In light of the resurgence of Covid-10 cases in the UK, the Hong Kong government has made an announcement that the UK will be listed as a high-risk country for coronavirus. This new measure took effect on 01 October and will continue until further notice. Travellers will be required to supply a negative Covid-19 test result 72 hours prior to their flight departure time and a confirmation letter of a hotel booking for 14-day self-quarantine before being allowed to enter the city. All expenses must be covered by the traveller.

Comments by Karen Hsu, Education Services Manager for Hong Kong

Since the announcement local agents have reported receiving considerable numbers of enquiries from parents concerned about travel arrangements for the upoming Christmas holiday for their children who are currently studying in the UK. Primary concerns are whether it is feasible for their children to take a Covid-19 test and obtain the result three days in advance of the departure date to HK as well as the risk of being exposed to the virus whilst travelling internationally. It is therefore likely that students from HK will stay in the UK throughout the Christmas holiday unless policy changes.

UK institutions and schools should closely monitor the situation and make necessary arrangements to support students who will not return home before campuses and accommodations close for Christmas. In particular,  parents whose children are currently studying in UK boarding schools will likely seek more support from schools to ensure their children be kept safe and healthy before the second term begins.

Source:

• Hong Kong to add Britain to high-risk coronavirus list, requiring travellers to have negative Covid-19 test before flying, spend two weeks in hotel room, South Morning China Post