hk travel restrictions

Inbound Travel

Inbound arrangements.

• All inbound persons must pass temperature checks upon arrival. Those found with symptoms will be referred to the Department of Health for further handling.
• No further restrictions upon arrival.

Handling Arrangements for Persons Tested Positive After Arrival at 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 .

Please refer to this webpage .

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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

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 . 

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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 .  

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

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Hong Kong Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Hong Kong

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to hong kong, find stays in hong kong, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Hong Kong from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Hong Kong.

Can I travel to Hong Kong if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Hong Kong without restrictions.

Can I travel to Hong Kong without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Hong Kong without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Hong Kong?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Hong Kong.

Can I travel to Hong Kong without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Hong Kong?

Mask usage in Hong Kong is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Hong Kong?

Restaurants in Hong Kong are open. Bars in Hong Kong are .

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.

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Follow our news, recent searches, cna explains: travelling to hong kong under its new quarantine rules here's what you need to know, advertisement.

Hong Kong is relaxing travel restrictions with a "3+4" quarantine model, as it takes a step towards gradually reopening borders.

A woman walks past a flight information board at Hong Kong International Airport on Aug 11, 2021. (Photo: AFP/Isaac Lawrence)

Gabrielle Andres

From Friday (Aug 12), Hong Kong will pare down the COVID-19 hotel quarantine period for all arrivals from seven days to three, as part of measures to gradually ease some of the world’s most stringent pandemic restrictions.

Previously, inbound travellers had to spend at least a week in hotel quarantine and undergo several COVID-19 tests, provide faecal samples for babies and grapple with multiple forms.

Under new rules announced on Monday, inbound travellers will only need to serve a three-day quarantine at a quarantine hotel, before going home or staying in a non-quarantine hotel for the next four days.

During this period, they must continue to undergo medical surveillance. They can go out and take public transport, but there are limits on the places they are allowed to enter.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the new measures are a “way of striking a balance between minimising the risks of COVID-19 transmission and keeping Hong Kong a competitive city”.

HOW DOES THE QUARANTINE SYSTEM WORK?

If you’re planning to travel to Hong Kong, note that under the new “3+4” model, you need to stay in a designated quarantine hotel for three days from your arrival date, which counts as Day 0.

After obtaining a negative test result in the morning of Day 3, you may go home or move to a non-designated quarantine hotel, to complete another four days of medical surveillance.

If you test negative throughout, you can complete medical surveillance in the morning of Day 7.

You still need to monitor your health for the entire seven days and take daily antigen rapid tests (ARTs) until Day 10.

For example, if you arrive on Aug 12, you will complete your mandatory hotel quarantine on the morning of Aug 15, and complete medical surveillance in the morning of Aug 19.

These rules apply to all travellers regardless of vaccination status.

EXACTLY HOW MANY COVID-19 TESTS MUST I TAKE?

Be prepared to take at least five polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and daily ARTs until Day 10.

Upon arrival in Hong Kong, you must take a PCR test at the airport and then on Day 2 during your mandatory hotel quarantine.

After leaving the designated quarantine hotel, you must go to community testing centres or a mobile specimen collection station to get swabbed on Days 4, 6 and 9.

You must test negative on an ART before heading out.

You can also arrange for a self-paid test by professional swab sampling at a local medical institution recognised by the Hong Kong government.

CAN I GO OUT DURING THE MONITORING PERIOD?

Until you test negative in the morning of Day 3, no.

After that, upon clearing the mandatory hotel quarantine, you will be assigned an amber code in Hong Kong’s LeaveHomeSafe mobile application, to restrict movement.

With an amber code, you can go out - provided you first test negative in your daily ART.

But you will be limited to "daily essential activities" deemed by the Hong Kong government to be of lower risks, such as taking transport, going to work and entering markets or supermarkets.

You cannot enter high-risk premises that involve mask-off or group activities, such as restaurants, bars, hair salons and fitness centres.

You will also not be allowed to visit residential care homes for the elderly and people with disabilities, schools or designated healthcare premises.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I TEST POSITIVE?

If you test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, you will be issued an isolation order and transferred to a government isolation centre.

You will also be issued a red code.

All positive COVID-19 cases will not be allowed to leave their isolation location.

If you have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, isolation will be considered completed after receiving negative ART results on the sixth and seventh day after testing positive.

Your red code will then automatically change to blue.

Those who have not been vaccinated, or have only received one vaccine dose, will need to complete a 14-day isolation period at the designated site.

WHY IS HONG KONG RELAXING ITS RULES?

According to the Hong Kong government, surveillance data shows that about 80 per cent of imported COVID-19 cases were detected by the first two PCR tests taken upon arrival.

The overall infection detection rate among arrivals after the third day of quarantine in designated hotels was also lower that the rate in the local community.

With this, mandating a longer period of hotel quarantine is “neither cost-effective nor precise and targeted, causing unnecessary disruption to travellers”, said Hong Kong authorities.

The decision by the government also considered Hong Kong’s position as an international financial and commercial centre, and thus the need to connect with different parts of the world to maintain business travel and economic activities.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and its developments

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Hong Kong Free Press HKFP

Hong Kong news, breaking updates – 100% Independent, impartial, non-profit

Explainer: Hong Kong’s Covid-19 entry requirements and restrictions

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Hong Kong has relaxed most of its Covid-19 regulations , including dropping the vaccination requirement to enter restaurants and other venues, and mandatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for international arrivals.

But the mask mandate remains in place as the city seeks to resume quarantine-free travel with China next month, and unvaccinated non-residents are still denied entry.

Here is what you need to know about Hong Kong’s latest boarding arrangements if you are visiting from overseas. Last update: 29/12/2022

Do I need to do a PCR test before my flight?

No. Instead, you need to obtain a negative result from any over-the-counter rapid antigen test (RAT) conducted within 24 hours before your scheduled flight to Hong Kong. Take a photo of the test with your full name and the date and time it was taken written on the test cartridge. Some airlines will ask to see this when you check in.

Hong Kong authorities advise travellers to keep the photo of their test result for 90 days in case government personnel request proof.

The pre-departure PCR test requirement was scrapped in September, when the Hong Kong government also axed its controversial Covid-19 hotel quarantine requirement for inbound travellers, more than two years after the policy was first put in place.

The measure has been blamed for undermining the city’s international status and contributing to an exodus of talent.

What is the vaccination requirement for boarding a flight to Hong Kong?

Non-Hong Kong residents aged 12 or above are still required to have been “fully vaccinated” to enter the city, or they must obtain a medical exemption certificate before flying to Hong Kong.

Details of how many doses qualifies as full vaccination for each brand of Covid-19 vaccine can be found here .

This requirement does not apply to Hong Kong residents.

Do I have to do PCR tests after arriving in Hong Kong?

No. The Hong Kong government lifted all PCR testing requirements on inbound persons, including an on-arrival test at the airport – considered day zero – and a subsequent test on day two.

People are advised to test themselves everyday with self-arranged RAT kits from the day of their arrival until the fifth day after arriving in the city. However, the results of these tests do not need to be reported to the government, as was previously required.

Do I still need to obtain a provisional Vaccine Pass?

No. The Vaccine Pass scheme, which had required people to provide proof of vaccination before entering premises such as restaurants and bars in city, was dropped on Thursday. As a result, the authorities also ceased the arrangement for inbound travellers to obtain a Provisional Vaccine Pass.

What about the LeaveHomeSafe app?

The mandatory use of the government-developed LeaveHomeSafe contact-tracing app ended on December 15 , meaning members of the public may access venues without the app.

What happens if I test positive for Covid-19 after arrival?

Inbound travellers who test positive for Covid-19 upon arrival will be handled the same way as local cases. Subject to your living environment, you could be sent to a government isolation facility or undergo quarantine at home.

If you tested positive on a RAT, you should report your case to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) via the Declaration System for individuals tested positive for Covid-19 using Rapid Antigen Test .

If you tested positive on a PCR test, you should report your case to the CHP via the Online Submission of Information to Centre for Health Protection for Covid-19 Patients .

Are there still other Covid restrictions in Hong Kong?

Mask-wearing remains mandatory in Hong Kong, although you may remove your mask in country parks or when you are exercising in outdoor public areas.

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Kelly Ho Senior Reporter

Ho Long Sze Kelly is a Hong Kong-based journalist covering politics, criminal justice, human rights, social welfare and education. As a Senior Reporter at Hong Kong Free Press, she has covered the aftermath of the 2019 extradition bill protests and the Covid-19 pandemic extensively, as well as documented the transformation of her home city under the Beijing-imposed national security law.

Kelly has a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong, with a second major in Politics and Public Administration. Prior to joining HKFP in 2020, she was on the frontlines covering the 2019 citywide unrest for South China Morning Post’s Young Post. She also covered sports and youth-related issues.

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Can I travel to Hong Kong? Entry requirements explained

Hong kong has dropped its covid-related travel restrictions and for brits there’s no need for a visa in most cases.

A popular stopover destination from Europe to southeast Asia and Australasia, cosmopolitan Hong Kong is perfect for breaking up a long journey, or a first foray into Asia. For British travellers, there’s no need for a visa. And given that the special administrative region of China has dropped its Covid-related travel restrictions too, there’s never been a better time to go. Here’s what you need to know about the current entry requirements.

Main photo: Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour (Getty Images)

What are Hong Kong’s entry requirements?

Hong Kong has now dropped all of its Covid-related entry restrictions. You no longer have to take any pre-travel Covid tests, show proof of vaccination or fill in any forms. The requirement to wear masks in public spaces, including on public transport, has also been dropped. However, you will still be required to pass temperature checks on arrival, and while the Hong Kong government still advises inbound travellers to take daily rapid antigen tests for the first five days in the territory, you do not need to self isolate if you test positive.

If you’re entering Hong Kong from a destination other than the UK, do double-check as the restrictions may be different.

UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong for periods of up to six months. However, if you’re planning to stay for longer or are travelling for work or study, you will need to get a visa. Your passport must also be valid for at least one month after the date of your departure from Hong Kong.

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If you’re planning to travel to mainland China, the rules are different. You should check the latest requirements here .

Can I travel to Hong Kong unvaccinated?

Yes, Hong Kong has dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Hong Kong dropped its mask mandate on March 1, 2023. Residents and visitors no longer need to wear a mask indoors, outdoors, or on public transport. You will still need to wear a mask if you visit any medical facilities.

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Click here to view the thematic website of "COVID-19"

Click here to view the thematic web page of "COVID-19 Vaccination Programme"

Causative agent

“Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)” is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called “SARS-CoV-2”.

Clinical features

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, dry cough and fatigue. Other symptoms include loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, sore throat, headache, muscle or joint pain, skin rash, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, chills or dizziness. Some people may only have very mild or non-specific symptoms, while some may develop severe symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain or confusion.

Complications may include respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, thromboembolism, and/or multi-organ failure including injury of the heart, liver or kidneys. There are reports that children and adolescents with COVID-19 may develop a rare but serious condition known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), leading to multiorgan failure and shock.

People of older age and those having underlying medical problems (e.g. hypertension, heart and lung problems, diabetes, obesity or cancer) are at higher risk of developing serious illness.

According to the information from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10-20% of people may continue to experience mid- and long-term effects of COVID-19, which are collectively known as “Post COVID-19 condition,” or “Long COVID”. Common symptoms of long COVID include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, headache, pain (e.g. chest pain, joint pain) and may have an impact on everyday functioning. There may be multi-organ effects or autoimmune conditions particularly in children. Symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate (change from time to time) or relapse (return of symptoms after period of improvement) over time. Although it is still unclear how long the symptoms may last, current research suggests that patients can improve with time. Some studies reported that long COVID is found more often in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but anyone (including those with mild illness) can experience this condition after infected with COVID-19. According to WHO, COVID-19 vaccination can reduce incidence of long COVID. Some studies also suggested vaccinated persons are less likely to develop long COVID even they get infected, compared to the unvaccinated.

For more information on long COVID, please press here .

Mode of transmission and incubation period

Mode of transmission includes through respiratory droplets, contact of contaminated surfaces or objects, short-range aerosol or short-range airborne transmission. The virus can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings. Most estimates of the incubation period range from 1 to 14 days, and some variants, such as the Omicron variant, may have even shorter incubation period of around 3 days.

Treatment includes supportive therapy, symptomatic treatment, antiviral agents and Chinese medicine.

COVID-19 vaccination

• COVID-19 vaccines are effective to protect people against COVID-19 disease, in particular severe illness and death.
• Vaccination is one of the most effective tools in the overall public health response to COVID-19. The combination of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) with vaccination will allow for maximum protection against the virus.
• With COVID-19 vaccines deployed, there is a need to continue NPIs, including good hand hygiene, to reduce the risk of virus transmission. NPIs should continue to be followed by vaccinated individuals, as well as those who have not yet been vaccinated.
• For details on COVID-19 vaccination, please refer to thematic web page for COVID-19 Vaccination Programme: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/106934.html

Health advice

Members of the public are also advised to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times for personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community:

• The wearing of mask is advised for the following situations - 
• any persons with fever or respiratory symptoms;
• any persons who are visiting or working in high risk places such as residential care homes for the elderly, residential care homes for persons with disabilities, and clinical areas of healthcare facilities; and
• high risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) who are going to crowded places such as public transport.
• when an increasing trend in activity of respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 virus is expected, high risk persons are recommended to wear a surgical mask when visiting public places, while the public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transportations or staying at crowded places.
• It is important to wear a mask properly, including hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask. For details on proper mask wearing, please visit CHP website at www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/use_mask_properly.pdf ;
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose before washing hands;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching one's mouth, nose or eyes; before eating; after using the toilet; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. When the hands are cleaned, do not touch the water tap directly again (for example, using a paper towel to wrap the faucet before turn it off). If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80% alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Home should be cleaned thoroughly at least once per week with 1 in 99 diluted household bleach (mixing 10 ml of bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite with 990 ml of water), leave for 15 - 30 minutes and then rinse with water. For metallic surface, disinfect with 70% alcohol;
• If places are contaminated by respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, use strong absorbent disposable towels to clean up the visible matter. Then disinfect the surface and the neighbouring area with appropriate disinfectant. For nonmetallic surface, disinfect with 1 in 49 diluted household bleach (mixture of 10ml of household bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution with 490ml of water), leave for 15 - 30 minutes, and then rinse with water. For metallic surface, disinfect with 70% alcohol;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-traps) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• Build up good body resistance and maintain healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved through balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest and
• Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption.

Travel advice

Travellers should take heed of the health advice below:

• Complete COVID-19 vaccination before travel according to the latest recommendations to effectively protect against COVID-19 disease (For details on COVID-19 vaccination, please refer to thematic web page for COVID-19 Vaccination Programme: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/106934.html ); and
• If feeling unwell when outside Hong Kong, especially if experiencing respiratory symptoms, wear a well-fitted surgical mask and seek medical advice at once.

Health advice for persons tested positive for COVID-19

Persons tested positive for COVID-19 should take heed of the health advice below:

• Persons who are at higher risk (e.g. immunosuppressed people, older people, people with underlying medical conditions) and persons who developed obvious symptoms are advised to seek prompt medical advice;
• Persons who are symptomatic are advised to stay at home and avoid going out. Persons who are asymptomatic can go out on their will or go to work.
• Students who are symptomatic should not attend schools;
• Infected persons are advised to wear well-fitting surgical masks, KF94 masks, KN95 masks or respirators (such as N95 respirators) during the first five days after testing positive. They should also avoid contact with persons who are at higher risk, contact with others in mask-off situation (e.g. share table with others for meal), going to crowded places and mass gatherings;
• Closely monitor health condition and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms arise or getting worse;
• Keep your home well ventilated by having windows opened as far as feasible; and
• Pay attention to personal and environmental hygiene at all times. Clean and disinfect the shared items and facilities (e.g. toilet) at home frequently and after use

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Hong Kong entry rules: Everything you need to know before booking flights

Testing, quarantine and the threat of flight chaos are likely to stop tourists rushing to back to Hong Kong for now.

After more than two years of stop-start border closures which have left Hong Kong effectively cut off from the world, the territory is finally due to reopen to tourists from 1 May.

But - there’s a major catch - because visitors will still be required to check into a quarantine hotel for seven days - even with a negative COVID test.

Under the new rules, travellers will need to submit to a rapid COVID test at the airport upon landing. Once the results have been processed, those with a negative test will be taken by government transfer to one of its designated quarantine hotels. The rules state that travellers must remain in their room for a full seven days.

Those with a positive test result will be moved to a government isolation facility for a minimum of seven days instead. So regardless of the state of your health upon entering Hong Kong, you will still end up with a minimum week-long stint in isolation under the long-awaited new rules.

Regardless of the state of your health upon entering Hong Kong, you will still end up with a minimum week-long stint in isolation.

There are almost 50 designated quarantine hotels in Hong Kong, with prices starting at a minimum of €65 for a single person per night, full board, in a room measuring just 10 sq metres.

However prices can skyrocket to as much as €770 per night for the most desirable, more spacious rooms at luxury hotels such as the Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong’s Central district.

The use of quarantine hotels to control tourist entries from 1 May is unlikely to encourage tourists to book a break in Hong Kong, which before the pandemic had built a reputation as a long-haul city-break destination . In 2019, international visitors spent an average of just three to four nights in Hong Kong per trip, according to Statista.

• Hong Kong's quarantine hotels are creating mountains of plastic waste
• 20 years in the making: Take a look at Hong Kong’s newest neighbourhood

How the ‘zero COVID’ policy failed in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s borders have been closed to non-residents since 25 March, 2020. Following China’s lead, the territory has been living under some of the strictest COVID measures in the world. Hong Kong ramped up social restrictions again in January this year as Omicron infections surged, hospitals became overwhelmed and morgues overflowed.

The former British colony has only just started to relax those social distancing measures. The first phase of reopening began on 21 April, when restaurants were allowed to reopen for dine-in services until 10pm, and theme parks opened for the first time in four months.

Bars, swimming pools and public beaches will not reopen until Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam initiates the second phase of reopening.

This won’t be until at least mid-May, but as yet no date has been confirmed. With such limitations in place, it’s hard to see the attraction of a holiday in Hong Kong when borders reopen to tourists next week.

Will your flight to Hong Kong be cancelled?

The territory has also been routinely banning flight routes that carry in COVID cases. Under the current rules, a flight suspension will be triggered for a seven-day period if at least three people on a flight test positive. From 1 May, this will be relaxed slightly to five people, or 5 per cent of the flight, whichever is greater; and the ban will be in place for five days instead of seven.

In recent months these flight bans have caused chaos for Hong Kong residents, who have found themselves scrambling to rearrange travel plans and reorganise re-entry quarantine hotel stays at short notice.

On 1 April this year, Hong Kong lifted the total ban on flights from nine countries including the US and UK.

On 1 April this year, Hong Kong lifted the total ban on flights from nine countries including the US and UK . Yet as long as the flight-ban trigger system remains in place, it’s likely to lead to mayhem for tourists as more international flights resume service to Hong Kong, increasing the risk of COVID being brought into the country.

Some airlines are not restarting flights to Hong Kong until later in the year.

• Is South-East Asia open to tourists? An updated list of 2022 entry rules for every country

How many COVID cases are there in Hong Kong?

In March 2022, Hong Kong reported the highest number of COVID deaths in the world, based on population size. The dire situation was due to Omicron, but exacerbated by low vaccine take-up across the city.

In the past month, social distancing measures have helped Hong Kong claw its way back from spiralling infection rates.

In the last seven days, there were 47 new cases per 100,000 and 514 new infections reported on average each day – just 1 per cent of the peak, according to Reuter’s COVID-19 Tracker.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
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Warnings and insurance

This travel advice covers the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). For mainland China, see travel advice for China and for Macao SAR, see Macao travel advice .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

Dual Chinese-British nationality

Hong Kong does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both British and Chinese nationality, you may be treated as a Chinese citizen by local authorities, even if you enter Hong Kong on your British passport. If this is the case, the British Consulate-General may not be able to offer you consular help.    

If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, carry evidence that you have done so.

See guidance on nationality in China . 

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you: 

• disabled people  
• LGBT+ people  

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. 

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

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