Hong Kong Tourism Board welcomes easing of some of the world's toughest travel restrictions

The Hong Kong Government announced on Friday that it will be ending mandatory hotel quarantine which has significantly impacted the economy and kept the finance hub internationally isolated for almost two years.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has welcomed the Government’s announcement on the new '0+3' arrangements from 26th September for inbound travellers from overseas through Hong Kong International Airport.

Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee said the current three days of hotel quarantine would be reduced to zero for those arriving from overseas and from 26th September, travellers will be subject to PCR tests on arrival and will be unable to visit restaurants and bars for the first three days under system authorities have dubbed '0+3'.

Dr Pang Yiu-kai, HKTB Chairman notes “the new arrangements mark Hong Kong’s re-opening as a tourism gateway with significant international connections. This is expected to initially attract mainly business travellers, family visitors and returning Hong Kong residents.

However, while travellers are no longer required to take a PCR test before boarding flights to Hong Kong, and upon arrival, they can head directly to their home or chosen hotel to await the test results, strict pandemic rules will stay in place, including social distancing restrictions, mandatory mask wearing and digital health codes to enter public venues.

Overseas arrivals will also need further PCR tests on days two, four and six in the city.

Tourists who test positive face being isolated in hotel rooms at their own expense. Most residents can isolate themselves at home, but those who cannot be sent to government facilities.

Group gatherings of more than four people in public remain banned.

Authorities also said they were lifting quotas on arrivals from mainland China - but those going in the opposite direction must still quarantine under Beijing's strict zero-COVID rules.

The HKTB has been actively planning to revive the tourism industry and will launch various initiatives in a timely manner, working with the Government, the tourism industry and related sectors, to drive the recovery of Hong Kong tourism.

The HKTB looks forward to welcoming Australians back to Hong Kong to explore the many exciting new developments including the West Kowloon Cultural District, home to the new M+ museum of visual culture and the Hong Kong Palace museum.

For the past two and a half years, Hong Kong has adhered to a version of China's strict zero-COVID rules. After Hong Kong's announcement, China will be the only country still adhering to lengthy quarantine for international arrivals.

Image: COVID masks being worn at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Credit: Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA).