People arriving in Hong Kong on an international flight can immediately go to restaurants, gyms and other venues in the city for the first time in nearly three years, with restrictions that had barred them from entering them for the previous three days lifted.
Chief Executive John Lee announced on Tuesday that the amber codes, which had previously been issued to international arrivals, ended on Wednesday.
There are now no movement restrictions for those arriving, but they will need to undergo a PCR Covid test again on arrival and two days after arrival.
The Hong Kong government also on Wednesday scrapped the mandatory Covid-19 mobile app that people use to check in at most places from gyms and beauty salons to offices.
People will still need to show a photo or paper record of their COVID-19 vaccine at certain venues where it is required, the government said.
News of further easing of Covid-19 restrictions in global financial centers, which are lagging much of the world in easing restrictions, could boost travel and business.
“After arriving in Hong Kong, there are no restrictions for international passengers. Therefore, they are free to enter any venue on the day they disembark,” Health Secretary Luo Zhongmao told a news conference.
The government moved to scrap its mobile tracking app, which allowed access to restaurants and venues such as gyms, clubs and salons, after mainland China dropped its demands.
The Hong Kong government also said Tuesday that travelers arriving in Hong Kong are free to travel directly to mainland China or Macau as long as they meet the required criteria.
Under previous Covid-19 regulations, travelers had to wait three days in the city before proceeding to the mainland.
The move comes after China rolled back some of the world’s strictest restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Business groups, diplomats and many residents have blasted Hong Kong’s Covid-19 rules, saying they threaten the city’s competitiveness and status as an international financial centre.
The rules have weighed on Hong Kong’s economy since early 2020, accelerating an exodus of businesses, expatriates and local families as Beijing tightens its grip on the former British colony.
Hong Kong has closely followed China’s zero-coronavirus policy since 2020, but gradually eased restrictions starting in August, reducing mandatory hotel quarantines to three days before lifting them entirely in September, two and a half years after the virus emerged.
The Amber code is the last restriction on arrivals and they will still undergo the mandatory Covid PCR test on arrival and one after that.
Masks are still mandatory across the city unless exercising.
Group gatherings of more than 12 people are banned, but people can still go to nightclubs and attend banquets with hundreds of people.
Health Minister Lu added that infected patients quarantined at home will no longer need to wear electronic tags restricting them within the confines of their residences.
