People in Hong Kong will no longer have to use the LeaveHomeSafe app to scan QR codes before entering restaurants and various premises starting from 14 December 2022, while amber health code restrictions on incoming travellers will be lifted. That means people will be able to visit restaurants and other businesses during their first three days of landing in Hong Kong.
However, despite not having to "check-in", visitors to some places such as restaurants will still have to show staff their Covid vaccination records. Arrivals to the city are also subject to two PCR tests and daily rapid tests for their first five days in the city. Residents are still required to wear face masks, including outdoors, and a gathering limit remains in force for groups larger than 12.

Arrangements for Inbound travellers:

  • Non-Hong Kong residents aged 12 or above who have stayed in overseas places during the relevant period are required to fulfill the vaccination requirement 
  • All inbound persons are required to complete the online Health Declaration Form of the Department of Health (www.chp.gov.hk/hdf/) prior to their arrival at Hong Kong.
  • Inbound persons arriving from overseas places are required to conduct a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) with a negative result within 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure of the flight to Hong Kong. 
  • After submitting the declaration and upon confirmation of boarding requirements being met, the system will generate a green Health Declaration QR code. Please save the QR code (which can be a downloadable version of the QR code, a screenshot or a printout).
  • Please present the green Health Declaration QR code at check-in for verification by airlines for boarding.

Self-monitoring upon arrival:

  • Undergo “test-and-go” nucleic acid test on the day of arrival at HK, apart from the journey from the airport direct to the place of residence, receipt of the “test-and-go” nucleic acid test result required before leaving the place of residence
  • Self-monitoring for 5 days;
  • On Day 2, undergo a PCR-based nucleic acid test and keep the SMS notification containing the test result for 90 days; and
  • Undergo daily RATs (negative result should be confirmed before leaving the place of residence) until Day 5, and keep photos of the test results for 90 days

 

Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3203077/coronavirus-hong-kong-lifts-all-restrictions-arrivals-city-ends-03-regime

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html#Vaccination

 

Comments by British Council

Hong Kong had in effect been sealed off from the world for two and a half years by strict Covid policies for arrivals. The city has finally scrapped more Covid curbs, after China eases its zero-Covid policy recently. The strict coronavirus rules have undermined Hong Kong’s role as a regional financial and aviation hub. Although Hong Kong International Airport is significantly busier than it was before mandatory hotel quarantine was scrapped, it is not back to pre-covid levels. By contrast, countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan have lifted travel restrictions, allowing tourists to visit with minimal restrictions.

Hong Kong’s tough rules have also triggered a brain drain, as international talent leaves for alternative global hubs such as Singapore. We hope the news of a further loosening of COVID-19 curbs in Hong Kong would help boost the resumption of travel and business and halt the talent loss in the city.

For those who are planning to visit Hong Kong, you should be aware that PCR tests are still applicable in the first 3 days, and we do not anticipate that this would change until after January 2023.