Entry requirement to Hong Kong from the US

Starting at 0.00 am, August 10, 2020, the relevant conditions for Hong Kong residents travelling from the US to Hong Kong have been simplified. Before boarding the flight, relevant travelers 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. The traveler is also 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. The travelers are also required to show confirmation that they have booked a hotel for at least two weeks and will be quarantined at the hotel upon arrival. 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.

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.

Hong Kong ready for vaccine procurement

Nov 24, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government is adopting a dual-track strategy in procuring COVID-19 vaccines to safeguard the health of Hong Kong people, said Chief Executive Carrie Lam. Speaking to reporters this morning, Mrs Lam said the Government is delighted to learn about the positive news from the World Health Organization and research institutions about the development of COVID-19 vaccines. She said Hong Kong is on a dual track to procure the vaccines. Hong Kong has joined the international COVAX (COVID-19 vaccine Global Access) arrangement and is also discussing, negotiating and signing advance purchase agreements with some research companies and drug production companies. Mrs Lam noted that the Government is financially capable of purchasing the vaccines. The Chief Executive said Hong Kong remains vigilant in fighting the epidemic and will continue to introduce anti-epidemic measures as necessary. Details here.

October exports down 1.1%

Nov 24, 2020 - The value of Hong Kong’s total exports fell to US$44.1 billion (HK$344.7 billion) in October, down 1.1% year-on-year. The value of goods imports rose 0.6% to US$48.8 billion (HK$381.4 billion) year-on-year in the same month. A trade deficit of US$4.7 billion (HK$36.8 billion), or 9.6% of the value of imports, was recorded for the period. The values of total exports to the US fell by 3.9% with the values of imports from the US down 4.1%. Details here.

Greater Bay Area office set up

Nov 23, 2020 - The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Development Office has been set up to strengthen the promotion and co-ordination work of the Hong Kong SAR Government on the GBA development. The GBA is a key development strategy in the country's reform and opening up and would provide a key direction for reviving Hong Kong's economy after the pandemic. The office's major duties include strengthening internal co-ordination within the government in the participation in the development of the bay area and providing secretariat support to a steering committee chaired by the Chief Executive. It will also promote exchange and co-operation with local stakeholders to gauge their views on the opportunities and the associated policy measures for taking forward the development of the bay area. Details here.

Virus testing for aircrew tightened

Nov 21, 2020 - Testing and isolation arrangement for air crew members and other persons who are exempted from quarantine requirement upon arriving in Hong Kong will be tightened, effective Nov 22. All air crew members who have visited the very high-risk places gazetted under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances & Travellers) Regulation during the 14 days prior to arrival in Hong Kong must comply with certain conditions. They must possess a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the flight to Hong Kong for duty. All air crew members must also take a post-arrival SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test at the Department of Health's Temporary Specimen Collection Centre and wait for the results there or any other location as designated by the department upon arrival at the airport. The Hong Kong SAR Government has been adjusting its anti-epidemic measures under the suppress and lift strategy, based on risk-level assessment by the Centre for Health Protection. Details here.

Air travel bubble deferred

Nov 21, 2020 - In view of the recent epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the inaugural flights under the Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble (ATB), originally scheduled for Nov 22, will be deferred for two weeks. Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau said the decision was made after a discussion between the governments of both places, adding the formal launch will be announced in due course. “In the interest of making a good start and also avoiding any confusion to passengers, we have decided to put this back for two weeks,” he said. “Doing this is necessary to avoid any inconvenience caused by the abrupt changes of the scheme to passengers, particularly those who need to return to Hong Kong in a short time.” To cope with possible fluctuation in the epidemic situation, the ATB has a built-in mechanism whereby the number of designated flights may be increased, decreased or even suspended depending on the situation. Details here.

Stricter anti-epidemic measures in place

Nov 21, 2020 - Live performance and dancing in catering premises (including bars or pubs), clubs or nightclubs will be banned and party rooms have to be closed from Nov 22 to 26 to curb the spread of COVID-19. In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks and various social activities as shown in recent cases, the Food and Health Bureau said it is necessary to further tighten the existing social distancing measures. Measures, including requirements on group gatherings and mask wearing as announced on Nov 14, are still in effect until November 26. Details here.

Chief Executive attends APEC meeting

Nov 20, 2020 - Chief Executive Carrie Lam exchanged views with participants at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020 Economic Leaders' Meeting on the fight against COVID-19, boosting economic recovery and promoting sustainable and inclusive development. This was the first virtual Economic Leaders' Meeting that has been held due to the epidemic situation. Noting that COVID-19 has brought about unprecedented challenges to the world, Mrs Lam said it is the duty of various economies to resolutely direct the fight against the virus, adding decisions must be based on science and people's interests rather than political considerations. Hong Kong has operated in an open and transparent manner throughout the pandemic with the extensive use of innovative technology and continuous enhancement of virus testing. Mrs Lam stressed that reviving the economy calls for co-operation among economies and that they must stand firm against unilateralism and protectionism. Noting APEC's long-standing commitment to a rule-based, multilateral trading system fully reflects Hong Kong's belief in strong, sustainable and inclusive growth, she said she hopes various economies would work collectively to embrace the vision on the path to recovery. Details here.

Past events