Travel to Hong Kong just got a lot easier.
The Hong Kong SAR Government today announced the lifting of all mandatory PCR test requirements for inbound travelers upon arrival in Hong Kong. They’re also getting rid of the Vaccine Pass, which allowed access to only specified premises and other measures starting from tomorrow, December 29.
“The new measures mark a key milestone for tourism revival and the full reopening of the tourism doors of Hong Kong,” said Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. “Visitors can now fully enjoy Hong Kong’s diverse offerings once they arrive in town. 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.”
In the last few years, numerous attractions, world-class museums and hotels have been opened or revamped to inject novelty into the travel experience in the city. In addition to the new experiences, a strong line-up of all-time favourites continues to await visitors to rediscover in Hong Kong, including its diverse gastronomic options, year-round events and the great outdoors.
The BBC reports masks will remain required in some public areas.
Earlier this week, China said it will be lifting travel restrictions starting early next year. CNBC reports that the Chinese government on Monday said that starting Jan. 8, 2023, travelers will no longer need to quarantine upon arrival on the mainland. China said it would improve visa arrangements for foreigners to enter the country for resumption of work, business, study, visiting relatives and other gatherings.
Chinese citizens’ ability to travel overseas will be “resumed in an orderly manner,” the announcement said.
Opening outbound travel from China is potentially a huge development for tourism in the United States and Canada, particularly in west coast cities such as Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. It’s also big news for Australia.
Opening inbound travel from North America and other parts of the world could allow Air Canada and other airlines to re-open valuable, money-making routes from Toronto, Vancouver and other cities.
But there are concerns about outbound travel. Reports out of China indicate a surge in hospitalization rates due to COVID-19, and CBS News reports that Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia have already said they will require virus tests for visitors from China, and Japanese authorities have sharply restricted the number of flights to and from China, and CBS said U.S. officials are considering similar measures.
