03 Feb 2023 | 11:27 AM UTC
China: Authorities in mainland China to lift most restrictions on travelers from Hong Kong and Macau from Feb. 6 /update 107
Authorities in mainland China to lift most restrictions on travelers from Hong Kong and Macau from Feb. 6; some testing requirements remain.
Event
Authorities in mainland China have announced the lifting of most restrictions on travelers from Hong Kong and Macau effective Feb. 6. All previously closed customs checkpoints are to reopen and quotas on traveler numbers are to be removed. COVID-19 testing requirements are also to be eased, with no tests required for travelers who have not traveled abroad in the past seven days. Those who have traveled abroad will be required to provide proof of a negative test dating within 48 hours of arrival. Travelers entering mainland China by land from Macau and Hong Kong will no longer be required to register in advance. Hong Kong authorities also announced that the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all overseas arrivals would be lifted from Feb. 6.
Domestic Measures
Residents must wear facemasks in public areas, except for country parks or if exercising. Students must take daily rapid antigen tests.
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, though this requirement will be lifted Feb. 6. Passengers entering Hong Kong from mainland China or Macau must take a PCR test within 48 hours of departure by air or before arrival at land and sea checkpoints. Travelers from Taiwan and international locations must also present a negative result of a PCR or RAT obtained within 48 and 24 hours, respectively, before departure. All passengers must upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test result via a Health Declaration Form by clicking here.
Officials currently 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; 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, officials have gradually resumed cross-boundary ferry services between Hong Kong and Macau. The restrictions are to be lifted Feb. 6.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Allow additional time for health screenings when arriving in Hong Kong.
