Hong Kong entry requirements: things to consider when travelling for business

Entry conditions, negative test, vaccination certificate, quarantine, and QR-code for travelers. Our guide to current entry requirements in Hong Kong for your business activities.

Regarding entry requirements in Hong Kong, the Country has been keeping its borders closed for foreigners since February 2022. As a matter of fact, Hong Kong is now facing the 5th wave of Covid-19, which is why all Countries are now considered high risk.

Currently, only fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents can enter Hong Kong from Countries other than Mainland China or Macao, but subject to several restrictions.

Table of contents

1. Entry restrictions in Hong Kong
2. Mandatory PCR Test to enter the Country
3. Vaccination requirements to enter the Country
4. Quarantine restrictions in Hong Kong
5. Documentation required to enter the Country
6. Ask our Experts

1. Is there an entry ban in Hong Kong?

An entry ban is currently in force for foreigners planning to enter Hong Kong from high-risk Countries (all Countries outside China). As a matter of fact, only fully vaccinated residents are allowed to enter Hong Kong from places other than Mainland China or Macao.

On the other hand, both residents and non-residents, who have only stayed in Mainland China or Macao on the day of boarding and during the 14 days before arrival, can enter Hong Kong, regardless of their vaccination status. Nevertheless, specific rules will apply in this case.

More stringent restrictions apply to some Countries. As a matter of fact, passengers coming from or that – prior to arrival in HK – have been more than two hours in the 14 previous days in Australia, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, the UK, and the US cannot enter the Country, even if residents.

2. Mandatory PCR negative test result

To board a flight to Hong Kong, any traveler is required to submit a certificate of negative PCR test result with the traveler’s name being identical to the one reported in the travel document. The test must be taken within 48 hours prior to the time of departure of the aircraft arriving in Hong Kong and it must be in English or Chinese.

In case of a certificate written in another language, it must be accompanied by a written confirmation of the laboratory in English or Chinese with all the above-mentioned information. Finally, the test must be accompanied by a document proving that the laboratory is recognized or approved by the relevant Authority of the Country of origin.

3. Vaccination requirements to enter Hong Kong

To board a flight to Hong Kong, travelers must also show a certificate of vaccination in English or Chinese, with the traveler’s name being identical to the one reported in the travel document. Furthermore, it must be issued by a relevant Authority of the Country where the vaccine was administered, provided that the Country is on this list.

The certificate must include:

• the name of the administered vaccine;
• the number of doses;
• the administration date.

In case of a certificate written in another language, it must be accompanied by a written confirmation of the laboratory in English or Chinese with all the above-mentioned information.

4. Quarantine restrictions

Upon arrival, travelers shall take a further test and must wait at a designated location until the result is released. If negative, they may leave the airport to undergo quarantine in designated quarantine hotels.

Quarantine will last 14 days and will be followed by 7-days of self-monitoring.

During quarantine, travelers must undergo 6 further tests, check their temperature twice a day and record their health condition. To conclude, travelers must take two further tests: on the 16th and 19th day of arrival.

5. Documentation required to enter Hong Kong

In addition to the PCR test and the vaccination certificate, travelers must also submit an English or Chinese confirmation of room reservation in the designated quarantine hotels for not less than 14 nights from arrival.

Finally, they must submit a health declaration form online to obtain a QR code to be submitted upon arrival. This code is valid for 48 hours for arrival by air and for 24 hours for arrival by land.