Hong Kong has just tightened its restrictions on UK arrivals.
The Special Administrative Region previously allowed in British travellers with strict quarantine and testing restrictions in place. As of July 1, however, the rules will become even tighter.
Here we answer all of your questions on travel to Hong Kong. For all the latest information on travel to Hong Kong, you can also check the Government’s FCDO page.
Can I travel from the UK to Hong Kong?
Right now (June 28), yes, but with serious restrictions. The UK is on Hong Kong’s list of “very high risk places”. This means that all arrivals have to provide a PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure. All arrivals from the UK must enter 21 days of quarantine at a designated hotel on arrival, followed by 7 days of self-monitoring.
However, restrictions are soon to get tighter. From July 1, the UK will move onto Hong Kong’s list of “extremely high risk places”. This means that all passenger flights from the UK will be prohibited from landing in Hong Kong, and anyone who has visited the UK in the past 21 days will be denied entry.
Do arrivals in Hong Kong have to take a test?
Yes. All arrivals at Hong Kong airport need to provide a saliva sample, which will be tested for Covid-19. After collecting luggage, arrivals will be taken to a designated location, where they will have to wait for results before proceeding to their mandatory quarantine hotel.
What are the hotel quarantine rules in Hong Kong?
Those who enter Hong Kong from a “very high risk place” will have to enter a quarantine at a designated hotel, which have the following rules:
You are not allowed to leave for 21 days
You are not allowed to leave Hong Kong for the duration of your quarantine
You may be asked to contribute £20 (HK$200) per night towards the cost
No alcohol or smoking allowed, if you are staying at a government facility. There may be no fridge and no air conditioning
You will be issued with a bluetooth-enabled wristband, which will alert authorities if you leave your registered address
Failure to comply could lead to a 6-month prison sentence and a substantial fine
Can I travel from Hong Kong to the UK?
Yes, with quarantine restrictions. Hong Kong is on the UK’s ‘amber list’. This means that anyone arriving from Hong Kong to the UK has to enter a ten-day quarantine. You can find the full amber list, here.
Those who return from Hong Kong will need to take a test within 72 hours prior to departure home, and also PCR tests on days two and day eight of quarantine. Arrivals can also take a test on day five – if negative, they can then leave quarantine. They will still, however, need to take a test on day eight.
Do I need to enter hotel quarantine if I travel from Hong Kong to the UK?
No. Only arrivals from ‘red list’ countries need to enter a mandatory ten-day hotel quarantine at a Government-approved facility. You can find the full red list, here. Amber arrivals can see out their quarantine anywhere they wish.
Are any other countries banning UK arrivals?
Yes. A large number of countries across the world are closed to Britons, or indeed all foreign tourists. Across Asia nearly all countries currently ban UK arrivals. Bhutan is closed to all foreign tourists, all flights to China have been suspended, Indonesia bars anyone from entering or transiting through the country, only Iranians can enter Iran, Kazakhstan bans those from the UK. The list goes on.