In detail
The Hong Kong government announced that from 6 February 2023, all border entry points between Hong Kong and Mainland China have reopened, and all COVID-19 restrictions, including presentation of any negative PCR test or RAT test taken prior to their departures, daily quota restrictions at border control points and booking requirements for those travelling between Hong Kong and Mainland China, have been scrapped. However, except those who are aged 3 and below, those who are entering Mainland China from Hong Kong who have been overseas or in Taiwan in the previous seven days are still required to obtain a negative PCR test within 48 hours before departure. They are also required to complete an online pre-health declaration and present their "BLUE" QR code at the border checkpoints or before boarding their flights to Mainland China. If there are any abnormalities in their health declaration form or if they display any symptoms of fever, they are required to undergo testing by customs in Mainland China. Those who return a positive result are required to isolate at their residence or seek medical treatment.
Although Hong Kong reopened its borders and resumed quarantine-free travel with Mainland China on 8 January 2023, a quota system and COVID-19 testing requirements remained for travellers between the Mainland China and Hong Kong.
In addition to the seven existing border control points that resumed operations on 8 January 2023, three more control points have now been reopened, including Lo Wu Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Control Point and Heung Yuen Wai Control Point. This means that all pre-pandemic checkpoints have been reopened.
Furthermore, effective 6 February 2023, all arriving travellers, including non-Hong Kong residents, are no longer required to fulfil the relevant vaccination requirements to enter Hong Kong. However, all inbound overseas travellers (including those from Taiwan) who are over 3 years old are still required to obtain a negative result from a PCR test within 48 hours or RAT within 24 hours before their scheduled flight. They should keep photos showing their negative test results or test reports for 90 days for verification upon the request of government officers.
While Hong Kong has now dropped most of its COVID-19 requirements, mask-wearing is still mandatory unless exercising.
For more information, please contact Rowan.McKenzie@bakermckenzie.com or Charmaine.Ng@bakermckenzie.com.
