Hong Kong lifts more COVID-19 travel restrictions
Editor's Note
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.
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.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees