In February 2020, Hong Kong made international headlines when it announced that it would be closing its border with China at midnight of that day. This move was made in response to the demands of the Hong Kong population, long before other countries started closing their borders. This event is significant as it provides a context for understanding the situation and reason behind the country’s closure. You couldn’t even think to visit Hong Kong during this period.
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In early 2020, Hong Kong was already facing its own set of challenges, including widespread protests that had driven tourists away, leaving the city a ghost town. When COVID-19 first began to spread, the impact on the city was minimal, and the virus was widely seen as a “China disease”. As a result, most people in Hong Kong did not wear masks, and the nightlife in places like Wan Chai continued uninterrupted.
However, the situation changed as the pandemic spread, and international borders were closed, leading to lockdowns, deaths, and vaccinations. Despite being supplied with vaccines from both China and the West, Hong Kong was slow to vaccinate, and the economy remained slow to reopen despite its heavy reliance on tourism.
The gradual reopening to tourists
Hong Kong slowly started to reopen to tourism in May 2022, with a sliding scale of quarantine levels that could eventually be done at home. However, the rules were regularly changed and remained confusing to many, contrasting with places like Cambodia and Thailand, which threw open their doors. Instead, Hong Kong followed in the footsteps of mainland China and Taiwan, acting with more caution.
As things stand, visitors to Hong Kong need only show proof of vaccination, without being tested. However, they may be asked to take a random test at the airport, and it remains unclear what would happen should they test positive.
Hong Kong in 2024 has a very different attitude towards COVID-19 than it did in early 2020. This is evident at the airport, where staff members are quick to provide masks and ensure compliance. Visitors are required to sign a document indicating that they will be fined HKD 500 (USD 70) if they test positive for COVID-19. Unlike other places, COVID-19 still dominates the news and public service broadcasts, with the elderly being encouraged to get vaccinated.
Hong Kong’s struggle to get its older population vaccinated is unrelated to the policies of mainland China, and it highlights the challenges that the city faces in reopening fully.
On January 8, 2023, the border between China and Hong Kong reopened, which was a significant event for the city. However, the process of reopening has been slow, reflecting Hong Kong’s cautious approach to COVID-19.
The current situation in Hong Kong for tourists
Hong Kong has dropped the vaccination requirement for Hongkongers and international arrivals. Unvaccinated residents and non-residents will be able to enter the city without restriction. This means that anyone can enter Hong Kong, regardless of their vaccination status. However, visitors are still required to follow some protocols to keep the city safe.
What are the entry requirements to visit Hong Kong?
With Covid-19 measures now eased in Hong Kong, including arrival restrictions, international travellers looking to explore the city are now free to enter. If your country requires a visa to visit Hong Kong, please obtain one before your trip. Testing before boarding are not mandated, but those who take the test may voluntarily declare the test result via the Department of Health’s electronic health declaration form.
If you’re not a permanent Hong Kong resident and travelling under a work or tourist visa, ensure your visa has a sufficient validity period, or you will be denied entry. The Immigration Department (ImmD) provides electronic services for visa application and ‘e-Visa’ arrangements, allowing applicants to complete the entire process without going to the immigration office in person. Suppose your visa is under renewal and is getting delayed. In that case, it is best to send an authorised representative to the ImmD office to fix your reentry as emails and phone calls will take a long time.
Can you around freely when you visit Hong Kong?
Yes, Covid-19 regulations have already eased in Hong Kong. You can freely explore all the incredible things to do in the city. Mask-wearing mandate, the last major rule to fight against Covid-19, has been lifted since March 1. However, it is recommended that visitors keep updated with the latest Covid-19 measures in the city.
What to do upon arrival in Hong Kong?
After arriving in Hong Kong International Airport, all visitors are required to take a health declaration form and present a valid identification document, including a passport or an identity card. When you visit Hong Kong you should ensure that you have filled in the electronic health declaration form and submitted it to the Department of Health within 48 hours before boarding their flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, visitors should present the printout of the electronic health declaration form to the health officials.
After completing the health declaration process, visitors can proceed to the immigration counters to have their travel documents processed. Visitors should ensure that they have a valid visa or entry permit before they travel to Hong Kong.
If visitors do not have a visa or entry permit, they should proceed to the relevant counters to have their entry permit processed. Visitors who require a visa should have their visa processed before they travel to Hong Kong.
After completing the immigration process, visitors can proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their luggage. Visitors should ensure that they have their luggage tags and boarding passes ready for inspection. Visitors can then proceed to the customs area for inspection.
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The future of tourism in Hong Kong
Despite the challenges that Hong Kong has faced in reopening to tourists, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of tourism in the city. Hong Kong is a world-class destination that offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, from its iconic skyline to its beautiful hiking trails.
As Hong Kong continues to reopen, it is likely that the city will take steps to encourage tourists to visit, including easing travel restrictions and promoting local attractions. In the meantime, visitors to Hong Kong can still enjoy many of the city’s highlights, such as its vibrant street markets, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking views.
Should you visit Hong Kong in 2024?
Hong Kong’s response to COVID-19 has been cautious and measured, reflecting the city’s unique position as a Special Administrative Region of China. The slow reopening of the city to tourism has been a challenging process, but there is reason to be hopeful about the future. As Hong Kong continues to reopen, it will be essential to balance the need to protect public health with the desire to welcome visitors and revive the city’s economy.
