China to reopen borders with Hong Kong, Macau after COVID closure
2 years, 1 month ago

China to reopen borders with Hong Kong, Macau after COVID closure

Al Jazeera  

Borders have been closed for nearly three years, separating families and disrupting tourism and other businesses. China has announced it will completely reopen its borders with the territories of Hong Kong and Macau, dropping COVID-19 testing requirements and daily quotas after nearly three years of closure. The State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said on Friday that all remaining restrictions would be dropped starting from midnight on February 6, with group tours allowed to restart. Limited travel across the border between Hong Kong and mainland China resumed in January after Beijing abandoned the zero-COVID strategy that had split families, cut off tourism and suffocated businesses. Searches on Chinese travel website Qunar for round-trip air tickets between Hong Kong and the mainland increased sevenfold on Friday after China’s announcement, data from state media China Transportation News showed.

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History of this topic

China removes COVID-19 testing for travellers in apparent bid to revive deteriorating economy
1 year, 7 months ago

China removes COVID-19 testing for travellers in apparent bid to revive deteriorating economy

India TV News  

In a milestone towards ending COVID-19 restrictions since 2020, incoming travellers to China will no longer need a negative test from Wednesday. China's zero-COVID policy Under the 'zero COVID' policy, China introduced draconian measures that prevented most Chinese citizens from traveling abroad, limited face-to-face diplomatic exchanges and sharply reduced the number of foreigners in China for work and study. Although …

China to reopen to tourists, resume all visas Wednesday
2 years ago

China to reopen to tourists, resume all visas Wednesday

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — China will reopen its borders to tourists and resume issuing all visas Wednesday as it tries to revive tourism and its economy following a three-year halt during the COVID-19 pandemic. The notice didn’t specify whether vaccination certificates or negative COVID-19 tests would be required, but Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters Tuesday that China had “optimized …

China opens borders to tourists after 3 years of restrictions
2 years ago

China opens borders to tourists after 3 years of restrictions

The Hindu  

China will, starting March 15, 2023, fully reopen its borders and allow tourists back into the country after three years of pandemic restrictions. Foreigners “with valid visas issued before March 28, 2020 will be allowed to enter China”, the National Immigration Administration said in a notice, adding that it had “decided to adjust policies of foreigners’ visas and entry from …

China to reopen to tourists, resume all visas Wednesday
2 years ago

China to reopen to tourists, resume all visas Wednesday

Firstpost  

Hong Kong: China will reopen its borders to tourists and resume issuing all visas Wednesday after a three-year halt during the pandemic as it sought to boost its tourism and economy. Visa-free entry also will resume at destinations such as Hainan Island as well as for cruise ships entering Shanghai that had no visa requirement before COVID-19. Visa-free entry will …

China is fully reopening to tourists after three years of border restrictions
2 years ago

China is fully reopening to tourists after three years of border restrictions

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — After three years of pandemic border restrictions, China is fully reopening to foreign visitors – including tourists. In a Chinese-language statement posted on its website Monday, China’s Embassy in the United States said the country would resume issuing all categories of visas for foreigners from Wednesday. Chinese authorities last month declared a “major and decisive victory” …

China to reopen to tourists and resume issuing all travel visas Wednesday
2 years ago

China to reopen to tourists and resume issuing all travel visas Wednesday

LA Times  

An airline worker asks travelers to declare their health information after checking in for international flights at Beijing’s main airport. China will reopen its borders to tourists and resume issuing all visas Wednesday, seeking to boost its tourism and economy after a three-year halt in allowing in most travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The notice didn’t specify whether vaccination certificates …

Hong Kong to lift COVID-19 mask mandate on Wednesday
2 years, 1 month ago

Hong Kong to lift COVID-19 mask mandate on Wednesday

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong will lift its mask mandate on Wednesday, ending the city’s last major restriction imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city’s chief executive, John Lee, said masks will no longer be required both outdoors and indoors, including on public transit, but some high-risk areas including hospitals and elderly homes can still require their use. “In order …

World’s longest Covid-19 mask mandate: This city is scrapping it after 945 days
2 years, 1 month ago

World’s longest Covid-19 mask mandate: This city is scrapping it after 945 days

Live Mint  

Hong Kong will lift its mask mandate from 1 March 2023, ending the city's last major restriction imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city's Chief Executive John Lee said the requirement will end outdoors and indoors, including public transit, but some high-risk premises including hospitals and elderly homes can still require people to wear masks. Next month will see Hong …

Hong Kong will lift its mask mandate Wednesday, its last major COVID restriction
2 years, 1 month ago

Hong Kong will lift its mask mandate Wednesday, its last major COVID restriction

LA Times  

Hong Kong will lift its mask mandate Wednesday, ending the city’s last major restriction imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In order to give people a very clear message that Hong Kong is resuming normalcy, I think this is the right time to make the decision,” he said. He said the return to greater normality would be beneficial to Hong Kong’s …

Macau in China ends outdoor mask wearing as Covid-19 situation stabilises
2 years, 1 month ago

Macau in China ends outdoor mask wearing as Covid-19 situation stabilises

Hindustan Times  

Macau said it’s easing its masking policy, citing a “stable” Covid-19 situation in the territory. Macau ends outdoor mask wearing as Covid-19 situation stabilises Starting Monday, people won’t be required to wear masks while outdoors, according to a government statement. Macau’s Gaming Revenue Jumps 82.5% as China Travel Reignited Easing Covid concerns have led governments across many territories, including Taiwan …

China to fully resume travel with Hong Kong, Macau on February 6
2 years, 1 month ago

China to fully resume travel with Hong Kong, Macau on February 6

Hindustan Times  

China said on Friday that cross border travel between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau would fully resume from Feb. 6, dropping existing quotas and scrapping a mandatory COVID-19 test that was required before travelling. Group tours between China and its two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau would resume, while the number of customs checkpoints open will …

'Hello, Hong Kong': Chinese city offers half a million free flights to welcome world after Covid isolation
2 years, 1 month ago

'Hello, Hong Kong': Chinese city offers half a million free flights to welcome world after Covid isolation

Firstpost  

Hong Kong is ready to welcome the world back, its leader said Thursday, pledging more than half a million free flights and positive publicity to resurrect the once-vibrant global hub after three years of Covid-enforced isolation. The government’s rebranding campaign, “Hello, Hong Kong”, bills itself as an effort to tell “good stories” about the southern Chinese city, where years of …

As schools are set to resume face-to-face classes in Hong Kong, mainland Chinese students face adjustment problems
2 years, 2 months ago

As schools are set to resume face-to-face classes in Hong Kong, mainland Chinese students face adjustment problems

Firstpost  

Parents and teachers have called for a range of support services for children who may face adjustment problems New Delhi: Thousands of children who live in mainland China and attend Hong Kong schools will return to their campuses for the first time in three years, parents and teachers of students said. According to a report in the South China Morning …

Hong Kong to scrap isolation rule for new COVID-19 cases
2 years, 2 months ago

Hong Kong to scrap isolation rule for new COVID-19 cases

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong will scrap its mandatory isolation rule for people infected with COVID-19 starting Jan. 30 as part of its strategy to return the semi-autonomous Chinese city to normalcy, the city’s leader said Thursday. For most of the pandemic over the last three years, Hong Kong has aligned itself with mainland China’s “zero COVID” strategy, requiring those …

Hong Kong to scrap isolation rule for new COVID-19 cases
2 years, 2 months ago

Hong Kong to scrap isolation rule for new COVID-19 cases

Firstpost  

For most of the pandemic, Hong Kong has aligned itself with China’s zero-COVID strategy, requiring those who tested positive to undergo quarantine. Many residents once had to be sent to hospitals or government-run quarantine facilities even when their symptoms were mild Hong Kong: Hong Kong will scrap its mandatory isolation rule for people infected with COVID-19 from 30 January as …

Hong Kong businesses cheer China reopening, but warn there’s a long way to go
2 years, 2 months ago

Hong Kong businesses cheer China reopening, but warn there’s a long way to go

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — Kiki Yang brought an empty green suitcase from Shenzhen to Hong Kong this week to load up on new purchases for her family and friends. Yang is one of tens of thousands of mainland Chinese visitors expected to be welcomed back in Hong Kong this week, as one of the world’s toughest border closures ends. “Everyone …

China Suspends Travel Visa For South Koreans Amid Protests Of COVID Curbs
2 years, 2 months ago

China Suspends Travel Visa For South Koreans Amid Protests Of COVID Curbs

ABP News  

The Chinese Embassy in Seoul on Tuesday announced the suspension of its short-term visa service for South Koreans in retaliation against the country's regulations travellers from the neighbouring country in the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak. China Welcomes First Batch Of International Travellers After Scrapping Quarantine Norms For the first time in three years, China on Sunday opened its …

China reopens its borders View From India
2 years, 2 months ago

China reopens its borders View From India

The Hindu  

Thousands of Chinese travellers on January 8 returned home for family reunions – some delayed by as long as three years – as China finally opened its borders and dismantled the last remnant of its “zero-COVID” regime. China’s opening of its borders after three years will likely have many ramifications for India and the world – economically, politically, and from …

Nations tighten Covid restrictions as China reopens its borders. Top 5 updates
2 years, 2 months ago

Nations tighten Covid restrictions as China reopens its borders. Top 5 updates

Hindustan Times  

Several countries are likely to see a surge in Chinese travellers as the country rolls back its quarantine guidelines for inbound travellers. The world's populous country, which is reeling under the impact of Covid spike, is entering the Lunar New Year this month leading millions to travel within the country from megacities to countryside. Likewise, many countries are giving an …

Travelers rush to take advantage of China reopening
2 years, 2 months ago

Travelers rush to take advantage of China reopening

Associated Press  

BEIJING — After years of separation from his wife in mainland China, Hong Kong resident Cheung Seng-bun made sure to be among the first in line following the reopening Sunday of border crossing points. On a visit to the station Sunday morning, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee said the sides would continue to expand the number of crossing points …

China reopens borders in final farewell to zero-COVID
2 years, 2 months ago

China reopens borders in final farewell to zero-COVID

The Hindu  

Travellers began streaming across land and sea crossings from Hong Kong to China on January 8, many eager for long-awaited reunions, as Beijing opened borders that have been all but shut since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. After three years, the China is opening its border with Hong Kong and ending a requirement for incoming travellers to quarantine, dismantling …

China has reopened its borders to tourists after three years of COVID-19 closure
2 years, 2 months ago

China has reopened its borders to tourists after three years of COVID-19 closure

NPR  

China has reopened its borders to tourists after three years of COVID-19 closure Enlarge this image toggle caption Bertha Wang/AP Bertha Wang/AP After years of separation from his wife in mainland China, Hong Kong resident Cheung Seng-bun made sure to be among the first in line following the reopening Sunday of border crossing points. Those crossing between Hong Kong and …

Travelers rush to take advantage of China reopening
2 years, 2 months ago

Travelers rush to take advantage of China reopening

LA Times  

A woman holding a bouquet of flowers reacts with her relatives surrounded by journalists as she arrives from Hong Kong, at Terminal 3 international arrival hall of the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing on Sunday. Travelers crossing between Hong Kong and mainland China, however, are still required to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 48 hours, …

Global Covid scare witnesses surge amid resumption of air travel by China
2 years, 2 months ago

Global Covid scare witnesses surge amid resumption of air travel by China

India TV News  

As China opened borders and resumed travel on Sunday, billions of local travellers are set to make overseas trips in the next few days, triggering Covid surge concerns in various countries. "The order numbers for international flights recorded a year-on-year growth of 628 per cent, reaching the highest since March 2020, data from online travel agency LY.com showed," said the …

China is reopening after 3 years: Who can visit the country? What are the restrictions?
2 years, 2 months ago

China is reopening after 3 years: Who can visit the country? What are the restrictions?

Firstpost  

For close to three years, it was cut off from the world. On Sunday, China will open borders with Hong Kong, ending three years of restrictions that left the financial hub isolated from the mainland. China will also resume travel and business visas for mainland residents to visit Hong Kong. The ease of travel restrictions will provide a big boost …

Hong Kong to start reopening border with China on Sunday
2 years, 2 months ago

Hong Kong to start reopening border with China on Sunday

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong will start to reopen its border with mainland China on Sunday and allow tens of thousands of people to cross from each side every day without quarantine, the city’s leader said. From Sunday, China will also gradually increase the number of flights between Hong Kong and the mainland and scrap the limit on passenger numbers …

Hong Kong to start reopening border with China on Jan. 8
2 years, 2 months ago

Hong Kong to start reopening border with China on Jan. 8

Deccan Chronicle  

Hong Kong: Hong Kong will start to reopen its border with mainland China on Sunday, allowing tens of thousands of people to travel between both sides each day under a quarantine-free arrangement, the city's leader said Thursday. The city's land and sea border checkpoints with the mainland have been largely closed for almost three years under China's “zero-COVID” strategy, which …

Hong Kong to start reopening border with China on Jan. 8
2 years, 2 months ago

Hong Kong to start reopening border with China on Jan. 8

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hong Kong will start to …

China announces reopening of border with Hong Kong
2 years, 2 months ago

China announces reopening of border with Hong Kong

Al Jazeera  

The announcement comes after three years of border controls that have isolated the financial hub from the Chinese mainland. China has announced it will open its border with Hong Kong on Sunday, ending three years of pandemic restrictions that have isolated the financial hub from the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong residents travelling to the Chinese mainland will no longer have …

Hong Kong scraps almost all remaining covid barriers for visitors
2 years, 3 months ago

Hong Kong scraps almost all remaining covid barriers for visitors

Live Mint  

Asia’s financial hub will end social distancing, obligatory vaccine proof and almost all testing requirements for visitors, joining Beijing in accelerating moves to open up after three years of Covid-19 controls hit both economies. Hong Kong’s latest rollback came two weeks after authorities canceled the rule barring visitors from restaurants, bars and other venues for their first three days in …

Hong Kong Scraps Vaccine Pass, COVID-19 Tests for Travellers
2 years, 3 months ago

Hong Kong Scraps Vaccine Pass, COVID-19 Tests for Travellers

News 18  

Hong Kong will scrap some of its COVID-19 restrictions, including PCR tests for inbound travellers and vaccination requirements to enter certain venues, the city’s leader said on Wednesday. For most of the pandemic, Hong Kong has aligned itself with China’s “zero-COVID” strategy, requiring stringent COVID-19 tests and isolation for close contacts of infected cases as well as for incoming travellers. …

Hong Kong scraps vaccine pass, COVID-19 tests for travelers
2 years, 3 months ago

Hong Kong scraps vaccine pass, COVID-19 tests for travelers

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong will scrap some of its COVID-19 restrictions, including PCR tests for inbound travelers and vaccination requirements to enter certain venues, the city’s leader said Wednesday. For most of the pandemic, Hong Kong has aligned itself with China’s “zero-COVID” strategy, requiring stringent COVID-19 tests and isolation for close contacts of infected cases as well as for …

China to lift Covid-19 travel restrictions after 3 years of coronavirus lockdown
2 years, 3 months ago

China to lift Covid-19 travel restrictions after 3 years of coronavirus lockdown

Hindustan Times  

Come January, China will practically abandon its three-year-old zero Covid policy and its international isolation, fully opening its airports and ports for travel and trade amid the massive coronavirus outbreak in the country. China to finally lift Covid-19 travel restrictions after 3 years of coronavirus lockdown Starting from January 8, China will cancel nucleic acid tests for international arrivals, the …

Taiwanese, Koreans and Hong Kongers can finally travel home. But others are out of luck
2 years, 3 months ago

Taiwanese, Koreans and Hong Kongers can finally travel home. But others are out of luck

LA Times  

Connie Su, a dental hygienist working in Newport Beach, plans to return to Taiwan on Dec. 27 after being separated from her family since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s scary” to be so out of reach of loved ones, said Grace Yoon of Fullerton, who will arrive in Seoul before Christmas to spend three weeks with her parents …

China students return home amid fears of COVID-19 spread
2 years, 3 months ago

China students return home amid fears of COVID-19 spread

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Some Chinese universities say they will allow students to finish the semester from home in hopes of reducing the potential for a bigger COVID-19 outbreak during the January Lunar New Year travel rush. Tuesday’s announcements came as China begins relaxing its strict “zero-COVID” policy, allowing people with mild symptoms to stay home rather than be sent to a …

China vows to drop some travel tracking in COVID rule easing
2 years, 3 months ago

China vows to drop some travel tracking in COVID rule easing

Associated Press  

BEIJING — China said it would stop tracking some travel, potentially reducing the likelihood people will be forced into quarantine for visiting COVID-19 hot spots, as part of an uncertain exit from the strict pandemic policies that helped fuel widespread protests. The move follows the government’s dramatic announcement last week that it was ending many of the strictest measures, following …

China to drop travel tracing requirement as it relaxes strict 'zero-COVID' policy
2 years, 3 months ago

China to drop travel tracing requirement as it relaxes strict 'zero-COVID' policy

Firstpost  

The move follows the government’s snap announcement last week that it was ending many of the most draconian measures Beijing: China will drop a travel tracing requirement as part of an uncertain exit from its strict “zero-COVID” policies that have elicited widespread dissatisfaction. The move follows the government’s snap announcement last week that it was ending many of the most …

More Chinese cities ease COVID curbs but full reopening unlikely
2 years, 3 months ago

More Chinese cities ease COVID curbs but full reopening unlikely

Al Jazeera  

Shanghai, Urumqi are the latest to ease COVID-19 curbs following last month’s unprecedented anti-government protests. At least a dozen cities across China have eased COVID-19 restrictions following a wave of unprecedented protests last month, with Shanghai becoming the last metropolis to scrap tests for public transport and Urumqi reopening malls and restaurants for the first time in months. In China’s …

Hong Kong to end mandatory hotel quarantine for travelers
2 years, 6 months ago

Hong Kong to end mandatory hotel quarantine for travelers

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s leader announced the city would no longer require incoming travelers to quarantine in designated hotels as it seeks to remain competitive and open up globally after nearly two years. Incoming travelers will also no longer need a negative PCR test within 48 hours before boarding a plane to Hong Kong, the city’s chief executive John …

Hong Kong to end quarantine after outcry from firms, residents
2 years, 6 months ago

Hong Kong to end quarantine after outcry from firms, residents

Al Jazeera  

Move to lift travel restriction comes amid fears the former British colony is losing its competitive edge. Travellers to the city currently must undergo three days of hotel quarantine followed by four days of medical surveillance, during which they are restricted from entering certain venues including bars and restaurants. Hong Kong, which has been caught between mainland China’s ultra-strict “zero-COVID” …

Hong Kong to end mandatory COVID hotel quarantine for travelers
2 years, 6 months ago

Hong Kong to end mandatory COVID hotel quarantine for travelers

LA Times  

Hong Kong’s leader announced Friday that the city would no longer require incoming travelers to quarantine in designated hotels, as it seeks to remain competitive and open up globally after nearly two years of strict COVID-19 pandemic rules. Additionally, incoming travelers will no longer need to have a negative PCR test within 48 hours of boarding a plane to Hong …

Covid-19: China reopens doors for foreign students after two years
2 years, 7 months ago

Covid-19: China reopens doors for foreign students after two years

Live Mint  

China is opening the door to foreign students for the first time in more than two years, easing restrictions on their entry imposed after the outbreak of Covid-19. Foreign nationals holding a valid Chinese residence permit for study or an APEC business travel card will be allowed to enter China starting Wednesday, the nation’s US embassy said in a statement …

Hong Kong cuts COVID hotel quarantine to 3 days for arrivals
2 years, 7 months ago

Hong Kong cuts COVID hotel quarantine to 3 days for arrivals

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong will reduce the mandatory hotel quarantine for overseas arrivals to three days from a week, the city’s leader said Monday. Hong Kong leader John Lee said arriving travelers must quarantine three days in a designated hotel, then undergo four days of medical surveillance during which their movements will be restricted via the use of a …

Macau extends city-wide lockdown amid struggle to contain Covid-19
2 years, 8 months ago

Macau extends city-wide lockdown amid struggle to contain Covid-19

Hindustan Times  

Macau will extend a city-wide shutdown as the gaming hub struggles to contain its worst ever Covid-19 outbreak, prolonging the plight of casinos which are burning through millions of dollars every day and earning no revenue. FILE PHOTO: People wear masks as they walk near Ruins of St. Paul’s, following the coronavirus outbreak in Macau All non-essential businesses are required …

Hong Kong lifts flight ban citing ‘little effect’ on COVID
2 years, 8 months ago

Hong Kong lifts flight ban citing ‘little effect’ on COVID

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong announced Thursday it is shelving a COVID-19 measure that has resulted in dozens of canceled flights in recent months and thwarted travel plans for thousands. “The new measure is a decision made by the government after careful review of relevant data and taking into account the current peak period for international students returning to Hong …

Shanghai moves toward ending its costly 2-month COVID-19 lockdown
2 years, 10 months ago

Shanghai moves toward ending its costly 2-month COVID-19 lockdown

LA Times  

A worker in protective gear watches a barber cut a resident’s hair Tuesday on a sidewalk in Shanghai, where authorities are easing a COVID lockdown. Authorities say they will take some major steps Wednesday toward reopening China’s largest city after a two-month COVID-19 lockdown that has throttled the national economy and largely bottled up millions of Shanghai residents in their …

Shanghai aims for COVID-19 lockdown reopening this week as Beijing plans to ease curbs
2 years, 10 months ago

Shanghai aims for COVID-19 lockdown reopening this week as Beijing plans to ease curbs

ABC  

The Chinese metropolis of Shanghai inched further towards a gradual reopening from two months of a grinding COVID-19 lockdown, while officials in Beijing prepared to ease restrictions in parts of the capital, saying its outbreak was under control. "Wear masks in public, no gathering and keep social distance," Shanghai Municipal Health Commission's deputy director, Zhao Dandan, told a daily news …

COVID: Some Shanghai businesses to reopen on Monday, say officials
2 years, 10 months ago

COVID: Some Shanghai businesses to reopen on Monday, say officials

India TV News  

Highlights Supermarkets, malls & restaurants in Shanghai to be allowed to open in limited capacity from May 16 Agriculture markets will also be allowed to reopen while ensuring “no contact” transactions Restaurants in Shanghai will be allowed to serve takeout Supermarkets, malls and restaurants in Shanghai will be allowed to open in a limited capacity starting Monday, officials said, even …

Hong Kong reopens beaches, Beijing relaxes quarantine rules
2 years, 10 months ago

Hong Kong reopens beaches, Beijing relaxes quarantine rules

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Hong Kong reopened beaches and pools and relaxed other pandemic restrictions Thursday, a day after China’s capital, Beijing, announced it would ease its tough quarantine rules for arrivals from overseas. In Hong Kong, the rising costs have sparked a backlash against “zero COVID.” The city closed water sports venues during its outbreak of the highly transmissible omicron variant, …

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