China and Hong Kong Ease Covid Travel Restrictions

China and Hong Kong have rapidly dismantled their Covid Zero regimes. In China the state-run “Communications Itinerary Card”, which tracks whether someone has been to a high-risk area based on their phone signal, when off line on Tuesday 13 December, according to an official WeChat post. A central part of China’s zero-Covid policy, millions of people were required to key in their phone numbers to produce its signature green arrow in order to travel between provinces or enter events. This decision comes just days after China announced an end to large-scale lockdowns, mandatory quarantine in central facilities, and a broad relaxation of testing measures, effectively retiring its zero-Covid strategy.

Hong Kong administration also announced easing of its Covid Traveller restrictions, and as of Wednesday 14 December, Hong Kong’ s LeaveHomeSafe QR codes would be removed, PCR tests scaled back and quarantine wristbands abandoned, while the amber health code restrictions on incoming travellers would be lifted. The latest 0+0 Covid arrangement is the biggest relaxation of rules since the start of the pandemic and will give Hong Kong a much-needed festive Christmas season boost.

In Hong Kong the vaccine pass however will remain in place as will the mandatory mask wearing requirements for all public places and on public transport.

Key Points for Hong Kong Visitors arriving from the 14 December.

• no more amber health code for arrivals, who can roam freely in the city if they test negative

• Residents will not be required to use the risk-exposure ‘Leave Home Safe’ app in all premises, but proof of vaccination will be required for entry to designated venues

• Compulsory PCR tests issued to residential buildings will be reduced. Only staff in hospitals and nursing homes will be required to undergo PCR tests. Workers in other occupations can opt for rapid antigen tests

• No more checkpoint PCR test required for cross-border travellers entering Macau and mainland China

• Hong Kong residents will no longer be required to use the “Leave Home Safe” risk-exposure app in all premises, adult residents entering restaurants, bars and 12 other types of venues must still show proof of having received three shots of a coronavirus vaccine – either electronically or on paper.

From Wednesday 14 December, incoming travellers who test negative will be given a blue code on their temporary vaccine pass, allowing them to move freely around the city.  Those who test positive will continue to receive a red health code and be required to follow existing isolation protocols. Arrivals will also still need to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at the airport and on their third day in the city, and a rapid antigen test (RAT) for five days. 

Under the relaxations announced by Hong Kong, travellers heading to the mainland and Macau will no longer need to undergo pre-departure tests at checkpoints and only be required to complete a PCR test 48 hours before leaving. Overseas visitors who fulfil these requirements can enter the mainland and Macau directly via Hong Kong ports.