Hong Kong Reduced Hotel Quarantine For International Travellers to 3 Days

Hong Kong is all set to reduce the COVID-19 hotel quarantine period for all international travellers from 7 days to 3 days, taking another step toward gradually relaxing strict pandemic rules.

According to media reports, the updated measure has come into effect on Friday, August 12.  This was announced recently by the city’s leader, John Lee, during a press conference.

Arrivals, on the other hand, will be required to self-monitor for a further four days, during which they will not be permitted to enter premises such as restaurants and bars.

Lee went on to say that they must strike a balance between people’s livelihoods and Hong Kong’s competitiveness in order to give the community maximum momentum and economic vitality.

Hotel Quarantine In Hong Kong

Inbound travellers in quarantine will be assigned a red code on a government-mandated app, which will eventually change to a yellow code once they leave quarantine, indicating that they may not be permitted to enter crowded areas.

Previously, quarantine was extended for up to three weeks, after which all arrivals were required to spend at least a week in hotel quarantine, comply with frequent testing orders, and fill out numerous forms.

Only a few hotels are currently available for quarantine. These hotels’ rooms are expensive and frequently sold out months in advance. Payment is required in advance, and refunds are not permitted unless there is a change in government policy or flight cancellation.

It is worth noting that since 2020, the city’s border has been almost completely sealed, with international visitors subjected to stringent quarantine and testing protocols. Hong Kong is still one of the few places in the world where arrivals are subject to quarantines.