non hk resident travelling to hk

• The test must be conducted within 48 hours before the scheduled flight departure time (for those entering the Mainland via airport) or arrival time (for those entering the Mainland via other boundary control points);
• The test specimen must be a throat swab, nasopharyngeal swab or combined nasal and throat swab collected by dedicated staff; and
• The test result must be negative, and the test report must be issued by local COVID-19 testing institutions recognised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (including community testing centres/community testing stations in various districts) for conducting reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing.

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 .

More Information

Inbound travel rules stepped up

In view of the rapidly worsening COVID-19 pandemic situation due to the Omicron variant, the Government today announced a series of measures to further guard against the importation of cases.

From December 21, the Government will impose measures applicable to  Group A places with enhanced surveillance on people who have stayed in the UK.

Peru will also be listed as a Group A specified place from December 23.

The Government observed that so far, all imported Omicron cases in Hong Kong have been detected either by arrival tests or tests given within the first three days of arrival in Hong Kong. To better utilise the Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre (PBQC), the Government decided that from December 21, Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A places with enhanced surveillance within 21 days are required to undergo compulsory quarantine at the PBQC for the first four days upon arrival, during which they have to receive daily virus tests and their health condition will be monitored by healthcare professionals.

On the fifth day of arrival, they will be transferred by designated transport to finish the remaining 17 days of compulsory quarantine at the designated quarantine hotel (DQH) which they reserved before coming to Hong Kong.

At the same time, all people arriving in Hong Kong who have stayed in Group A places with enhanced surveillance are required to get tested daily for the first seven days of arrival, regardless of whether they are in a quarantine centre or a DQH. Thereafter, they are required to undergo tests every other day during the remaining 14-day quarantine period.

Including the arrival test at the airport and the compulsory test at a community testing centre on the 26th day of arrival, the inbound visitors will be tested a total of 14 times, the Government reiterated.

It also noted that a seven-day transitional period will be implemented. From December 21 to 27, if inbound travellers can present at boarding confirmation of a room reservation at a DQH for no less than 14 nights starting from the eighth day of arrival in Hong Kong, they will still be allowed to board for Hong Kong.

They will then undergo compulsory quarantine in the PBQC for seven days as per the current arrangement. During that period, if they manage to reserve a room at the original DQH from the fifth to seventh day, they can be transferred by designated transport to that DQH to complete the remaining 17 days of compulsory quarantine.

From December 28, inbound travellers will have to present confirmation of a room reservation at a DQH for no less than 17 nights starting from the fifth day of arrival in Hong Kong in accordance with the updated arrangement, the Government added.

In view of two imported Omicron cases detected from the UK, the Government will impose the above adjusted quarantine and testing arrangements applicable to Group A places with enhanced surveillance on travellers from the UK who arrive in Hong Kong from December 21.

It also announced that Hong Kong’s passenger flight suspension mechanism will be tightened with immediate effect. If four or more passengers have been confirmed to have COVID-19 by arrival tests on any flights from the same original port of the same airline within a seven-day period, the route of the airline concerned will be suspended for 14 days.

Furthermore, from December 23, owing to the detection of Omicron cases, Peru will be listed as a Group A specified place.

Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Peru within 21 days will not be allowed to enter the city, while Hong Kong residents can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognised COVID-19 jab record. Upon arrival, they must undergo 21 days of compulsory quarantine in a DQH, during which six virus tests have to be conducted. On the 26th day of arrival in Hong Kong, they must also undergo another compulsory test in a community testing centre.

From December 24, all passengers who board a flight for Hong Kong (including transferring or transiting passengers) are required to present at boarding a negative result proof of a virus test for COVID-19 with the specimen collected within 48 hours before the scheduled time of departure, the Government added.

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Hong Kong to allow arrivals of non-residents from overseas starting next month

After two years, this new policy will finally allow non-residents to enter the city

On Friday, the government announced that starting May 1, Hong Kong will finally allow non-residents to enter the city. This step will end two years of stringent border controls since it was put in place in March of 2020.

Visitors must be fully vaccinated and are required to undergo the same quarantine requirements imposed for inbound Hong Kong residents. As of date, r eturning Hongkongers are required to book a mandatory quarantine for seven nights at any of the  designated hotels.  Arrivals will be required to take a rapid antigen test (RAT) and one RT-PCR test once they land at the airport. Travellers with negative RAT results will be allowed to go to the designated quarantine hotels to wait for their PCR results. 

According to the authorities, there are plans to relax the threshold for suspending incoming flights by next month. The flight suspension mechanism will be cut from seven days to five. And flights will only be banned if they bring in five or more infected passengers. Further announcements will be made in due course.

Meanwhile, the city's Covid-19 cases continue to decline. The government reported only 574 infections on Friday, 11 of which were imported.  

Interested in travelling to Hong Kong? Check out this  travel guide for incoming Hong Kong passengers . For further updates, watch this  space . 

Recommended stories: Best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend Stay up to date with the city's latest pandemic regulations Hong Kong designates 60 more parks to welcome pets Hong Kong launches new platform for recovered Covid-19 patients

Our global survey of city-dwellers is back for 2022 – and we want to hear from you.  Take the survey now .

Follow us on  Youtube ,  Facebook , and  Instagram , and subscribe to our  newsletter  to get the latest news and updates on what's going on in the city.

• Tatum Ancheta Editor-in-Chief, Time Out Hong Kong

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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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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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Eligibility for the right of abode in the hksar.

Under the Immigration Ordinance, six categories of people are eligible to enjoy the right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Besides, a person fulfills the transitional arrangement under the same Ordinance is also eligible to enjoy the right of abode. This page provides information about who belongs to these categories, the transitional arrangements and where to go for further information.

Categories of Eligibility

Under the Immigration Ordinance, if a person belongs to one of the following categories, he/she is a permanent resident of the HKSAR and enjoys the right of abode.

Chinese Citizens

Non-Chinese Citizens

The meanings of the terms Chinese citizen’, settled and ordinary residence are available through the following link.

• Meanings of right of abode and other terms

A flowchart illustrating eligibility for the right of abode in the HKSAR can be accessed through the following link:

• Eligibility for the right of abode in the HKSAR

Transitional Arrangements

A Chinese citizen who was a Hong Kong permanent resident immediately before 1 July 1997 under the Immigration Ordinance as then in force will, as from 1 July 1997, be a permanent resident of the HKSAR as long as he or she remains a Chinese citizen.

A person who is not of Chinese nationality and who was a permanent resident of Hong Kong before 1 July 1997 is a permanent resident of the HKSAR under category (d) above and exempt from the requirements under the second and third points in category (d) if:

• The person was settled in Hong Kong immediately before 1 July 1997;
• After he/she ceased to be settled in Hong Kong immediately before 1 July 1997, the person returned to settle in Hong Kong within the period of 18 months commencing on 1 July 1997; or
• After he/she ceased to be settled in Hong Kong immediately before 1 July 1997, the person returned to settle in Hong Kong after the period of 18 months commencing on 1 July 1997, but only if he/she has been absent from Hong Kong for a continuous period of less than 36 months.

A flowchart explaining the transitional arrangements can be accessed through the following link.

• Transitional arrangements

Related Issues

The following links will provide further information about eligibility for the right of abode in certain circumstances, including what a person will need to do to prove his/her eligibility, and what happens if he/she loses the right of abode in the HKSAR.

Chinese Citizens:

• The position of Chinese citizens without foreign passports
• The position of Hong Kong residents (including former residents) of Chinese nationality who were permanent residents immediately before 1 July 1997 and hold foreign passports

Non-Chinese Citizens:

• The position of non-Chinese citizens
• The persons of non-Chinese nationality who had the right of abode in Hong Kong only before the establishment of the HKSAR

Loss of Right of Abode:

• Loss of Hong Kong permanent resident status

• General Information
• How to get a Visa
• Visa Knowledge
• Step By Step Guidance
• Quick Access
• About the Visa Centre
• Office Hours & Location
• Legal Information
• Help by E-MAIL
• Suggestions and Complaints

I. Will a Chinese visa be issued for the following circumstances?

1. Q: My mother-in-law is ill in critical condition/ deceased in China, can I apply for a visa to visit her / attend the funeral by the reason of emergency humanitarian purpose?

A: No. Applicants visiting the mainland of China for emergency humanitarian purposes refer to visiting an immediate family member (could be a foreigner) in the mainland within three generations (including spouse, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren) who is in critical medical condition, or arranging funeral matters of the deceased immediate family member in the mainland. Other family members such as mother-in-law and father-in-law etc. are excluded as they are not the blood relatives to you.

2. Q: My father is ill in the mainland of China and needs to be hospitalized for surgery. Can I apply for a visa for an emergency humanitarian reason by providing a diagnosis certificate?

A: It depends on how serious of illness and emergency of the visited immediate family member. If it is indeed urgent, a critical notice issued by the hospital must be submitted. It may also be required to provide the diagnosis certificate, hospitalization certificate or other materials as supplementary documents if necessary. It does not meet the visa requirement for the emergency humanitarian reasons if only the diagnosis certificate or the hospitalization certificate provided.

3. Q: I work in HKSAR, but my parents, spouse and children all live in the mainland. They often travelled between the mainland and HKSAR before the Pandemic. In order to minimize the risk of infection for the elderly and the weak of my family during the Pandemic, I prefer to travel more frequently to take care of them. Can I apply for a visa for that right now?

A: The visa applications for such cases will not be accepted for the time being, according to the announcement jointly released by the National Immigration Administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in March 2020 and the Notice on Requirements for Chinese Visa Application During Covid-19 Pandemic issued by the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in HKSAR.

4. Q: I have a property in the mainland, but I cannot go back to pay the bills after 28 March 2020 due to the Pandemic. I need to be back to go through the relevant procedures urgently. Can I apply for a visa in this case right now?

5. Q: Can I apply for a student visa right now?

6. Q: I am ill in serious condition, and used to go to Guangdong Province for medical treatment regularly. Can I apply for a visa in this case as I need to go back to continue my treatment?

7. Q: I am holding an invitation letter (PU) or invitation letter (TE) [hereinafter referred to as "invitation letter (PU) or (TE)"] issued by the foreign affairs office or the department of commerce of the provincial (including autonomous regions and municipalities) government or the headquarter of central state-owned enterprise. In addition to the basic materials, can I apply for a visa only with this sort of invitation letter?

A: In general, you can submit the visa application by providing the invitation letter (PU) or (TE) issued by the above units together with other requested basic materials such as the Visa Application Form and photo etc. In addition, a letter from the inviting party to describe the purpose, the necessity and urgency of the visit may also be required if necessary. A final decision on whether the visa is approved or not would be made by the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in HKSAR.

8. Q: I am holding an invitation letter (PU) or (TE), and want to apply for a type of R visa. Can I use the letter to apply for visas for my wife and adult children as well?

A: It is required to submit the High-end Talent Confirmation Letter issued by the relevant authorities in the mainland but not the invitation letter (PU) or (TE) while applying for a type of R visa. By providing the proof of kinship, your spouse and minor children (under the age of 18) can apply for the S2 visa at the same time when you are applying for a R visa if their personal information clearly indicated in the confirmation letter. However, if your children have grown up, they will not be eligible for getting visas in such cases during the Pandemic.

9. Q: I am holding an invitation letter (PU) or (TE), and want to apply for a type of Z or M visa to the mainland of China. Can I use the letter to apply for visas for my spouse and children together?

A: No. Due to the Pandemic, visa applications for accompanying persons have been suspended.

10. Q: I have an invitation letter (PU) or (TE) issued within 3 months. My plan is to apply for a M visa in UK, but the local Chinese embassy is not open to the public at the moment. Can I apply in Hong Kong with the invitation letter (PU) or (TE)?

A: You can apply for a visa in HKSAR only if you met the two requirements as follows: firstly, according to the current HKSAR immigration regulations, the entry to HK by non-HK residents from abroad will be denied. However, if you are a HK permanent resident or a valid HK resident identity card holder, you could contact the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center in HK to make an appointment and submit the application after completing the compulsory quarantine requested upon arrival in HK. Secondly, the invitation letter (PU) or (TE) will be acceptable in HK only if it is addressed to the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in HKSAR, rather than other missions of China.

11. Q: If I have a work residence permit that expired after 28 March 2020, can I submit the work visa application without providing an invitation letter (PU) or (TE)?

A: No. Whether you ever held a work residence permit, you are requested to apply for a new work visa by providing the following documents.

1. An Invitation Letter (PU) or (TE) issued by the Foreign Affairs Offices or Departments of Commerce of Chinese provincial government or Central State-owned Enterprises;

2. An invitation letter issued by the inviting party in the mainland of China to explain the emergency and necessity of the visit in detail, and the photocopy of the business license of the inviting party;

3. One of the following approval documents:

(1) Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts or;

(2) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts or;

(3) Valid Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of foreign countries’ (regions’) enterprises issued by the Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration or;

(4) Valid letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

If you are holding a Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China, a photocopy of the Decision on Approval of Administrative License and the information page of your Permit to prove its validity are required.

12. Q: I provided a negative nucleic acid test report when I applied for a visa. Can I enter the mainland with the same report?

A: It is required to provide a negative nucleic acid test report issued within 72 hours by a medical institution designated by the HKSAR Government at the time of submitting the visa application. Upon arrival in the mainland, a nucleic acid test report within the time limit shall be provided as what required by the government of destination. For example, if you are requested to present a negative nucleic acid test report released within 24 hours upon your arrival in the destination of entry, you need to re-conduct the nucleic acid test after getting the visa and enter the mainland with the new report.

13. Q: Besides holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents that expired a couple of days ago, I have a valid foreign passport as well. Can I visit the mainland of China by applying for a Chinese visa with my foreign passport?

A: Since you have already held a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center in HKSAR will not accept the visa applications from such foreign passport holders according to the Nationality Law of China. Please check with the relevant department for the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents.

14. Q: I was ever issued a Chinese visa before, but why could not I apply for a visa now by presenting my new HK ID card marked with the “three stars” due to the changed conditions of my stay in HK or renewal of my HK ID card in accordance with the policy of the HK Immigration Department?

A: If you have been issued a Chinese visa recently in HKSAR after changing a new HK ID card, the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center can still accept the application. Otherwise, you are required to submit the Declaration of Change of Nationality issued by the HKSAR Immigration Department when applying for the visa in order to clear the current status of your nationality.

15. Q: My 5-year-multiple-entry Chinese visa is still valid, but temporarily suspended due to the Pandemic. Could it be used again after the Pandemic if I apply for a new Chinese visa this time?

A: Normally the previous valid visa will not be cancelled on the condition that the purpose of your visit for this time remains unchanged. It can be used as usual if it is still valid after the Pandemic. However in other cases, such as a holder of valid Q2 visa applying for a M visa this time, the original Q2 visa will be cancelled after the issuance of M visa.

II. Questions on Visa Application Appointment and Procedures

16. Q: My father passed away suddenly in the mainland. I urgently need to go back for the funeral, but it is too late to make an appointment for visa. What should I do?

A: A “Green Passage” service will be always available to those applicants for such cases. If applicants for emergency humanitarian reasons who failed making online appointments in advance could contact the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center in HKSAR for this special service (Tel: +852 2992 1999, Email: [email protected], from 9:00 to 16:00 every Monday to Friday except the public holidays. A dedicated person will answer the phone and reply the email). If confirmed, those applicants can submit applications directly to the center. Please be aware that the services are partially available at the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center in HKSAR during the Pandemic. Therefore, the service of “Green Passage” is ONLY available to those who meet the requirement of emergency humanitarian condition. Please do not attempt to use it if you are not in urgency above-mentioned.

17. Q: Can I walk straightly to the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center in HKSAR for enquiry?

A: It is recommended that you contact the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center by phone or email (Tel: +852 2992 1999, E-mail: [email protected]), instead of walking straightly to the center in order to minimize the risk of cross-infection during the Pandemic. A member of staff will be dedicated to answer the phone and reply the email from 9:00 to 16:00 every Monday to Friday except the public holidays. Those applicants who failed making online appointments in advance will NOT be allowed to enter the center.

18. Q: I haven't made an appointment yet. Can I make an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center on site?

A: All applicants are required to make an online appointment through the official website of the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center in HKSAR in advance, and submit the visa application with related documents on site at the appointed time. The center releases appointment slots sufficiently for every working day (now temporarily from 9:00 to 16:00 on every Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays except the public holidays). Since it is impossible to make an appointment on the same day according to the system setting, you are required to appoint at least one day earlier through the center’s website. Please stay away from the illegal agencies who involve in price gouging by exaggerating the difficulty for appointment. Those for emergency humanitarian reasons but failing in making online appointments can contact the center by phone or email in advance.

19. Q: How long do I have to wait to get a visa after I submit my application?

A: In view of the current Pandemic, the collection date for all visa applications is to be determined, and will be informed to the applicants afterwards. Please leave enough time for the visa application to avoid any delay of your journey.

20. Q: I am staying in Taiwan region as a visitor right now. Can I apply for a visa by posting my passport and documents to the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center in HKSAR?

A: Neither would it be normally accepted for this circumstance, nor could the center provide mailing services. However, you can entrust a third party (agencies or relatives or friends in HK) to submit the visa application for you if you have a resident visa or ID for Taiwan region.

21. Q: Can the applicant apply for a visa if he/she is not in HK?

A: In general, the visa applicant, except those who are residing in Taiwan region, must be in Hong Kong while applying for a visa to the mainland of China at the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center in HKSAR. However, according to the pandemic prevention measures announced by the HKSAR Government, non-HK residents will be denied entry to HK. For the latest notice, please refer to the website at https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/. We recommend that you check with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in the place of your residence.

III. Questions on Information Sources

22. Q: I have seen a lot of information about applying for Chinese visas on many different websites. How can I know what information is correct?

A: For information about applying for a Chinese visa, please refer to the latest notice released by the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center in HKSAR. As a kind reminder, please apply Chinese visa through the Center and its registered agencies. Stay away from illegal agencies who involve in price gouging by exaggerating the difficulty for visa applications. If you encounter the above-mentioned illegal agencies, please call the police and also kindly inform the Center.

If you have any questions that not covered yet, you can refer to the Notice on Requirements for Chinese Visa Application During Covid-19 Pandemic updated on the official website of the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in HKSAR, or enquire the Chinese Visa Application and Services Center by phone or email.

IV. Questions on Diplomatic and Official Visa Applications

23. Q: Are there any changes on the procedures and processing time for the diplomatic and official visa applications during the Pandemic?

A: A diplomatic or official visa could be applied directly at the Visa Section of the Consular Department of the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in HKSAR located at 4/F, China Resources Building at 26 Harbour Road, Wan Chai from 9:00 to 12:00 in the morning on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays (public holidays excluded) without a prior appointment. A Verbal Note from the related Consulate General or branch office of International Organization in HK is required. Please email to [email protected] for any enquiries, which will be replied in timely fashion. Affected by the Pandemic, the date of visa collection is uncertain and will be notified by phone. Meanwhile, the business hours to the public will be adjusted from time to time according to the latest Pandemic situation. Please check regularly the updated notice released on the official website of the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in HKSAR.

V. Other Questions

24. Q: Have the measures on the nucleic acid test and serum-specific IgM antibody test been in effect in HKSAR right now?

A: According to the latest prevention and control measures of the Chinese government, all passengers from abroad to the mainland of China by flight must provide both negative certificates of the nucleic acid test and serum-specific IgM antibody test and have to obtain the health code (for Chinese citizens) or the health declaration code (for foreigners) from the local Chinese Embassy or Consulate General before departure. Please refer to the website of the related Chinese Embassy or Consulate General for more details. If it is necessary to transit through a third place, new reports of the above-said two tests must be produced again at the transit place and a new relative code must be obtained as well. At present, the above-mentioned measures have not been implemented in HKSAR as the flights transit service from foreign countries to the mainland of China via HK has been suspended and non-HK residents are prohibited to enter into HK.

If you are a HK resident and came back to HK from abroad, you have to comply with the Pandemic prevention measures such as compulsory quarantine and nucleic acid test requested by HKSAR government. If you need to travel to the mainland afterwards, you are required to follow the Pandemic prevention arrangements between HKSAR and relevant provinces in the mainland. For details, please contact the HKSAR competent authority or the health department of destination.

25. Q: How to check the list of nucleic acid testing institutions recognized by the HKSAR Government?

A: For enquiries about local nucleic acid testing institutions recognized by the Hong Kong SAR Government, please refer to the website https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/.

26. Q: How to apply for / renew a Chinese passport or travel document or consular authentication?

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• May 29, 2021

Travelling to Hong Kong – Restriction Updates May 2021

(image: sourced from the HKSAR Government's coronavirus website)

Those who are planning to travel to Hong Kong soon, note that the HKSAR Government has recently created a new four-tier classification system , an indication for travellers, depending on where you are travelling from, to find out whether they are allowed to entre Hong Kong, or to find out what are the requirements and documentations needed pre-departure.

Non-Hong Kong residents are currently being denied for entry to Hong Kong.

Non-Hong Kong residents can entre Hong Kong:

those who hold a new entry visa to work, study, establish or join in any business, or to take up residence in Hong Kong; and

only when travelling from places in Groups B, C or D listed below; and

must present all required documentation as stated below.

Group A1 – Extremely high risk places

1. Brazil, 2. India, 3. Nepal, 4. Pakistan, 5. The Philippines, 6. South Africa.

Non-Hong Kong residents will be denied to entre into Hong Kong.

Hong Kong residents who have stayed in or transited through these extremely high risk places for more than 2 hours in the past 21 days are NOT permitted to entre Hong Kong, whether you are a citizen/ permanent resident/ anyone with a valid work/ dependent visa.

Hong Kong residents who have only stayed in or transited through these extremely high risk places for less than 2 hours in the past 21 days, you are only permitted to entre Hong Kong if you are able to present:

A “COVID-19 Test Report” at your arrival, that meets the requirements for the listed in this link .

That you have completed the Hong Kong Department of Health online health declaration form .

Confirmation of room reservation at one of the designated hotels for not less than 21 nights, from the date you arrive into Hong Kong. This confirmation must be in English or Chinese.

Quarantine requirement

21 days compulsory quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel.

during quarantine, you must undergo 4 compulsory tests.

you must self-monitor for another 7 days after the 21 days compulsory quarantine.

you must undergo a compulsory testing on the 26th day of your arrival in Hong Kong a Community Testing Centre .

Group A2 - Very high risk places

1. Ireland and 2. the United Kingdom.

Hong Kong residents who have stayed in or transited through these very high risk places in the past 21 days are only permitted to entre Hong Kong if you are able to present:

Group B – High risk places

1. Bangladesh, 2. Belgium, 3. Canada, 4. Egypt, 5. Ethiopia, 6. France, 7. Germany, 8. Indonesia, 9. Kazakhstan, 10. Romania, 11. Russia, 12. Switzerland, 13. Turkey, 14. United Arab Emirates, or 18. The United States.

Non-Hong Kong residents will be denied to entre into Hong Kong, except for .

When you are fully vaccinated:

Your vaccination record.

Confirmation of room reservation at one of the designated hotels for not less than 14 nights, from the date you arrive into Hong Kong. This confirmation must be in English or Chinese.

During the compulsory quarantine, you must undergo 3 compulsory tests.

After your 14 days mandatory quarantine, you must continue to self-monitor for another 7 days.

Compulsory testing required on your 16th and 19th days of arrival at Hong Kong.

When you are NOT fully vaccinated:

During the compulsory quarantine, you must undergo 4 compulsory tests.

Group C – Medium to high risk places

These are places that are outside of Mainland China, Macau or Taiwan, but are not listed in Groups A, B or D.

Travellers who have stayed in these medium to high risk places in the past 21 days, at your arrival in Hong Kong, you must be able to present:

Group D – Low risk places

1. Australia, 2. New Zealand, 3. Singapore, or 4. Mainland China.

Travellers who have stayed in these low risk places in the past 21 days, at your arrival in Hong Kong, you must be able to present:

Confirmation of room reservation at one of the designated hotels for not less than 7 nights, from the date you arrive into Hong Kong. This confirmation must be in English or Chinese.

After your 7 days mandatory quarantine, you must continue to self-monitor for another 7 days.

Compulsory testing required on your 12th days of arrival at Hong Kong.

For information about the "Covid-19 Test Report" requirements, visit our website https://www.visaservices.hk/covid19.

Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble

On Monday 26th April 2021, Hong Kong and Singapore have announced the long delayed air travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore will be launched on Wednesday 26th May 2021.

That means, those who are eligible to travel between these cities will not be restricted with Covid-19 travel restrictions.

For the first two weeks (from 26 May to 9 June), there will be one designated flight (via Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines) per day in each direction, with maximum of 200 passenger per flight.

Then from 10 June onwards, it will be increased to 2 flights per day with maximum 200 passengers per flight.

No transit passengers are allowed to be on these designated flight.

Before booking your flights, find out if you are eligible to travel under this travel bubble.

You must hold valid travelling documents.

You have remained in Hong Kong and/or Singapore for 14 days prior to your departure (except for those who had been in mandatory quarantine/ self isolation).

What other requirements are there?

If you are travelling from Hong Kong, you must have been vaccinated (but not required if travelling from Singapore).

Prior to travelling, you must have taken a COVID-19 test via a recognised clinic/ testing centre/ testing institution, with a negative result, within 3 days of your departure.

If travelling to Singapore, you are also required to take a COVID-19 test on arrival. You are encouraged to pre-book and pre-pay for your " on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test " before your departure.

If you are travelling to Singapore, you must book an accommodation for one to two days for self-isolation for when you wait for your COVID-19 test result. Singapore citizens and residents can self isolate at their own home.

If you are travelling to Hong Kong, you must fill out and submit a Health Declaration form 48 hours before your arrival in Hong Kong. Likewise, those travelling to Singapore, you must fill out and submit the " SG Arrival Card " within 3 days before your arrival in Singapore.

Prior to travelling, you must download the destination's contact tracing app.

Happy travelling!

#hkvisaservices #hk travelrestrictions #hkcovid19updates #hongkong #hksingaporeairtravelbubble

What you need to know as a Non-resident Individual

• Any person who renders services in Hong Kong under an employment / a contract for service may be liable to tax in Hong Kong irrespective of whether such person is a Hong Kong resident.
• There is no definition of "non-resident" in the general interpretative provisions under section 2(1) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. However, whether an individual is a “non-resident” of Hong Kong is primarily a question of fact and the Inland Revenue Department, as a matter of administrative practice, has all along considered that an individual is a non-resident of Hong Kong if the individual does not have a home or a place of habitual abode in Hong Kong.
• This applies to:
• Non-resident Employees
• Non-resident Professionals
• Non-resident Entertainers / Sportsmen

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What to do if You Lose Your Identity Card and HKSAR Travel Documents

While you may be annoyed about losing your personal identification documents, you may be relieved to learn that it only takes simple steps to obtain the replacements of these documents. Here you can learn about how to report loss and apply for replacement of Hong Kong identity card and HKSAR travel document.

Application for Replacement of Hong Kong Identity Card due to Loss

If you lose your Hong Kong identity card, you are required to report such loss and apply for a replacement card at any Registration of Persons Office within 14 days.

All Registration of Persons Offices are using a quota system. To save your time, you should consider booking an appointment through the telephone booking system at (852) 2598 0888 or online. The appointment booking period for application of Hong Kong identity card at Registration of Persons Offices is 96 working days.

For applicants without an appointment but have an urgent need to replace their identity cards which have been lost, destroyed, damaged or defaced, the ROP Offices will offer assistance based on individual circumstances.

Application Forms

There is no separate form for applying for a replacement identity card and you should use the same application form as applying for a Hong Kong identity card. You may download the relevant form from the link below.

If you have recovered the lost identity card after submitting a replacement application or obtaining a replacement card, you should return the recovered card to any Registration of Persons Office or police station immediately.

Supporting Documents

The type of supporting documents you need when applying for a replacement identity card will depend on your age: 

• Those aged under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must produce his / her identity card and proof of legal guardianship, if appropriate.
• Those aged under 11 must also produce the proof of identity such as valid travel document / passport / recent school documents (e.g. student hand book or school record card) with a certified photograph; and one recent photograph (50 x 40 mm full face photograph) if the child is not taller than 90 cm.

The fee for applying for a replacement of identity card due to loss is HK$370.

Application for Replacement of HKSAR Travel Documents due to Loss

If you lose your HKSAR travel documents in Hong Kong, namely HKSAR passport, Document of Identity for Visa Purposes, Re-entry Permit or Seaman’s Identity Book, you should report the loss to the Immigration Department. 

You should submit your replacement application in person at any Immigration Branch Offices. You may book an appointment through the telephone booking system at (852) 2598 0888 or online.

If you lost your HKSAR passport or HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes while travelling abroad, you should immediately report the loss to the local police and request a copy of the police report. With the documentary proof of the loss, you may contact the Chinese diplomatic and consular mission in that country and request for replacement of travel document. You may also contact the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department through the 24-hour hotline (852) 1868 for assistance. The Immigration Department will provide you with information and assistance regarding the processing of travel document.

If you are a Hong Kong resident and have lost your Hong Kong identity card and Home Visit Card while travelling in the Mainland, you should immediately report the loss to the public security authorities and obtain documentary proof of that report.  With the documentary proof, you may approach the entry and exit department of the Public Security Bureau in the Mainland or the China Travel Service office in Shenzhen for the issue of an Entry and Exit Permit to facilitate your departure from the Mainland. You may also contact the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department through the 24-hour hotline (852) 1868 for assistance. The Immigration Department will provide information and advice according to your situation

Text: A A A Print Society

Immigration authorities extend chinese mainland residents' business travel in hong kong, macao to 14 days.

China's immigration authorities announced that, starting from May 6, Chinese mainland residents who travel to Hong Kong and Macao on business trips will be able to stay for up to 14 days per visit, a significant increase from the previous limit of seven days.

The extension, which will greatly facilitate business exchange between Chinese mainland and the two regions, is included in an array of new measures to streamline the immigration process and facilitate international exchange, advancing the country's high-level opening up.

The new measures also include easing procedures for issuing passport and facilitating easier travel for Chinese mainland residents to visit Hong Kong and Macao, which allow Chinese mainland residents to apply for business travel permits to Hong Kong and Macao at immigration bureaus countrywide, rather than only at registered locations before.

Experts noted that the new measures would help boost the economies of Hong Kong and Macao, creating new business opportunities and inject vitality into their development.

Facilitating travel for the mainland residents to Hong Kong and Macao will stimulate economic activity and increase demand across tourism, retail, hotels and dining sectors, driving economic growth of Hong Kong and Macao, Liang Haiming, Chairman of the China Silk Road iValley Research Institute, a Hong Kong based research institute, told the Global Times on Sunday.

The initiatives focus particularly on simplifying travel for business professionals and talent from the mainland, which is expected to generate more business opportunities in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as enhancing the local talent pool and promoting cross-regional knowledge exchange, said Liang.

"Chinese mainland-based skilled workers may bring new momentum into innovation and development of Hong Kong and Macao," Liang said.

More business people and skilled workers will likely drive local commercial, and cultural exchanges with the international community, which is anticipated to increase foreign investment, boost foreign trade and more, Liang noted.

The new measures will allow multiple entries to Hong Kong and Macao for skilled talent from Beijing and Shanghai, granting them exit-entry permits valid for one to five years with each stay not exceeding 30 days. The new policies also include issuing multiple-entry visas to Macao for various activities such as exhibitions, medical treatment, and cultural performances.

Additionally, the National Immigration Administration will pilot online applications for replacing or reissuing passports and exit-entry permits for traveling to and from Hong Kong and Macao in 20 mainland cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

With the further integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the launch of new travel policies, interactions among residents of the three areas are becoming increasingly convenient, leading to closer economic ties.

For instance, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge border control announced that, as of 4 pm on Saturday, the bridge has recorded over 10 million vehicle runs.

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