Latest updates on Hong Kong’s inbound and outbound rules for travellers [8 July 2022]

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These include the suspension of the route-specific flight suspension mechanism, and the extension of operating hours of Shenzhen Bay Control Point (SBCP).

Having regard to the latest epidemic developments in Hong Kong, the Mainland and across the globe, the HKSAR government announced on 7 July 2022 (Thursday) several updates on inbound and outbound rules.

Route-specific flight suspension mechanism suspended from 7 July 2022

As the vast majority of imported cases can be detected by nucleic acid tests under the "test-and-hold" arrangement at the airport and in designated quarantine hotels (DQHs), therefore, based on the overall principle of adopting precise anti-epidemic measures in a socially cost-effective manner, the route-specific flight suspension mechanism was suspended starting 7 July 2022 (Thursday) until further notice. 

Routes currently suspended under the mechanism will also be allowed to resume service.

Increase the nucleic acid testing frequency for inbound persons from 8 July 2022

Further to the earlier resumption of the post-quarantine compulsory testing requirement on the ninth day of arrival at Hong Kong, inbound travellers undergoing quarantine in DQHs are required to undergo an additional nucleic acid test on the third day of arrival from 8 July 2022 (Friday) onwards, in order to help identify infected persons sooner to prevent imported cases from spreading into the community.

Change of operating hours of Shenzhen Bay Control Point (SBCP) for passenger clearance from 8 July 2022

The HKSAR government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government have agreed to extend the operating hours of the SBCP for passenger clearance from 8 July 2022 (Friday). The operating hours change to 9am to 8pm daily until further notice, aiming to assist cross-boundary travellers with genuine needs to travel, such as for business purposes or for visiting relatives, without posing an additional health risk to the two places.

An additional rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based nucleic acid test for outbound travellers at land boundary control points (including the SBCP) has been provided since 21 March 2022. Only those who receive a negative result can continue with their journeys.

This special testing service will be provided for free at the SBCP from one hour before the opening of the control point (i.e. 8am) till 90 minutes before the closure of the control point (i.e. 6.30pm). Travellers should arrive at the control point at least two hours in advance so that they will have sufficient time to complete their clearance procedures after obtaining a negative test result, for continuing with the journey as planned. 

Cargo clearance services at the SBCP will continue to operate on a 24-hour basis.

At present, the SBCP and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port are still providing passenger clearance services among the land control points.

Image / Shutterstock

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