In late 2022, Hong Kong eliminated on-arrival COVID-19 testing requirements for inbound passengers. However, passengers bound for Hong Kong were still subject to pre-departure testing and mandatory proof of vaccination.

As of April 1, 2023, Hong Kong has removed all remaining pandemic-related restrictions for inbound travellers, which marks the final step toward reopening to the world in earnest.

Hong Kong Eliminates All Testing Requirements

Hong Kong’s journey to reopening has been through a series of gradual steps which began in Fall 2022.

Since September 26, 2022, independent tourists have been able to enter Hong Kong for the purpose of tourism with no designated quarantine. The caveat was that inbound travellers were subject to a myriad of tests before and after their flights to Hong Kong, as well as a three-day health monitoring period upon arrival.

While these requirements were very light in comparison to previous heavy-handed rules, they still added some stress for anyone planning a trip to Hong Kong.

Then, as of December 29, 2022, travellers were no longer subjected to coronavirus testing after their arrival in Hong Kong. While passengers were still required to take a pre-departure test, this removed another barrier for anyone who might have otherwise been contemplating a trip to Hong Kong, but didn’t want to be subjected to so many tests after arrival.

At this stage of reopening, Hong Kong’s vaccine pass, which provided access to many establishments, was also no longer required. Similarly, social distancing rules and mandatory quarantine with a positive test disappeared, too.

On February 6, 2023, Hong Kong removed the requirement for inbound passengers to show proof of vaccination upon entry. This was also the date upon which the land border with China fully reopened.

On March 1, 2023, the requirement to wear face masks in public was removed, and things were essentially back to normal in Hong Kong.

The final step for Hong Kong was to remove the pre-departure testing requirement for inbound passengers.

As of April 1, 2023, all pre-departure and post-arrival quarantine and testing requirements have been removed, which means that Hong Kong is finally fully reopen to the world without restrictions.

How to Get to Hong Kong

With this latest announcement, there is surely going to be a barrage of travellers who wish to visit Hong Kong once again. 

To fly…