After more than two years of strict pandemic rules, the Hong Kong government announced that all of its mandatory control measures for inbound travelers are lifted starting Thursday, Dec. 29.
“The new measures mark a key milestone for tourism revival and the full reopening of the tourism doors of Hong Kong. Visitors can now fully enjoy Hong Kong’s diverse offerings once they arrive in town," Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said.
The government stated that it no longer requires visitors to take PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests upon arrival.
However, visitors will have to present negative results of their PCR tests that should be taken not more than 48 hours, while rapid antigen tests (RAT) must be within 24 hours before their flights to Hong Kong.
The vaccination pass is also not required.
"We believe this will attract visitors to Hong Kong from around the world. Taking into account the pace of outbound travel resumption in different visitor source markets, HKTB will gradually step up its promotions worldwide to uphold Hong Kong’s status as a world-class travel destination," Dr. Yiu-kai added.
The government declared that the daily RAT on the first five days of arrival is likewise, voluntary.
Social distancing in public places, capacity limits in restaurants and other premises are also lifted.
Close contacts or co-living members of confirmed COVID cases would no longer be isolated in residence or government-run healthcare facilities.
Meanwhile, the government reminded the public that they should still wear facemasks as the mandatory mask-wearing remains in effect.