Hong Kong
CNN
—
The Chinese government on Thursday announced that it would reopen its border with Hong Kong on January 8, nearly three years after it was largely closed in an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Up to 60,000 Hong Kong residents will be able to cross the border into the mainland as border control points begin to gradually reopen, Hong Kong leader John Lee told the media on Thursday following the announcement from Beijing.
This change will eliminate what was once a mandatory quarantine measure for travelers from Hong Kong to the mainland. All travelers will be required to test negative for Covid via PCR testing within 48 hours of crossing, and passenger quotas are in place to travel in both directions.
The announced reopening falls on the same day China will drop quarantine requirements for international visitors and remove some of the Covid restrictions imposed on airlines since the start of the pandemic.
The changes come as Beijing abruptly lifts stifling Covid control measures following nationwide protests. The mainland’s apparent reopening comes after three years of global self-isolation, during which efforts to resume regular transit with Hong Kong were repeatedly delayed.
Most of the formerly bustling border crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China have been closed since early 2020, placing a heavy burden on families and businesses with ties to both sides.
The quota covers 50,000 people passing through three land checkpoints, while the remaining 10,000 are for those passing through Hong Kong International Airport, two ferry terminals and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
Lee said the cap does not apply to Hong Kong residents traveling back to Hong Kong from the mainland, nor mainland Chinese traveling from Hong Kong returning to the mainland.
In addition to testing, some tours will also require reservations.
According to a statement from China’s State Council, flights from neighboring Hong Kong and Macau to mainland China will be resumed and passenger capacity limits lifted; The statement said the number of flights would increase “in phases and orderly”.
The land and sea border control points between mainland China and Hong Kong and Macao will also reopen in “phased and orderly fashion.”
China will also continue to issue tourist and business visas to mainland Chinese residents to Hong Kong, the statement added.
