Great news! The Hong Kong border is open, and I know you’re ready to travel (or revenge?) again! Before packing your bags and getting up in the air, remember to check the latest travel restrictions for different countries. It’s better to clear the “roadblocks” for your long-awaited vacation trip.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of travel restrictions for some popular destinations for your reference.
Entry Requirement for Hong Kong Travellers in February 2023
Some countries have updated their entry policies for 2023. To help you stay on top of things, here’s a quick overview of some popular destinations:
| COVID-19 RAT/PCR test requirement | Vaccination requirement for entrance | Quarantine condition if tested positive | Indoor/outdoor face mask requirements | |
| Japan | Travellers are eligible for entry with either one of the following requirements.
– a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate with 3 doses of vaccines – Or a certificate of a negative result of a pre-departure COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departing if vaccination has yet to be completed. |
No vaccination requirement | Stay at the specified quarantine facility. | Face masks are recommended indoors. |
| Thailand | No test required | No vaccination requirement | If you tested positive with no or mild symptoms, you will not be required to be isolated. | Voluntary masks wearing |
| Singapore | All border measures are lifted from 13th February, 2023. | No vaccination requirement. | N/A | Face masks are mandatory in medical venues and public transport. |
| Taiwan | No test is required. Travellers must travel in groups of between five and 40 until 20th Feb. After that, all restrictions will be lifted. | No vaccination requirement. | Home care for five days. (until 20th Feb) | Face masks are mandatory indoors. (until 20th Feb) |
| South Korea | A negative PCR test within 48 hours or an approved RAT test within 24 hrs prior to travel.
Using the Q-code system is recommended. |
No vaccination requirement. | If tested positive, travellers are required to stay in quarantine at a designated location for 7 days at own expense. | Face masks are compulsory in public facilities. |
| Canada | A negative PCR test or monitored RAT test within 48 hrs prior to travel. | No vaccination requirement. | Self-monitoring | Face masks are recommended indoors. |
| Australia | A negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hrs prior to travel. | No vaccination requirement. | Self-monitoring | Face masks are recommended when 1.5 meters cannot be held. |
| UK | N/A | No vaccination requirement. | Self-monitoring | Face masks are recommended in public health facilities. |
| US | A negative PCR test or monitored RAT test within 48 hrs prior to travel. | Fully vaccinated Proof | Self-monitoring | Face masks are recommended in public transport. |
Special Travel Restriction Arrangements
In addition to getting your necessary test results or vaccination certificates, there are a few other things you’ll need to take care of before your departure. Here are some notes of special arrangements for different countries that you should be aware of.
Japan Travel Restrictions
The latest travel restrictions for Hong Kong travellers require a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate with three doses of vaccines or a negative test result taken within 72 hours before departure. Travellers should remember to submit the necessary documents via Visit Japan Web 6 hours before boarding to make the entrance easier.
Follow these easy steps to use the Visit Japan web application:
- Create an account.
- Log in and create a profile.
- If you have children under 6, you can add them as accompanying family members. However, all other companions will need to register separately (since everyone needs to show a unique QR code).
- Fill in your expected entry and return flight information.
- Once you’ve finished filling out the information, head back to the home page to see your unique QR code.
Now you’re all set to visit Japan. All you need to do is show the border staff your QR code, and you will be ready to go!
South Korea Travel Restrictions
If you’re planning to go to South Korea, don’t forget the following procedures to have a smoother entrance.
1. Apply for approval from K-ETA at least 72 hours before departure
If you’re HKSAR, BNO passport holder, you would need to obtain approval before your visa-free entry. And you can apply for approval from K-ETA via the official website or mobile APP at least 72 hours before departure.
2. Take a COVID-19 Test
Starting from 7th January 2023, all Hong Kong travellers are required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 48 hours prior to travel or an approved RAT test within 24 hrs prior to travel.
3. Upload the test to Q-CODE
Once you’ve got your result, you may upload your negative test result along with your personal information with Q-CODE.
4. Check in
Once you’ve received all the information, you will receive a QR code from Q-CODE. Then you’re ready to go!
For more official information, you can follow the announcements released by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong.
Taiwan Travel Restrictions
Going to Taiwan has become easier with the relaxation of the travelling restrictions. You don’t need to do the COVID-19 test beforehand under the “0+7” policy for inbound passengers, you will need to undergo seven days of self-initiated prevention at your home or the residence of a friend or family member in an isolated space. If you don’t stay in a place that meets the relevant requirements for home care, you may contact the local government care and service centre.
Taiwan government announced that inbound Hong Kong and Macau residents could visit the island on individual travel starting on 20th February. They will be allowed to apply for visitor visas from that day. All entry restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 will be scrapped on 20th February, people could also drop their face masks except entering designated premises e.g. public transportation.
For more official travelling information, you can refer to the Taiwan Quarantine and Healthcare Information Website.
Canada, Australia, and the US Travel Restrictions
A negative PCR test or monitored RAT test within 48 hrs prior to travel is required for entry into these countries.
Here is the official information regarding the entrance arrangement for Hong Kong Travellers:
- Canada Government Website
- Australia Department of Health
- US Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Singapore Travel Restrictions
It’s highly recommended to get travel insurance before your trip to Singapore. It has a specific requirement for travellers that they must be insured for at least SG$30,000 to cover any COVID-19-related costs. (This covers the average bill size at private hospitals.)
The good news is there will be no longer any travel restrictions there from 13th February, 2023, but it is still recommended to get travel insurance that covers the potential expenses incurred by COVID-19.
For more information, you might check the official Singapore government website.
Hong Kong Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know before Going Back
A friendly reminder for those coming back to Hong Kong: All inbound travellers aged 3 or above, regardless of where they’re coming from, will need to get a negative test result of a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted 24 hours prior to departure or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test 48 hours before their flight departs.
Once you get your test results, keep the photos or test report for 90 days, just in case government officials request them. You can also voluntarily submit your test results through the Department of Health’s electronic health declaration form.
If you have any questions, you can check the Hong Kong government’s official website.
Final Words: Don’t Forget The Travel Insurance
Ready to hit the road (or skies) to see the world again? Don’t forget to bring along some peace of mind by getting travel insurance, especially for those with COVID-19 coverage!
They cover the most expenses for COVID-19-related situations, including
- Trip cancellation due to contraction
- Contracted COVID-19 while overseas
- Confirmed contraction of COVID-19 after returning to Hong Kong
- The trip ended earlier than scheduled due to infection
Sure, it might seem like an unnecessary expense at first, but it’s totally worth it. If you’re looking for a travel insurance plan, check out “Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance in HK 2022” for more insurance information.
Looking for more personal finance tips? Remember to check out the MoneySmart blog!
Homepage: www.moneysmart.hk/en