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.

Join Our Virtual Chinese New Year Celebration

While traditional in-person celebrations have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, we invite you to visit our dedicated platform Celebrating the Year of the Ox 2021 to mark the season with a selection of performances, explorations and cultural traditions.

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.

COVID-19 vaccination program starts

Feb 26, 2021 - The COVID-19 Vaccination Program was officially launched today, receiving an enthusiastic public response. People in the priority groups who made appointments received the Sinovac vaccine at five Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) and 18 Hospital Authority (HA) general outpatient clinics. A total of about 6,000 people have received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine today, while a cumulative total of about 6,600 persons have been vaccinated since Feb 22. The Government has procured three vaccines from different technology platforms with a total of 22.5 million doses, which would be sufficient for vaccinating all the people in Hong Kong. "Getting vaccinated can not only protect oneself, but also family members and friends, and will help reduce the risk of a community outbreak. We call on the citizens in the five priority groups to get vaccinated early so that our economy and way of life could return to normal as soon as possible," a Government spokesman said. Details here.

Chief Executive attends bay area ceremony

Feb 26, 2021 - Chief Executive Carrie Lam today attended the "Greater Bay Area - Starting Line to a Bright Future" ceremony with youth development as the theme. The Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to giving new impetus to Hong Kong's economic development through participating in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area). It will also step up its publicity and promotional efforts to encourage Hong Kong people to participate more proactively in the development. “Young people are brimming with energy and vitality, and are full of hope and vision for their future. The Greater Bay Area provides a stage to realize their aspirations,” said Mrs Lam at the ceremony. “The Hong Kong SAR Government wishes to encourage Hong Kong young people to aim high and explore opportunities beyond Hong Kong, and unleash their potential on a bigger platform through starting a new business or pursuing a career of their interest in the Greater Bay Area." Details here.

Surplus recorded

Feb 26, 2021 - The Hong Kong SAR Government recorded a surplus of HK$55.5 billion (US$7.1 billion) in January, with expenditure at HK$47.4 billion (US$6 billion) and revenue at $102.8 billion (US$13.1 billion). Government expenditure for the 10-month period ending Jany 31 amounted to HK$667.5 billion (US$85.5 billion), with revenue at HK$454.2 billion (US$58.2 billion), bringing the cumulative year-to-date deficit to HK$213.3 billion (US$27.3 billion). Fiscal reserves stood at HK$947 billion (US$121.4 billion) as at Jan 31. Taking into account the forecast revenue and expenditure for the remaining two months, the deficit for the 2020-21 financial year is expected to be HK$257.6 billion (US$33 billion) and the fiscal reserves are estimated to be HK$902.7 billion (US$115.7 billion) as at the end of March. Details here.

Financial Secretary unveils 2021-22 Budget

Feb 24, 2021 - Financial Secretary Paul Chan today announced in his 2021-22 budget wide-ranging measures to revive Hong Kong’s economy and help people overcome financial difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Chan said he expected a gradual recovery for the economy this year, but warned of financial challenges in the coming few years. The budget introduces counter-cyclical measures costing over US$15 billion. Severely impacted by the global pandemic, Hong Kong’s economy contracted by 6.1% in 2020. The Financial Secretary forecast economic growth of between 3.5% and 5.5% in real terms in 2021. To help ease financial burden, this year's budget included a range of relief measures for individuals and businesses. In addition, spending would not be reduced in areas related to people’s livelihood, especially the policy areas of education, social welfare and healthcare. The Financial Secretary also set out various initiatives to reinforce the competitiveness, support the recovery and boost the development of key industries, including financial services, innovation and technology, air cargo, tourism and creative industries. Details here.

WTO to handle trade dispute

Feb 23, 2021 - The World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) agreed at its meeting on Feb 22 to Hong Kong's request to establish a panel to consider the dispute raised by the city with respect to the violation of WTO rules by the US' new requirement on origin marking for Hong Kong products, the Hong Kong SAR Government said today. At the DSB meeting, Permanent Representative of the Hong Kong SAR to the WTO Laurie Lo reiterated Hong Kong's strong objection against the US' unilateral and irresponsible imposition of the new requirement on origin marking for Hong Kong products. Mr Lo also pointed out that the new requirement is not only unjustifiable but also inconsistent with a number of WTO rules and it damages Hong Kong's interests as a WTO member. It is therefore necessary to set up a panel to follow up on the matter, he explained. The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau said so far 13 WTO members have indicated an interest to join the panel's meetings as third parties, indicating their concern with the issue which involves the multilateral trading system and the equal rights of WTO members. The bureau reiterated that pursuant to the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR is a separate customs territory and may, using the name "Hong Kong, China", participate in international organizations such as the WTO and Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation as a separate member, and develop mutually beneficial economic and trade relations with economies around the world. Hong Kong's special status has been widely recognized and respected by the international community and the city's economic and trade status is on par with that of other WTO members. Details here.

Group gathering limit eased

Feb 23, 2021 - The Hong Kong SAR Government today gazetted amendments of various regulations under the Prevention & Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap 599) including relaxing the number of people allowed in group gatherings in public places from two to four and extending the expiry dates of the relevant regulations to Sep 30. The relaxation of social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner takes into account that the local COVID-19 epidemic has continued to subside, as well as the need for society as a whole to resume social and economic activities. The extension of expiry dates applies to the following regulations: Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap 599C), Prevention & Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation (Cap 599D), Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap 599E), Prevention & Control of Disease (Requirements & Directions) (Business & Premises) Regulation (Cap 599F), Prevention & Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap 599G), Prevention & Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances & Travellers) Regulation (Cap 599H), Prevention & Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap 599I). The extension does not imply that the restrictions currently imposed will be maintained until the corresponding expiry dates. Rather, the relevant statutory framework has provisions in place to allow flexibility that the Government may tighten or relax or even suspend specific requirements and conditions subject to developments of the epidemic situation. Details here.

Chief Executive explains legislative priorities

Feb 23, 2021 - Legislating against people who insult public officials is not the Hong Kong SAR Government’s highest priority, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said today. Speaking ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting, Mrs Lam pointed out that the consideration for such a law is not at a mature stage. However, she noted it is the aspiration of many frontline officers to have the legislation implemented. The Government would strike the right balance if it proposes the law, Mrs Lam said. “One day if we were to legislate, I think we would be very careful in striking the needed balance. Yes, the Basic Law protects and upholds rights of individuals, including freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, but as many court cases have made very clear, these rights and freedoms are not without limitations. So when they undermine another person’s rights, then of course something needs to be done.” Details here.

Past events