Hong Kong is the next nation to ease pandemic-era travel regulations, starting next week. Mandatory 3-day hotel quarantine is to be dropped and testing rules will also be eased. Meanwhile, this will end one of the last strict COVID-19 travel regulations in the world.

Hong Kong eases travel regulations

Starting September 26, 2022, after around two-and-a-half years of the pandemic, Hong Kong has announced that its strict travel rules are set to be eased. According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, international travelers arriving at the city’s International Airport will no longer be required to quarantine in a hotel.

Meanwhile, in its stead, the city is implementing a “0+3” policy, where travelers are required to self-monitor for any symptoms for three days. However, instead of staying at a government-selected hotel, they will be able to do so from home. According to CNN, they will be able to go outside during this time but will be restricted from certain places like restaurants and bars.

Testing requirements change

Meanwhile, the city will also end the requirement for a PCR test prior to boarding a flight. In its place, travelers will require a rapid antigen test, 24 hours before boarding the flight. Moreover, travelers must undergo a PCR test on day 2, day 4, and day 6 after their arrival. They will also need to undergo a rapid antigen test, every day for seven days.

Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said in a statement:

The new arrangements mark Hong Kong’s re-opening as a tourism gateway with significant international connections. This is expected to initially attract mainly business travelers, family visitors and returning Hong Kong residents.

The new arrangements will allow greater convenience and flexibility for travelers.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee also opened up about the changes in the city. He said the stabilizing infection numbers in the city are the reason for relaxing the entry rules. Lee told CNN:

We hope to give the maximum room to reconnect Hong Kong, and to revitalize our economy.

Hong Kong’s Peak Tram

In other recent news, the city has reopened its popular Peak Tram, complete with a new look. The Peak Tram is one of the city’s most recognizable and iconic tourist attractions. The oldest funicular in Asia, it has been ferrying people up to The Peak since 1888.

However, after a major renovation, The Peak Tram reopened on August 27. When riding the tram, passengers climb to 1,300 feet above sea level in just a few minutes. The views along the way are spectacular and are even better from the top, revealing the busy city in all its glory.

Other countries easing restrictions

The news of Hong Kong easing its rules comes on the heels of Japan’s decision to start welcoming independent travelers again from October 11. Currently, only travelers visiting with a state-recognized travel agency can visit Japan and numbers are capped.

Meanwhile, other countries, known for their strict border policies during the pandemic, have also eased the rules, including Australia and New Zealand.