Hong Kong to Drop Covid Tests for Arrivals, Vaccination Pass

Hong Kong announced on Wednesday inbound travelers will no longer be required to take a mandatory PCR Covid-19 test on arrival, following mainland China’s direction in an effort to exit the stringent Zero-Covid policy that has held the borders closed for about 3 years.

The city’s vaccine pass required to enter most venues would also be scrapped, according to local broadcaster TVB. 

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the measures will take into effect December 29.

In a shocking policy shift, China this month began removing the world’s tightest Covid policy of lockdowns and extensive testing. Officials have announced that quarantine would no longer be mandatory for visitors entering the country as of January 8.

Travel restrictions between Hong Kong and the mainland were implemented in early 2020. Due to multiple outbreaks in Hong Kong and on the mainland, the reopening was repeatedly delayed.