Almost two and a half years later since the adoption of the strict measures against Covid-19 that threatened the commercial competitiveness of the former British colony, the new Government provisions enter in force, regulating the arrival of travelers entering Hong Kong territory from abroad.
Starting from September 26, travelers to Hong Kong will no longer be subject to mandatory quarantine, although they will be required to comply with new measures adopted by the Government which seem to presage the long-awaited return to normality.
- Replacing the seven days of mandatory quarantine previously provided for, the so-called “0+3” plan will be activated, which no longer provides for any compulsory quarantine, but only three days of domestic self-monitoring starting the day after the arrival in the territory. During the three days, access to certain public places such as restaurants and shopping centers remains limited;
- Travelers will be no longer required to provide a pre-flight PCR test 48 hours before the departure. It will be replaced by a Rapid Antigen Test to be done 24 hours before the flight.
- Once arrived in Hong Kong, travelers will be subject to the “test and go” at the airport testing centers. In the following days, besides the three days of self-monitoring, it will be required a PCR test on day 2, 4 and 6 (0 corresponds to the arrival day) and a daily rapid test from day 1 to day 7.
The new regulations undoubtedly reflect the local government’s objective to support a social and economic recovery in a responsible and gradual manner, with a view to simultaneously restoring Hong Kong’s status as a trade and financial hub, in crisis due to the alignment with the zero-Covid policy in force in mainland China.
Asia Desk – Zunarelli Law Firm
