Additional requirements for passengers travelling to HK from HRC countries – includes Belgium

By Femke DebieBusiness

In response to COVID-19, the HKgov has introduced additional health related immigration requirements for passengers who are ending their journey in Hong Kong & have visited or transited through certain countries in the 14 days prior to arriving.

Anyone who has visited or transited through Bangladesh, Belgium (effective 3 November 2020, 0:00 Hong Kong time), Ethiopia, France, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States in the 14 days prior to arriving, they will be required to show the following documents.

1.  Test report

A test report issued by a laboratory or healthcare institution that contains the passenger’s name identical to that in his/her valid travel document to show that:

  • they have undertaken a nucleic acid test for COVID-19;
  • the sample for the test was taken within 72 hours of the scheduled time of departure of the flight to Hong Kong; and
  • the result of the test for COVID-19 was negative

The test report must be written in either English or Chinese and can be presented in paper or electronic format If the test report above is not in English or Chinese or does not contain all the above mentioned information, it is acceptable to present a written confirmation, in English or Chinese, issued by the laboratory or healthcare institution that contains the following information:

  • the name of the passenger  (this must be identical to the name in his/her valid travel document); 
  • they underwent a nucleic acid test for COVID-19, 
  • the sample for the test was taken within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the flight to Hong Kong; and
  • the result of the test for COVID-19 was negative.

This written confirmation must be presented with the test report.

For passengers travelling from the United Kingdom:

  • the NHS (National Health Service) test report does not meet the Hong Kong entry requirements and will not be accepted

Please note that if there is a schedule change or flight cancellation, passengers are responsible for ensuring that their COVID-19 test meets the 72-hour requirement based on the new flight departure time.

2. Documentary proof

Documentary proof (in English or Chinese) to show that the laboratory or healthcare institution is ISO 15189 accredited or is recognised or approved by the relevant authority of the government of the place in which the laboratory or healthcare institution is located.

This can be in the form of a copy of ‘Certificate of Accreditation’, ‘Certificate of Compliance’, or information printed out from an official government website.
Please note that documentary proof is required even if the test report from the laboratory or healthcare institution contains an ISO accreditation reference.

Passengers in the countries below may find the following websites of assistance:

3. Hotel reservation confirmation

A confirmation of a hotel room reservation in Hong Kong for no less than 14 days starting on the day of their arrival in Hong Kong.
Please note:

  • This confirmation can be either printed or shown in a digital format and must be written in English or Chinese.
  • Accommodation is required for all passengers coming from these countries/regions.  Passengers who have a home or residential address in Hong Kong are also required to undergo a 14-days of quarantine at a hotel.
  • The booking must be with a hotel.  Hostels and short term rental accommodation (e.g. Airbnb) will not be permitted by the Hong Kong SAR Government.