The Hong Kong SAR government announced on September 7 that it is launching the “Come2HK” program for residents of mainland China and Macau. Eligible travelers can currently enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge or the Shenzhen Bay Port without quarantine. There will be a daily quota of 2,000 spots, and the program will take effect on September 15. Details of the program are available on the Hong Kong government website. Reportedly, if the trial run goes well, the government will expand the quota and relax the port-of-entry requirements, which means the current restriction tied to living in Guangdong is likely only temporary.
Come2HK eligibility
To use Come2HK, you must meet the following requirements:
- In the 14 days before entry, you must not have visited any place other than Hong Kong, Guangdong Province, or Macau
- In the 21 days before entry, you must not have visited any Group A specified place (high-risk areas, including the United States)
- You must successfully obtain a quota on the program website
- Within 3 days before entry, you must obtain a negative nucleic acid test report from a designated institution
This program does not restrict what entry permit you may use to enter Hong Kong. Mainland residents may use a Home Return Permit (Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents) or a Chinese passport to enter Hong Kong for a 7-day transit stay. Foreign nationals living in mainland China may also enter directly visa-free. Therefore, if you are subject to the U.S. entry ban and happen to live in Guangdong, you could use this program to enter Hong Kong, stay for 7 days, then go to a second place such as Singapore, quarantine there for another 7 days, and then travel to the United States.
If you are under age 18, a guardian must apply on your behalf.
Note that after entering Hong Kong, you must undergo nucleic acid testing on day 3, day 5, day 9, day 12, day 16, and day 19 if you are still in Hong Kong. If you have already left Hong Kong, you do not need to worry about these tests.
If you want to visit Hong Kong, entry into Hong Kong does not require quarantine, but returning to mainland China still does. However, if you live in Guangdong Province and also need to head back overseas, you could consider combining the trip with some sightseeing and shopping in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has reportedly had no local cases for several consecutive months, so the COVID situation may not be a major concern.