Hong Kong, a favorite destination for many travelers in Asia, is lifting more COVID-19 restrictions. With the most recent changes, the city is becoming more attractive for tourists — including American tourists — to visit again.
In the past, incoming travelers were required to take multiple COVID-19 tests to gain entry. However, effective December 29, 2022, one press release from the Hong Kong government said travelers arriving by air only need to have a negative test result within a certain period of time before their scheduled departure to Hong Kong. Specifically, Hong Kong will accept a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours of departure or a polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) within 48 hours of departure.
The press release states that travelers should keep “photographs showing test results or test reports for 90 days to present to Government personnel for inspection upon request.” Declare your test results through HSKAR electronic health declaration form of the Ministry of Health is now optional. However, you may still want to submit your results for a QR code as some airlines may still require it at check-in.
Hong Kong is phasing out the Vaccine Card and stopping the provision of the Vaccination Card for visitors. However, non-Hong Kong residents aged 12 years or older still need to provide proof of vaccination before boarding their flight to Hong Kong.
Vaccination requirements and temperature checks do not apply to transit passengers who do not go through immigration control, per a press release issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in September.
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Finally, Hong Kong is upholding its previous mask-wearing requirements. In particular, it is still required to wear a mask in all public places, including public transport, according to South China Post Office Morning.
If you’re looking to book a trip to Hong Kong, consider Convert Alaska Mileage Plan to fly on Cathay Pacific. After all, you can Fly business class to Asia with just 50,000 Alaska miles.
Or you can free stop in Hong Kong on the way to Australia with just 60,000 Alaska miles. Best of all, now you can use Alaska miles to book Cathay Pacific rewards online.
For the latest information on visiting Hong Kong, refer to Hong Kong government website and Consulate General of the United States of America Hong Kong.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson and Katie Genter.
