05 Jan 2023 | 10:07 PM UTC
China: Authorities to ease travel between Hong Kong and mainland China in phases from Jan. 8 /update 105
Authorities in Hong Kong, China, to ease COVID-19 restrictions in phases from Jan. 8.
Event
Authorities have issued orders to ease travel between Hong Kong and mainland China in phases, effective Jan. 8. Under the new directives, travelers aged three and above entering from mainland China to Hong Kong and vice versa will be required to present a negative nucleic acid test within 48 hours prior to departure.
Officials require Hong Kong residents and visitors traveling to mainland China to register with an online booking system before entering via the following boundary control points (BCPs): Lok Ma Chau Spur railway line; Shenzhen Bay Bay Control Point, Man Kam To Control Point, and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HKZMB); For the HKZMB, registration applies to private vehicle drivers and passengers. Authorities have established a daily quota capacity of 60,000 people, and allocations are given on a first-come-first-serve basis. Mainland China residents returning to mainland China and Hong Kong residents and foreign visitors returning to Hong Kong from mainland China are not required to make any bookings before departure. Additionally, travel will resume cross-boundary ferry services between Hong Kong and Macau initially with limited trips.
Domestic Measures
Residents must wear facemasks in public areas, except for country parks. Positive COVID-19 cases must self-isolate for at least five days at home or a community facility if cohabitants are at high risk and their living conditions do not provide adequate space. Individuals may exit quarantine after obtaining two consecutive negative RAT results on days 4 and 5.
International Travel Restrictions
Hong Kong permits entry for Hong Kong residents and children aged 11 or below from all locations and travelers from mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan, regardless of vaccination status. Nonresident foreign nationals aged 12 and above must be fully vaccinated or medically exempt with documentation to enter the territory.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Allow additional time for health screenings when arriving in Hong Kong.