Immigration update: Hong Kong | Suspension of flights from 9 countries to be lifted

The suspension of flights from 9 countries will be lifted from 1 April 2022 with certain conditions in place.

Who will be affected?

Anyone entering Hong Kong who is a resident or holds a valid visa

Background

From 1 April 2022 all flight suspensions will be lifted for all countries that were previously suspended (Australia, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, United Kingdom, United States of America).

Travelers from all places outside of Mainland China Macau will not be permitted to board their flight for Hong Kong, except for those who can meet the following conditions:

• Hong Kong resident (HK citizen, Permanent Resident, valid/initial visa holder) whom have been fully vaccinated and can present a recognised vaccination record (refer to attachments for recognised vaccines and recognised vaccination records, and relevant format if required)
• A negative result proof of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19 conducted within 48 hours before the scheduled time of departure to Hong Kong;

1. 1. The original of the report for the test issued by the laboratory or healthcare institution bearing the name and identity card or passport number of the relevant traveler;
   2. Documented proof in English or Chinese issued by the relevant authority of the government of the place in which the laboratory or healthcare institution is located that the lab is ISO15189 accredited or Government recognised

• Confirmation of room reservation at a Designated Government Hotel for 7 or 14 nights* from the day of arrival in Hong Kong;

1. 1. Subject to daily rapid antigen tests (RATs)
   2. Subject to PCR-based nucleic acid test on day 5 and 12

• Accompanied unvaccinated children of the traveller, who are below the age of 12, can also board the flight for Hong Kong if they are accompanied by an adult who meets the above requirements.

1. 1. Children are also subject to point 2 and 3.

• Subject to “test and hold” arrangement at the airport upon arrival in Hong Kong; and
• Upon confirmation of negative test result, board the designated transport arranged by the Government to go to a Designated Government Hotel to undergo compulsory quarantine.

* If the results of the PCR-based nucleic acid test conducted on day 5 and the RATs conducted on day 6 and 7 are all negative, the traveller can be discharged from quarantine on day 7 . However, they must self-monitor their health for subsequent 7 days (definition, attached) and attend PCR-based nucleic acid test on day 12 at either Community Testing Centre/mobile testing station/arrange a self-paid test by professional swab sampling at a local medical institution recognised by the Government.

Travellers from Mainland China and Macau

Travellers (Hong Kong resident or non-resident) who have stayed in Mainland China or Macau for the past 14 days may serve the 14 days quarantine from any chosen private accommodation (i.e. private residence, serviced apartment, hotel not on the designated government hotel list). All arrivals from Mainland China (outside Guangdong Province) and Macau must comply with the following requirements:

• A negative result proof of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before arrival in Hong Kong;

1. 1. Mutually recognised by the governments of Hong Kong and Guangdong / Hong Kong and Macao (medical or testing institutions in the Guangdong Province; medical or testing institutions in Macao; medical or testing institutions in Hong Kong); or
   2. Recognised by the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China (the list can be accessed via the State Council Portal Mini Program on nucleic acid testing organisation enquiry function).

• Vaccination record, if fully vaccinated 14 days before travelling to Hong Kong, and looking to shorten their quarantine period.
  Travellers from Mainland China and Macau who have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before arriving in Hong Kong are subject to a shortened quarantine period from 14 days to 7 days.
• Carry out 14 or 7 days of quarantine from any chosen private accommodation.

1. • Undergo 3 tests during the quarantine.

– Professional swab sampling at a Community Testing Centre (CTC), or a recognised local medical testing institutions; or conduct and submit a deep throat saliva test at specified collection points. The compulsory test on Day 12 of arrival must be conducted at a Community Testing Centre.

• • (if vaccinated) Upon completion of 7 days of quarantine, they must self-monitor for subsequent 7 days.

Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Mainland China or Macau in the past 14 days prior to travelling to Hong Kong may be exempted from the 14-day quarantine requirement when returning to Hong Kong. This arrangement is quota based and the requirements will differ between the points of entry to Hong Kong (via. International Airport and via. Land Boundary Control Points). You may find the details on the “Return2HK” travel scheme on the government’s website. Kindly note this scheme is not applicable for visa activation purpose, and the HKID card is necessary for applying for the quota. Travelers are still subject to self-monitoring and 3 testing requirements as mentioned on point 3 above. The “Come2HK” travel scheme (link) is intended for Visitors to come to Hong Kong while being exempted from quarantine. We cannot guarantee that the quota will be permitted to be used for initial visa activation purpose.

Legally married spouse or a minor child of a Hong Kong resident (HK citizen, Permanent Resident, valid/initial visa holder) will still be permitted to enter Hong Kong as Visitors as long as they are able to fulfill the criteria in respect to Hong Kong’s travel regulations and quarantine requirements. Please also refer to the following pages for further information regarding quarantine exemptions;

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/599C-quarantine_exemption.html
and

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/599C-quarantine_exemption.html

Impact

1. Expect an influx of people returning to Hong Kong in the coming months.

2. Quarantine Hotel room shortage due to high volume of people returning to Hong Kong

Santa Fe Analysis

Santa Fe advise all our clients to continue to take health and safety measures while they travel.

The HKSAR is continuing to monitor the situation and is aiming to suspend distancing measures in the coming months in several phases.

While government policies are not always clear and straight forward, you can reach out to your local Santa Fe consultant for more information and guidance.

For more information or assistance please contact:

Jason Li
Immigration Manager – Hong Kong
Santa Fe Relocation
Hong Kong
D: +852 2833 2526
M: +852 9768 0021
E: jason.li@santaferelo.com

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