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.

Consumer prices dip 0.7% in December

Jan 21, 2021 - Overall consumer prices in December fell 0.7% year-on-year, larger than the corresponding decrease of 0.2% in November. Netting out the effects of all the Hong Kong SAR Government's one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of change in December’s underlying inflation rate was 0.0%, smaller than November’s 0.3%. This was mainly due to the smaller increases in the costs for meals bought away from home and the enlarged decreases in private housing rentals. Looking ahead, overall price pressures should remain very mild in the near term as global and local economic conditions are still challenging amid the continued threat of COVID-19. Details here.

Social distancing measures to be extended

Jan 20, 2021 - Due to the latest COVID-19 pandemic situation, social distancing measures in Hong Kong will be extended until at least Jan 27. Dine-in service in restaurants must end at 6 pm, with no more than two people seated together at one table. Bars and pubs, along with other public venues, remain close. The prohibition on group gatherings of more than two people in public places and the mandatory mask-wearing requirement also remain in force. The work-from-home arrangements for civil servants would also be extended until Jan 27. Details here.

Boarding restrictions for Brazil and Ireland

Jan 20, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government announced that it will restrict people who have stayed in Brazil or Ireland from boarding flights for Hong Kong as cases caused by the new virus variant with high transmissibility were found in the two countries recently. Under the specifications that will take effect from Jan 23, all people who have stayed in Brazil or Ireland for more than two hours on the day of boarding or during the 21 days before that day will not be allowed to board for Hong Kong. The boarding restrictions for the UK and South Africa will also continue to be maintained. Details here.

Hong Kong a premier fund hub

Jan 19, 2021 - Hong Kong boosted its status as Asia's premier fund hub with the introduction of the open-ended fund company and limited partnership fund regimes in 2018 and 2020, respectively, said Financial Secretary Paul Chan at the Asian Financial Forum today. The partnership between the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing and MSCI also reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a premier risk management center of choice. The Financial Secretary said Hong Kong’s gateway role is also primed to grow, thanks to the enormous opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Wealth Management Connect scheme will boost product diversity and asset-allocation options, while vastly expanding the sector's prospective market. The upsurge in cross-boundary funds will, in turn, consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the premier global hub for the offshore Renminbi business. Details here.

Unemployment rate at 6.6%

Jan 19, 2021 - The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by 0.3 percentage point to 6.6%, the highest in 16 years, for the period between October and December 2020 compared to the previous three-month period. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4% for the period. Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong said the labor market deteriorated due to the fourth wave of the local epidemic which started in the latter part of November. Looking ahead, Dr Law said the labor market will remain under notable pressure in the near term. The Government has rolled out measures to provide further support to hard-hit sectors and will continue to monitor the situation closely, he added. Details here.

Advisory panel recommends COVID-19 vaccine

Jan 18, 2021 - The Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines recommended authorizing the vaccine developed by BioNTech in collaboration with Fosun Pharma for emergency use in Hong Kong. Panel Convenor Prof Wallace Lau explained that the panel has looked into the documents and data related to the safety, efficacy and quality of the BioNTech vaccine and agreed that the benefits of using it outweigh the risks. The panel will advise the HKSAR Government to take follow-up action or even stop using the vaccine if it is proved to have greater risks, he said. Details here.

Asian Financial Forum opens

Jan 18, 2021 - Hong Kong’s fundamentals remain strong amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Chief Executive Carrie Lam. Delivering the opening address at the 14th Asian Financial Forum, Mrs Lam said, “Hong Kong’s financial system has demonstrated its strengths and resilience. Our financial markets continue to operate orderly, and that includes the Linked Exchange Rate System.” With its unique advantages as the international financial center of China and one of the world’s major financial cities, Hong Kong will continue to see enormous opportunities when the pandemic is over, she added. Chairing a plenary session during the forum, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui shared insights on the role of the financial services sector in contributing to the bolstering of economic recovery and the opportunities for financial services in the new economic landscape. The two-day forum also featured various sessions including the Fintech Showcase, FintechHK Start-up Salon, InnoVenture Salon, Deal Flow Matchmaking Session and Fireside Chat in a virtual format. More than 5,000 policymakers, financial experts, business leaders, economists, investors and entrepreneurs attended the event, co-organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Details here.

Past events