Hong Kong To Reopen To Non-Residents After Two Years

International travelers have waited a long two years to visit Hong Kong. However, the government issued a statement on Friday, outlining plans to ease back on restrictions on May 1. The news comes as COVID-19 cases gradually stabilize in the city.

Hong Kong eases restrictions for non-residents

The government of Hong Kong released a statement on Friday, saying that daily passenger arrivals have increased since April 1 when flight bans from nine overseas regions were lifted. However, they noted that the ratio of imported cases of COVID-19 has dropped, rather than risen.

From May 1, the city’s strict pandemic measures are to be eased to allow non-residents to enter the city. This will be the first time that non-residents have been allowed to visit the city since March 2020.

However, Hong Kong’s policies are closely aligned with those of mainland China. This means the city isn’t totally abandoning its rules like mandatory quarantine just yet.

New rules for international travelers

As of May 1, international travelers will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport. Those who achieve a negative result will be sent to a designated hotel for seven-day quarantine.

Before departure, travelers must be fully vaccinated and hold a recognized vaccination certificate, as well as test negative with a PCR test 48 hours in advance. They will also be required to present confirmation that they have reserved (and pre-paid) accommodation at their quarantine hotel.

On top of proof of vaccination and negative test results, Hong Kong requires all international travelers to complete an online health declaration form. Once complete, travelers will receive a QR code to be scanned at entry at the airport.

Hong Kong flight suspensions to be eased

Bloomberg reports that the penalty enforcing a seven-day route ban on flights bringing in three or more infected passengers will also be eased. As of May 1, the suspension will be reduced to five days. Meanwhile, flights will only be suspended if five or more passengers test positive for COVID-19 on arrival, rather than the original three passengers.

A government spokesperson said it was aware that the flight ban had been “too harsh.” In fact, it had led to the suspension of various different routes, disrupting the itineraries of residents returning to the city.

According to local media, 23 flights have already been suspended in Hong Kong during April. Meanwhile, the flights included Cathay Pacific routes from London, Manchester and Sydney.

Relating to Emirates, routes from Dubai and Bangkok had been suspended, while KLM flights from Amsterdam were suspended because three or more passengers had either tested positive on arrival or didn’t hold the necessary health documentation.

Meanwhile, the flight suspension policy has made planning a trip to the city difficult, with routes suspended at short notice. Because of this, and to avoid the risk, airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic had stopped flights to Hong Kong until later this year.

Domestic restrictions on the ground

Some rules haven’t changed, including the rule relating to face masks in Hong Kong. In fact, the use of masks continues to be required in both indoor and outdoor public settings.

This week, the city reopened its restaurants, allowing in-person dining, while fitness centers have also reopened. Also, the limit on public gatherings has been increased from two people to four per group. It should be noted that vaccine passes are still required in most public venues, including shopping malls, supermarkets, and restaurants.

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