE FROM HONG KONG AND MACAO

From  13 February 2023 , there are no longer any COVID-19 measures for travellers arriving in Singapore, regardless of vaccination status or traveller profile.  Travellers must ensure that they fulfil  all other general entry requirements .

All travellers entering Singapore (including Singapore residents) must submit an electronic health declaration via the  SG Arrival Card e-Service  within 3 days before their arrival in Singapore, except:

- Those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance; and

- Residents travelling through the land checkpoints.

Transit travellers are defined as those travelling to another country via Singapore, without clearing Singapore arrival immigration.  Such transit travellers do not need proof of vaccination, COVID-19 tests, travel visas or entry approvals. If unsure, travellers connecting through Singapore should consult their airline on whether they need to go through immigration, or if they can remain in the transit area to connect to their next flight.  Travellers are advised to check with the appropriate authorities of your destination country/region on what requirements they impose on travellers transiting through Singapore. 

There are currently no restrictions imposed on departures from Singapore.  However, travellers must abide by the entry requirements imposed by the countries they are travelling to.

For information on Singapore’s latest inbound travel policies, please refer to the following links:

-  Travelling to Singapore

-  Departing from Singapore

-  Transiting through Singapore

-  FAQs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

Travel Page

• From 0.00am on April 1 (Hong Kong time), Hong Kong residents who have stayed in any overseas places in the previous 14 days can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they comply with the following conditions. Meanwhile, non-Hong Kong residents will not be allowed to board flights for Hong Kong from any overseas places.
• The relevant persons will be subject to the "test-and-hold" arrangement upon arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport. Upon tested negative with a PCR-based nucleic acid test, they will be taken to DQHs by designated transport to undergo compulsory quarantine.
• The basic quarantine requirement for the relevant persons is to undergo compulsory quarantine for 14 days in a DQH, and they will be issued a 14-day quarantine order. They are subject to daily rapid antigen tests (RATs), as well as PCR-based nucleic acid tests on the fifth and 12th days of arrival at Hong Kong.
• As the relevant persons have been fully vaccinated (Note 1), under the isolation and quarantine arrangements of local cases (Note 2), if the results of the PCR-based nucleic acid test conducted on the fifth day and the RATs conducted on the sixth and seventh days are all negative, they can be discharged from compulsory quarantine earlier.  However, they will be required to undergo self-monitoring for seven days, and undergo a compulsory PCR-based nucleic acid test on the 12th day of arrival at Hong Kong at a community testing centre (CTC) or a mobile testing station (MTS), or arrange a self-paid test by professional swab sampling at a local medical institution recognised by the Government.
• In accordance with the "family-friendly" principle which has been running well, Hong Kong residents or children of Hong Kong residents aged under 12 and are yet to be vaccinated can also board flights for Hong Kong if they are accompanied by Hong Kong residents who comply with the above boarding requirements. These children must also hold a negative result proof of a PCR-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19 conducted with specimen collected within 48 hours as stated above, and confirmation of room reservation in a DQH. The children must undergo compulsory quarantine together with the accompanying persons. If the results of the PCR-based nucleic acid test conducted on the fifth day and the RATs conducted on the sixth and seventh days are all negative, the children can also be discharged from quarantine earlier with the accompanying persons. Just as the accompanying persons, these children must undergo self-monitoring for seven days, and compulsory testing on the 12th day of arrival at Hong Kong as per the requirements above.
• To better utilise limited DQH rooms, inbound travellers should decide when making their DQH booking whether or not they will choose to be discharged from compulsory quarantine earlier upon fulfilling the relevant conditions in accordance with the above arrangements, and correspondingly reserve their DQH rooms for seven or 14 nights.
• Inbound travellers who plan on early discharge from compulsory quarantine upon fulfilling the relevant conditions must hold at boarding a confirmation of a seven-night room reservation in a DQH. For inbound travellers who hold a confirmation of a seven-night room reservation in a DQH, the quarantine order issued to them will indicate that upon fulfilling the above criteria for early discharge from compulsory quarantine, they will be considered to have completed their compulsory quarantine, and they must then depart the DQH.
• If inbound travellers choose to complete the whole 14-day compulsory quarantine period in the DQH, they must at boarding hold a confirmation of a 14-night room reservation in a DQH. Persons who hold a confirmation of a 14-night room reservation in a DQH will not be arranged for early discharge from compulsory quarantine, and must stay in the DQH room for completing the 14-day compulsory quarantine.  They can only leave the DQH upon confirmation of negative results of the PCR-based nucleic acid test conducted on the 12th day and the RAT conducted on the 14th day.
• If any result is positive from the "test-and-hold" PCR-based nucleic acid test, the PCR-based nucleic acid tests conducted on the fifth day or the 12th day, or the daily RATs, the relevant inbound traveller will be arranged to undergo suitable isolation and treatment under the multi-tiered triage and treatment strategy as with local positive cases. Inbound travellers tested positive after arrival and have no obvious symptoms and no need for medical support will be transferred to a community isolation facility hotel and be issued an isolation order.  Their isolation and discharge arrangements will be the same as those for local positive cases under isolation, i.e. for those who are fully vaccinated, they can be considered to have completed isolation upon receiving negative results from the RATs conducted on the sixth day and the seventh day after being tested positive.

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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Hong Kong set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Office in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Hong Kong.

You may have to pass a temperature check when you arrive.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.  Renew your passport  if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

Hong Kong is part of the People’s Republic of China, but it is a Special Administrative Region ( SAR ) with its own immigration controls.

You can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa. For information on entry requirements see the Hong Kong SAR government website .

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons) you must get a visa. For further information contact the nearest Chinese mission with visa issuing facilities or the Hong Kong Immigration Department .   

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Hong Kong guide .

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Hong Kong .  

You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Children aged 3 and over must follow the same rules as adult travellers unless otherwise stated.

Bringing restricted items into Hong Kong

It’s illegal for visitors arriving in Hong Kong International Airport to carry items including:

• objects with sharp points or edges (for example, samurai swords)
• martial arts equipment (for example, knuckledusters)

You could be fined or given a prison sentence. See further information from the Hong Kong Police Force .

Electronic cigarettes

It’s illegal to bring electronic cigarettes or other smoking products, such as heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, into Hong Kong. If you are travelling through Hong Kong and do not pass immigration control, you’re exempt. See further information from the Hong Kong Police Force .

Powdered baby formula

There are restrictions on the amount of powdered baby formula allowed to be taken out of Hong Kong. If you do not follow the rules, you could face a fine or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

See more information, including exemptions, from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department .

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• 所有抵港人士於抵港時必須通過體溫檢測；出現病徵者將由衞生署另行處理。

抵港後檢測結果呈陽性安排

• 如檢測結果呈陽性，有關詳情可參閱 檢測陽性人士須知網頁 。

Hong Kong Free Press HKFP

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Hong Kong visitors to Europe will need prior travel authorisation from 2025

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Hongkongers who travel to 30 European countries including France and Germany will need to apply for prior authorisation from the first half of next year, the EU has said.

The new policy requires visitors to Europe from 59 currently visa-exempt countries or territories, including Hong Kong and Macau, to apply online for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) ahead of their trips.

Holders of a British National (Overseas) passport will also be required to apply for the ETIAS, which will cost €7 (HK$58.7). Those under 18 or above 70, as well as people whose relatives are EU citizens, will be exempt from paying the fee.

Applicants will have to provide their name, date and place of birth, nationality, address, their parents’ first names, contact information such as email address and phone number, travel document details, as well as their level of education and occupation.

They will also be asked to indicate their intended travel destination and length of stay, and provide any criminal convictions, travel history to conflict regions, and whether they have recently been required to leave the territory of any country.

Izabella Cooper, the ETIAS central unit division’s media and outreach team leader from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, said she expected most applications would be automatically processed within minutes, according to local media reports on Wednesday.

Manual processing would only be required in cases such as the information provided was incorrect, or if the authorities suspected the applicant may be a security risk, she said. That could prolong the processing time to several days or even a month, she added.

Cooper said the new arrangement would not make travelling more difficult, citing similar practices by the US, Canada, and Australia border controls to identify inbound travellers in advance.

An ETIAS authorisation will last for up to three years and will entitle a person to enter EU countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

It is expected to be launched in mid-2025, followed by a transitional period of at least six months during which visitors will not be refused entry without an ETIAS, according to a timeline published by the EU.

After the transitional period, there will be a separate six-month grace period during which travellers visiting Europe for the first time since the authorisation was introduced may enter once without an ETIAS.

Separately, the EU will start to collect the travel information and biometric data of non-EU visitors with the automated Entry/Exit System (EES) from this autumn.

Such data will be stored for three years, unless no exit is recorded after the authorised stay, in which case it will be kept for five years.

Cooper said that the EES would help border authorities identify anyone who overstayed and detect fake passports, adding that it would facilitate data exchanges between member states of the EU.

Details about the enforcement date of the two new systems will be announced in August, Cooper told local media.

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Hans Tse Reporter

Hans Tse is a reporter at Hong Kong Free Press with an interest in local politics, academia, and media transformation. He was previously a social science researcher, with writing published in the Social Movement Studies and Social Transformation of Chinese Societies journals. He holds an M.Phil in communication from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Before joining HKFP, He also worked as a freelance reporter for Initium between 2019 and 2021, where he covered the height - and aftermath - of the 2019 protests, as well as the sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.

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