Tourists will be able to go outside the hotel, but will remain under medical supervision
From September 26, the Hong Kong authorities eased a number of anti-COVID restrictions, in particular, canceled mandatory quarantine for arrivals from abroad: tourists will be able to leave the hotel, but will remain under medical supervision, the government of the administrative region reports.
“The government has announced the lifting of mandatory quarantine requirements for people arriving from overseas or from Taiwan, effective September 26. At the same time, the procedure for the entry of persons from the mainland or Macau will be streamlined. The government's goal is to minimize the inconvenience faced by incoming travelers due to quarantine requirements, and to enable Hong Kong to connect with the world while containing the coronavirus pandemic,” the government said in a press release.
According to the Hong Kong authorities, as of September 26, a PCR test before boarding a flight for those arriving in the region is not required. It can be replaced with a rapid antigen test done within 24 hours before departure. The results must be entered into the online declaration of health and quarantine, after which the service will generate a QR code for the passenger.
“A Test-and-go scheme will be implemented at Hong Kong International Airport: arrivals will not need to wait for PCR test results at the airport, they will be able to receive the test results remotely,” the government said.
Also, foreign tourists who check into any hotel will just need to be under medical supervision for three days. At the same time, during these days they will be allowed to go outside the hotel with some restrictions. This is followed by a four-day self-monitoring period for the onset of coronavirus symptoms.
“During the medical observation and self-monitoring period, travelers to Hong Kong are subject to daily rapid antigen testing within a week from the date of arrival. If at least one of the tests (including the airport PCR) detects covid, then the traveler will be isolated,” the authorities explain.
To visit Hong Kong now, foreign citizens must observe a three-day quarantine at the hotel, and then another four days to be under medical supervision. At this time, they are prohibited from visiting public places, such as bars and restaurants.
Russian tourists are allowed to enter Hong Kong if they have a vaccination certificate from the government services portal (“Sputnik V” is suitable), carried out not later than 14 days before the trip. Transit flights through Hong Kong are possible, but not to China. Hong Kong cannot be entered if the traveler has visited China, Taiwan or Macau within 14 days prior to travel.