Entry requirement to Hong Kong from the US

Before boarding the flight, travelers from the US are required to present test report, in English or Chinese, showing a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test administered within 72 hours of the scheduled time of departure. They are required to present documentary proof in English to show that the laboratory or healthcare institution is recognized/ approved/ ISO15189 accredited. Recognized laboratories in the US may be located via: https://qcor.cms.gov/main.jsp (please click on “CLIA Laboratory Lookup” in the left-hand column) or on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/clia/LabSearch.html and print out the relevant record from the database. A relevant letter issued by the New York State Department of Health is attached for reference. Starting from December 22, 2020, all travelers arriving in Hong Kong from countries outside China are required to undergo 14-day compulsory quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel. They will have to take designated transport to travel from the airport to the designated quarantine hotels. Please note that until further notice, only Hong Kong residents will be permitted to enter Hong Kong. The relevant specifications will remain effective until further notice. Details here.

Hong Kong's latest response to COVID-19

Get timely information on how Hong Kong is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, including quarantine arrangements, social distancing measures, public safety, public health and other issues. Details here.

Seasons Greetings from the Hong Kong Commissioner, USA

Eddie Mak, Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States, reflects on the historic ties between the United States and Hong Kong, and expresses hope for a return to normalcy from the pandemic in the New Year. Click here to view message.

Experience Hong Kong’s arts and culture scene from the comfort of your home

Through a newly created webpage, we hope to bring you some of Hong Kong’s best and diverse arts and cultural programs for you to enjoy from the comfort of your home. We will showcase Hong Kong's vibrant arts and cultural scene though webinar discussions, performances, art exhibitions and many other collaborations. Details here.

Social distancing measures extended through Feb 3

Jan 26, 2021 - In view of the serious COVID-19 epidemic situation, existing social distancing measures in Hong Kong will be extended through Feb 3. Dine-in service in restaurants must end at 6 pm, with no more than two people seated together at one table. Bars, pubs and other public venues remain closed. Group gatherings in public places are restricted to two people with mandatory mask-wearing requirement on public transport and in specified public places remaining in force. Details here.

Hong Kong's gateway role

Jan 26, 2021 - Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Hong Kong has long been a gateway between Mainland China and the world and hopes to play a constructive role between the US and China by leveraging on the city's unique advantages under "One Country, Two Systems". Addressing the 2021 Hong Kong Forum on US-China Relations today, Mrs Lam pointed out that Hong Kong and the US have enjoyed longstanding success in business, trade and finance, adding that the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is one of the city's largest international chamber. "We welcome US businesses and individuals to continue contributing to and benefiting from Hong Kong's promising prospects," she said. Mrs Lam said Hong Kong is set to benefit from China's national development and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area will be an excellent entry point. "Beyond innovation and technology, Hong Kong will drive financial services for the region, given our longstanding strengths in financial services, our ability to bridge East and West and the unmatched depth and quality of our professional services," she said. Details here.

Restriction-testing declaration to combat COVID-19

Jan 26, 2021 - Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the Hong Kong SAR Government may use the restriction-testing declaration for restricted areas again to combat COVID-19 in the future. Speaking ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting, Mrs Lam said the operation taken at the restricted area in Jordan has been an effective tool against the virus by identifying 13 confirmed cases from more than 7,000 compulsory virus tests among residents living in about 150 buildings. Acknowledging that there were areas for improvement following a review of the operation, Mrs Lam said enforcement is an integral part of the operation and urged the public to promote compliance to restriction-testing declaration. Details here.

COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use

Jan 25, 2021 - Hong Kong has authorized the COVID-19 vaccine by Fosun Pharma/BioNTech for emergency use in Hong Kong, following the advice and recommendations of the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines. The Advisory Panel considers that, under the current epidemic situation, the benefits of authorizing the use of the COVID-19 vaccine by Fosun Pharma/BioNTech for protecting against COVID-19 outweigh the risks. The first batch of one million doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive Hong Kong from Germany in late February. Details here.

Restriction testing declaration lifted

Jan 25, 2021 - Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the restricted area set up in Jordan district for 48 hours was for the purpose of conducting compulsory COVID-19 testing. Explaining the scope of the operation to the media on Jan 24, Mrs Lam said there is a difference between what the Hong Kong SAR Government is doing and what people normally refer to as a “city lockdown” in other parts of the world. As the affected residents are not allowed to leave their home for up to 48 hours, the Government has provided all the needed assistance, including the provisions of food packs and other supplies. The order was lifted once the compulsory testing for the entire area has been completed. Details here.

Internship programs to be launched

Jan 24, 2021 - Two internship programs will be launched to create some 200 full-time entry-level job opportunities for young people in the creative industries and telecommunications sectors. The Future International Talent program and the Telecommunications Opportunities Program will work in collaboration with six international chambers of commerce in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG). Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau thanked the six international chambers and the HKFYG for their partnership and commitment towards the nurturing of talents in Hong Kong. “The two programs will also provide much-needed job opportunities for our young people at this difficult time,” he said. More information on the internship will be announced in due course, with recruitment scheduled to start within the first quarter of this year. Details here.

Boarding restrictions and compulsory quarantine requirement maintained

Jan 23, 2021 - The Hong Kong SAR Government announced today that in view of the developments of the global COVID-19 epidemic situation, it is necessary to maintain restrictions for persons who have stayed in the extremely high-risk Group A specified places from boarding Hong Kong-bound flights. Group A specific places include Brazil, Ireland, South Africa and the UK, which have seen the emergence of different new virus variants with high transmissibility. The Government is also maintaining the 21-day compulsory quarantine requirement for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in places outside China. Persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in the very high-risk Group B specified places, including the US, also have to present proof of a negative result of a nucleic acid test for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the aircraft. A Government spokesman reiterated, "The Government recognizes that maintaining the above stringent requirement may inevitably affect the return journey of a number of Hong Kong residents in these places. However, as the new virus variants are more transmissible, and the epidemic situation in the four places mentioned above remain severe, it is necessary for the Government to firmly guard against the importation of COVID-19 cases in order to protect the well-being of Hong Kong residents." Details on the grouping of specified places and their respective boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements can be found at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html. Details here.

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