Hong Kong lifts more COVID-19 travel restrictions

Hong Kong, a beloved destination for many travelers in Asia, is removing more of its COVID-19 restrictions. With the most recent changes, the city is becoming more attractive for travelers — including American tourists — to visit once again.

Previously, incoming travelers were required to take multiple COVID-19 tests to visit. However, effective Dec. 29, 2022, a press release from the Hong Kong government states incoming travelers arriving via air only need to obtain a negative test within a set period before scheduled departure for Hong Kong. Specifically, Hong Kong will accept a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours of departure or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 48 hours of departure.

The press release says travelers should keep "photos showing the test results or the test report for 90 days for presentation for checking on request by Government personnel." Declaring your test result via the HSKAR Department of Health's electronic health declaration form is now optional. However, you may want to submit your results anyway to get the QR code, as some airlines may still request it at check-in.

Hong Kong is eliminating its Vaccine Pass and ceasing insurance of Provisional Vaccine Passes to visitors. However, non-Hong Kong residents aged 12 and older still need to provide proof of vaccination before boarding a flight to Hong Kong.

Vaccination requirements and temperature screenings do not apply to transit passengers who do not pass through immigration control, per a press release issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in September.

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Finally, Hong Kong is keeping its previous masking requirements in place. In particular, masks remain required in all public places, including public transit, per the South China Morning Post.

If you're looking to book a trip to Hong Kong, consider redeeming Alaska Mileage Plan miles to fly on Cathay Pacific. After all, you can fly business class to Asia for just 50,000 Alaska miles.

Or you could stopover for free in Hong Kong on the way to Australia for just 60,000 Alaska miles. Best of all, now you can use Alaska miles to book Cathay Pacific awards online.

For the latest information on visiting Hong Kong, consult the Hong Kong government website and the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong.

Additional reporting by Emily Thompson and Katie Genter.