Relieved to see that passengers are not stuffed into a packed bus after getting off the plane. The train looks a lot less claustrophobic than I had imagined. Many thanks for including that in the video!
The aerotrain tends to be fairly empty. The shuttle bus after the test results are received is more full, but with the combination of everyone wearing masks, people only spending a few mins in proximity and just testing negative the risk is low for any infection. But definitely nice to step out into a less claustrophobic environment :)
@@XennialTraveller Thanks for that and for your helpful video which I've shared with other permanent HK residents who, like myself, are away from HK but wanting to return.
Thank you so much for sharing this information. I was planning to return to Hong Kong with my wife by the end of this year to claim the HK$10,000 cash payout scheme before it ended. It absolutely makes no sense for us to go after watching all the hassles we will have to go through on the arrival followed by wasting 21 days of time and cost on the hotel quarantine. We are in our 60s and it would really be a torture to us going through all the hassles on our arrival after a long flight from Florida. We'd love to visit Hong Kong as soon as it has eased up its rules. We find it particularly ridiculous over the 21 day quarantine for someone who has passed the covid-19 test. Subscribed!
Yeah, I here you... HK$10k is definitely not worth it - it won't even cover the hotel quarantine. Unfortunately I don't see the US being taken off the high risk list anytime soon. Enjoy where you are and make the best of it :) Hopefully the 21 day rubbish will go at least down to 14days before the end of the year.
... Because too much fake vac certs. still few daily incoming positive after leaving airport and testing... and also from US UK Canada.. Russia Me... India Philippines Indonesia... .. No local all imported..
I'm really enjoying watching your videos, Matt! I'll be coming to HK from South Africa in the next couple of months, your tips are super useful. Hope to see more videos soon!
Thanks Nathan! A bit difficult finding inspiration without being able to travel, but hopefully will be making more videos soon. All the best for your journey to HK!
Refer to official HK guidance for most up-to-date details: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html#quarantinemeasures2 *Check-in Documents* - Right to enter Hong Kong - with a few exceptions on Hong Kong residents are currently allowed in - e.g. HKID and/or Passport with HK visa - Note that all passengers now require a Negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited lab 72 hours before the departure of your final flight into HK - Booking for exactly 21/14/7 nights (depending on criteria) at a Designated Quarantine Hotel: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/designated-hotel-list.html - HK Health Declaration Form (you'll need a confirmed seat number): hdf.chp.gov.hk/dhehd/?lang=en-us UPDATE (Dec'21): The tracking wristband/bracelet and StayHomeSafe app is no longer required for Hotel Quarantiners. The COVID-19 test sample is taken earlier in the process (before the quarantine order is issued). All other steps in the process remain fundamentally the same.
@@XennialTraveller I have booked the hotel indigo. There from 8 to 29 April - I am moving for work so hk will be new to me so extra appreciation for your video! Hope your quarantine is going OK so far
@@williammairs2358 Actually, I'm already done with my quarantine - just took me a couple of weeks after to finish my video as I was busy in quarantine (believe it or not). All the best with your journey :)
Hi! Big thanks again for this video. It was SO helpful for when I landed. I knew everything that was going to happen and fully prepared for it! Thanks so much One question, I'm in quarantine now, the first day I arrived is counted as Day 1 and not Day 0? I'm relatively sure but just want to double check so I know exactly when the day 12/19 tests are!
@@williammairs2358 Correct. Day 1 when you land in HK, regardless of what timw it is. Check out my other video of the quarantine process if you haven't already! 🙂
Hi, thank you for this video it helped ease my anxiety a bit! I have a question about how long should you get to the airport before your flight to complete the forms and everything in your opinion? also which and how much did you pay for hotel is best? (I looking for cheapest but if other cheap one better in your opinion?) how did you order food when in hotel? do you need cover negative test 72 hours before going to airport, or any test? Once again, thank you and I have subscribed! :)
Hey - lots of questions here. You should get to the airport in plenty of time - I'd say at least 3 hours but sometimes airlines will even say 5-6 hours. Price and other info on quarantine hotels, please see: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/designated-hotel-returnees.html 3 meals a day included with all quarantine hotels. But if you want to order food you can use Deliveroo, Food Panda, etc. As for COVID test, for many places you do need a test beforehand, see: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html
Thanks for sharing it is very informative and helpful! I am heading back to HK from France and happened to stayed at nina's as well. Merci beaucoup 😄👍🏻
HK opened the borders to UK and Ireland on the 7th of May and I went ahead and booked my ticket. This video is very informative and a good heads up about what I'm about to face when I arrive.
Great Video. I am very confused and it's hard to get a clear answer. I am from the USA and staying in Thailand now. Can I go to Hong Kong as a tourist now, or would I just end up turned away at the airport if I book a flight to Hong Kong?
Hey - thanks. You will not be able to enter Hong Kong as a tourist from Thailand, unfortunately. Thailand is in 'Group A' so only residents can travel from there or if you've been in any Group A country in the past 22 days. And the situation is so volatile at the moment with Omicron etc that practically any country is liable to be put into Group A. You would definitely not be able to check-in for a flight to HK. www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html#quarantinemeasures2
@@anniechang2808 Glad to hear. Hopefully things will be a little easier by then, maybe for vaccinated people at least, but best to be prepared. And actually the 21-day hotel wasn't too bad in the end with the right hotel and some helpful things... :)
Hi, I know you may not see this comment but I just wanted to ask: if you get to hk before midnight but you check in the next day (as you did), will the first day in hk be considered day 1 of quarantine? Or does the count start from the day you check in?? Thank you for your video, it was so informative!
Largely, yes - check out the first pinned comment. Main difference is you no longer need the StayHomeSafe app and the tracking wristband for hotel quarantine. And the COVID-19 test sample is taken first step in the process before you get the quarantine order. Otherwise everything should be the same.
Please refer to the official guidelines - unfortunately it's too difficult to summarise since there are so many factors (where you are coming from, HK resident or not, etc): www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html#quarantinemeasures2
Thank you for sharing all this information, I'm planning to travel in November to HK. Do you know if non-residents are allowed to enter HK? I mean for tourism.
Technically yes, as long as you haven't been in a high risk (Group A) country in the past 21 days. But bear in mind you'll still have to do the full 14 days hotel quarantine before being able to actually go out in Hong Kong. Generally the only people I know who visit are people with family/friends here. See more details here since these things do change (including which countries are in Group A and quarantine length): www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html
Thank you for sharing this. It is very informative! Did you remember how long did it take you from landing to leaving the airport? I landed at 6pm and didn't get to leave the airport until 11pm! Another hour ride to the hotel....super exhausting.
From memory it was around 3 hours in the airport until I got results, another45 mins and I was on the bus. By the time I checked into my room it was nearly 3 am!
I can, but it’s in the subject of my quarantine hotel review video 😜 And also, all quarantine hotel prices are listed in the official government designated hotel list. My hotel was HK$770 per night for standard room
Hi, thank you so much for the video, it's super helpful. I wanna ask you a question please, I am going to arrive to Hong Kong airport at 4:10 pm , 15 October and you said that airport tests and so on will take around 4 hours, what I wanna know is when should I book the quarantine hotel?? Should it be booked in 15 or 16 October??
You MUST book your hotel starting on the day you land in HKIA - it doesn't matter whether you land 00:01 or 23:59 - that always counts as Day 1 and your hotel booking must be from this date or you won't even be allowed to board. your flight. If you land at 4:10 pm (as I did a few days ago), almost certainly you will get to your hotel around 10 pm anyway.
Hi , thank you for your help , very informative video . How much kost the hotel voor 21 days ? And can you order food from outside ? Where did you get the food from ? My husband will fly soon to his family in HK, I need to prepare him mentally en with papers . Gr , Elena .
Hotels are priced differently. The one I stayed at (Nina Hotel Island South. - see my separate video review) was about HK$770 per night including 3 meals per day. If you want to order outside food you can (there are delivery apps like Food Panda and Deliveroo) but no refund on food at the hotel.
Yes, you can. You can quarantine with others, even friends or strangers. Just need to be arriving on the same flight and all names must be on the hotel reservation.
HK believes the COVID-19 incubation period can be longer than 14 days. Length of a quarantine is a decision taken by each country also based on the risk already in country. As HK is aiming for zero cases, it has zero tolerance to any imported COVID cases. Somewhere like the UK, for example, has such high number of cases it is not that concerned about imported cases.
Hi, I would like to ask that if your tested negative from the country you departure and when you arrive in Hong Kong and also tested negative as well do we still need to stay quarantine for 21 days or there is some decrease in quarantine days ?
No change in quarantine length at all. In fact everyone MUST test negative twice as you mentioned in order to start quarantine. If you test positive before flying, you won't be allowed to fly, and if you test positive upon arrival in HK you'll be sent to hospital immediately rather than your quarantine hotel.
Hi, Can i ask how long did it take you to deplane in hongkong? As i have a connecting flight in there but the stopover time is only 45 minutes. I'm not sure what the rules nowadays. It would be really nice if you answer. Thanks 😀
Very quick - and HK is very efficient with transits anyway. It's difficult to say exactly since I wasn't transitting, I guess most likely your flight will be pretty empty? I wouldn't worry too much about it and let your airlines worry about the transit connection. They should help you get in between gates etc.
No requirement for vaccination. But there are reduced quarantine length for fully vaccinated persons from certain places (currently not the UK, but all of this is subject to change at any point). Best to refer to www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html
Your video is very informative. You said that you will talk about the papers but never talked about it. It is missing lots of good information. For example do they give you thermometer? After waiting more than 3 hours for test. Where was your luggage? (because last time we came to Hong Kong, we already took our luggage with us) how was custom procedures? How was immigration procedure? Many other things but mainly I remember this much for now.
Hey - most of that will be in Part 2 since the 'paper' (I think you mean the info booklet?) is all about what happens in the quarantine. Luggage - you can see this in the section starting 9:09 - you only collect your checked in luggage after you get your COVID test result and the bus to the main terminal. Immigration - no different procedure - simply HKID as normal.
Hi. First time to travel during the pandemic. Just wanted to ask if there's an open money changer at the HKIA? Or is it better to have the HKD before flying to hk? Also, is it required to have a medical insurance which covers covid or it's optional? Thank you so much.
Hi - I don't recall any money changer at HKIA, but there is an ATM when you collect your checked in luggage - easiest to just withdraw HKD from that. I don't believe there is any requirement for medical insurance with COVID coverage. But bear in mind that if you are a non-resident of HK then in the event you do test positive for COVID-19, you will be hospitalised (regardless of symptoms) and you will have to pay the bill for this.
Not special seats, but you can ask to be put together at the side of the waiting areas. Some families will bring a small tent popup tent for the children or maybe some kind of beach towel to put on the floor.
I will be using US passport to depart from US, and HKID to enter HK. It happens that they have different middle names 😤. Many hkers born with using Chinese name as middle name. Now, I am betting that the covid-19 test result should have the same name as in my passport, not HKID. Hopefully, my guess is right or else will not be able to get on the connecting flight to HK, stranded in Japan.
Also, remember to get the ISO15189 certificate from your lab just to avoid any issues. This has been a cause for some people being denied boarding (especially in Japan).
From Malaysia to Hong Kong, currently no COVID test is required as Malaysia is currently not in Group A or B (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html). I actually flew on the last direct Cathay Pacific flight from KL to Hong Kong in February - unfortunately these have now been cancelled so your best bet is probably to transit in Singapore - it's the most reliable route with SIA as other airlines have been cancelling flights even if they let you book them.
hi sir, may i ask, i have a connecting flight in hongkong on October,my origin is amsterdam schiphol airport to hongkong international airport, departing at 12.15pm at , is there any test i will do there? thanks in advance!
No, transit passengers do not go through these procedures. Please note the requirements for transit in HK Airport: Passengers will be able to transit through Hong Kong if: Their itinerary is contained in a single booking; They meet the entry requirements of their final destination; They have their baggage checked through to the final destination; They have been issued their onward boarding pass(es) from their origin; and The connection time between flights is within 24 hours.
No longer need the SHS App. I guess it can just give them the hotel number if they ask for a number. But you need to fill in and print the Health Declaration online before you travel then as you have to have a QR code in the process
At the moment still only HK residents (and dependents) are allowed into HK (with the exception of people who were in Australia and NZ for 14-days prior to coming to HK)
There are different rules going and coming from mainland. From what I understand, you will certainly have to quarantine on the way out, but there's a Return2HK scheme for HK residents who are coming from specific parts of the PRC. In general, it's 2 weeks' home quarantine coming from Mainland China.
Hello, thank you for your informative video. I will fly from mexico to Hong Kong, I want to know if rt-pcr test is valid in hong Kong before fly or only Naat-pcr??
I believe RT PCR should be fine since that's what they are using here in Hong Kong as the standard Covid-19 test the government does. But best to check with your airlines. You also need to make sure the lab is either has ISO15189 or is accredited (and has evidence) by the government of the country it is in.
21 days for all passengers. The only exceptions are if you come from Mainland China, Macau or Taiwan - then it's 14 days home quarantine. They are looking at changing it so people coming from low risk countries - Singapore, Australia, New Zealand - have 14 days hotel + 7 days home quarantine, but this has not yet been implemented. There is no such thing as a 7 day quarantine as far as I know.
Hi brother good to see you here ... i want to know something about how to travel Hongkong. Currently i live in Sydney as a temporary resident. I have overseas passport, i belong to Nepal.My girlfriend lives in Hong Kong since long time. She has permanent resident card of Hong kong. I wanted to go to HongKong but i am not sure if i will get travel visa. Is it possible to get Travel visa to Hongkong ? or its better she apply travel visa to Australia. Which one you think is better option regarding visa granting ? thanks
I'm afraid I'm not really enough of an expert to provide this kind of advice. As far as I know it's almost impossible to go to Australia right now, even for residents/citizens. If you normally can come to Hong Kong without visa, then it's possible, but with 14 days quarantine coming from Australia for now - but the situation is changing quickly because of COVID in Australia.
@@XennialTraveller thanks for your kind information ... i am not looking to meet right now its terrible situation in Australia now. May be after border open and all things goes right. Can i go to hongkong easily to visit ?
What to do if I don’t have a phone number when I arrive at the airport? I’m going to Hong Kong in 35 days from Australia. Thanks for your videos, I also have booked the Nina Hotel.
Will not you have your Australian number? They can WhatsApp as well I believe. If not, just have the hotel's number to hand and give it to them. If you want to be added to the Nina Inmates WhatsApp, you can message me (Instagram @matthewseow) about 2 weeks before you are due to arrive.
@@XennialTraveller thank you so much for your feedback! No, I won’t have roaming turned on as it’s way too expensive for an unknown period of time. But I have recently installed WhatsApp, so maybe that is useful too? Yes I would be happy to join the Nina group on WhatsApp for my quarantine period, how does it work and how to find the group and join please? I don’t have Instagram account or App. I am a dinosaur.
@@JenniferChou Sounds like WhatsApp is the solution. For Nina Inmates WhatsApp group you can email me your WhatsApp number 2 weeks before you are due to arrive xennialtraveller@gmail.com
It all depends which country you're in. There's no specific list - it's 'accredited' by the government of the place where you are, but to be safe you should ask for the ISO15189 certificate (in English!) from the lab that you are getting the test from. If they cannot provide this then find another lab, rather than risk being rejected when trying to fly.
At the moment, yes, it is the same. They are looking into reducing the quarantine period, but for now... Hong Kong is super conservative about these things. Certainly, people shouldn't be making the decision to travel lightly.
You can share rooms if you want, but generally 2 adults maximum per room. Best to check with your specific hotel on their max occupancy, and also make sure you have all persons staying in the room named on the booking.
Currently only Hong Kong residents (regardless of nationality) can enter HK. So unless you have a specific visa that allows you entry, then not right now. China follows different regulations altogether, and has always required some visa or the other.
@@cs77smith67 No. And honestly I don't think HK will. We're talking of lockdown at the moment so not really much point to even think of coming. I'd check again in early summer to see if the situation has changed.
Nah, just a bit uncomfortable to have someone swab into your nasal area, but you'll survive ;) But yeah, the whole quarantine thing sucks in 2022. All the best
Someone I know said they now accept WhatsApp. But just in case, just keep the local number of the hotel handy (you need your booking anyway). But they're not going to put you back on the plane, don't worry ;)
@@XennialTraveller yeah i thought that BS about making you call them. I certainly don't have roaming on my mobile plan. Anytime I go to HK I get pay as you go card.
Very informative video. Just one question: how many Covid-tests will be done during the quarantine and how are they done? In another video I saw people do the test by their own in the hotel room.
2 more COVID tests done during quarantine - Day 12 and Day 19 - i.e. total 3 tests (including the 1 at airport) in the whole process. People will come to your hotel room to do the nasal + throat swab test just outside your door. I'll have this in my next video about the 21-day hotel quarantine - managed to get it all on video haha
For the app that you have to walk around. Can you Cheat? Say you have an adjoing room that you have someone that you might want to visit . Could you set it by one of you walking into both rooms. This way you can visit your neighbor for what ever reasons? wink wink.
The app and wristband are no longer required for Hotel quarantine. If you have a connected room then no problem going between. But people have been prosecuted for stepping out into the corridor based on CCTV - nothing to do with the app/wristband.
@@XennialTraveller and before that you did a week in Malaysia. then before that you did it in HK. You have lost weeks of your life all for a youtube video.
@@sellsidedream8766 If you’ve ever encountered prison (even as a visitor) you would NEVER compare that experience. Check your privilege if you think you know what you’re talking about if you compare this to prison. It was completely a fine experience, even quite a positive one. And at the end of the day, I could easily avoid quarantine by not travelling.
@@nn-uj1iv I lost nothing of my life. I chose to travel for urgent family reasons. I’m not a victim. And I chose to make my experience a positive one. You can choose whatever you want.
Must be pretty stressful filming all of this at that time so thank you very much for this
It was on one hand, but at the same time also gave me something to focus on :)
Relieved to see that passengers are not stuffed into a packed bus after getting off the plane. The train looks a lot less claustrophobic than I had imagined. Many thanks for including that in the video!
The aerotrain tends to be fairly empty. The shuttle bus after the test results are received is more full, but with the combination of everyone wearing masks, people only spending a few mins in proximity and just testing negative the risk is low for any infection. But definitely nice to step out into a less claustrophobic environment :)
@@XennialTraveller Thanks for that and for your helpful video which I've shared with other permanent HK residents who, like myself, are away from HK but wanting to return.
i love your quarantine video ..Great tips and it helps a lot for travel preparation..
Happy that it helps :)
Naks! Informative. Thanks 😊
Thank you so much for sharing this information. I was planning to return to Hong Kong with my wife by the end of this year to claim the HK$10,000 cash payout scheme before it ended. It absolutely makes no sense for us to go after watching all the hassles we will have to go through on the arrival followed by wasting 21 days of time and cost on the hotel quarantine. We are in our 60s and it would really be a torture to us going through all the hassles on our arrival after a long flight from Florida. We'd love to visit Hong Kong as soon as it has eased up its rules. We find it particularly ridiculous over the 21 day quarantine for someone who has passed the covid-19 test. Subscribed!
Yeah, I here you... HK$10k is definitely not worth it - it won't even cover the hotel quarantine. Unfortunately I don't see the US being taken off the high risk list anytime soon. Enjoy where you are and make the best of it :) Hopefully the 21 day rubbish will go at least down to 14days before the end of the year.
... Because too much fake vac certs. still few daily incoming positive after leaving airport and testing... and also from US UK Canada.. Russia Me... India Philippines Indonesia...
.. No local all imported..
I'm really enjoying watching your videos, Matt! I'll be coming to HK from South Africa in the next couple of months, your tips are super useful. Hope to see more videos soon!
Thanks Nathan! A bit difficult finding inspiration without being able to travel, but hopefully will be making more videos soon. All the best for your journey to HK!
Do you think we’re allowed to enter HK . I’m trying to go this year around June but not sure if SA is blocked from entering for tourism reasons
This is a huge help. Thanks for documenting this journey!
your video is so nice very crispy clear , thanks for sharing this , im enjoying watching it ,,
Thanks for making this video~
Great and informative document. Will share with all friends coming in
Thank you. Hope it goes well for them!
thank you for sharing!
Very helpful video, thank you so much for this.
Thank you for the very informative and detailed video. I am heading to HK and this video is really helpful :)
Glad to be of help 🙂 when are you getting to HK?
hello sir thanks for sharing your video,,,, your video....
Great video, fellow inmate!
Thank you 😊 Prize for first comment 🙌
Refer to official HK guidance for most up-to-date details: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html#quarantinemeasures2
*Check-in Documents*
- Right to enter Hong Kong - with a few exceptions on Hong Kong residents are currently allowed in - e.g. HKID and/or Passport with HK visa
- Note that all passengers now require a Negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited lab 72 hours before the departure of your final flight into HK
- Booking for exactly 21/14/7 nights (depending on criteria) at a Designated Quarantine Hotel: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/designated-hotel-list.html
- HK Health Declaration Form (you'll need a confirmed seat number): hdf.chp.gov.hk/dhehd/?lang=en-us
UPDATE (Dec'21): The tracking wristband/bracelet and StayHomeSafe app is no longer required for Hotel Quarantiners. The COVID-19 test sample is taken earlier in the process (before the quarantine order is issued). All other steps in the process remain fundamentally the same.
Thanks for sharing
Great Job Travel Hong Kong! - Detroit!
Super helpful!!!!!!!! going to HK soon. thank you for the video.
Thanks so much! I am travelling to HK in a few weeks and its great to see all the little details. looking forward to your HK quarantine update!
Will be in a couple of weeks! Where have you booked in for your quarantine?
@@XennialTraveller I have booked the hotel indigo. There from 8 to 29 April - I am moving for work so hk will be new to me so extra appreciation for your video! Hope your quarantine is going OK so far
@@williammairs2358 Actually, I'm already done with my quarantine - just took me a couple of weeks after to finish my video as I was busy in quarantine (believe it or not). All the best with your journey :)
Hi! Big thanks again for this video. It was SO helpful for when I landed. I knew everything that was going to happen and fully prepared for it! Thanks so much
One question, I'm in quarantine now, the first day I arrived is counted as Day 1 and not Day 0? I'm relatively sure but just want to double check so I know exactly when the day 12/19 tests are!
@@williammairs2358 Correct. Day 1 when you land in HK, regardless of what timw it is. Check out my other video of the quarantine process if you haven't already! 🙂
I’m also planning to visit Hong Kong 😍
Hi, thank you for this video it helped ease my anxiety a bit! I have a question about how long should you get to the airport before your flight to complete the forms and everything in your opinion? also which and how much did you pay for hotel is best? (I looking for cheapest but if other cheap one better in your opinion?) how did you order food when in hotel? do you need cover negative test 72 hours before going to airport, or any test?
Once again, thank you and I have subscribed! :)
Hey - lots of questions here. You should get to the airport in plenty of time - I'd say at least 3 hours but sometimes airlines will even say 5-6 hours.
Price and other info on quarantine hotels, please see: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/designated-hotel-returnees.html
3 meals a day included with all quarantine hotels. But if you want to order food you can use Deliveroo, Food Panda, etc.
As for COVID test, for many places you do need a test beforehand, see: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html
Looking forward to your next video. :)
Yeah he should up the ante and get into a uighur concentration camp.
I don't think I'd be leaving (alive)... So, no, thank you... ;)
very much helpful.. Thanks bro.
Glad it helped! All the best.
Hi Matt, how we allow to have our own hand sanitizer and sanitize swipe? if not mistaken, we not allow to bring any liquid onboard right?
You are allowed the usual amounts of liquid - containers
Thanks for sharing !!!
Thanks for sharing it is very informative and helpful! I am heading back to HK from France and happened to stayed at nina's as well. Merci beaucoup 😄👍🏻
All the best. Are you a member of our WhatsApp group?
Thanks! No not a member 🤔
@@syll9523 Are you checking in soon? You can message me on Instagram @matthewseow if you want me to add you to the WhatsApp group 🙂
Damn, was gonna come back with my hubby, I guess we will have to wait longer 😅
Thank you for the video 👍
HK opened the borders to UK and Ireland on the 7th of May and I went ahead and booked my ticket. This video is very informative and a good heads up about what I'm about to face when I arrive.
Yes, finally!! Sadly still 21 days quarantine, but you'll get through it 🙌
Great Video. I am very confused and it's hard to get a clear answer. I am from the USA and staying in Thailand now. Can I go to Hong Kong as a tourist now, or would I just end up turned away at the airport if I book a flight to Hong Kong?
Hey - thanks. You will not be able to enter Hong Kong as a tourist from Thailand, unfortunately. Thailand is in 'Group A' so only residents can travel from there or if you've been in any Group A country in the past 22 days. And the situation is so volatile at the moment with Omicron etc that practically any country is liable to be put into Group A. You would definitely not be able to check-in for a flight to HK. www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html#quarantinemeasures2
Yay! You chose Nina H. How can we not recognize that orange chair 😄. Thanks for this informational video
YESSSSS. When I checked in it was L'hotel.... By the time I checked out it was Nina Hotel 😂
@@XennialTraveller Oh! Congrats, you made it! Even though I’ll be back in August, your videos are really helping me prepare mentally 🙏🏼
@@anniechang2808 Glad to hear. Hopefully things will be a little easier by then, maybe for vaccinated people at least, but best to be prepared. And actually the 21-day hotel wasn't too bad in the end with the right hotel and some helpful things... :)
Hi, I know you may not see this comment but I just wanted to ask: if you get to hk before midnight but you check in the next day (as you did), will the first day in hk be considered day 1 of quarantine? Or does the count start from the day you check in??
Thank you for your video, it was so informative!
The day you land is always Day 1 regardless of what time you get to your hotel.
Thanks
Do you know if this has changed in the last few weeks? Is it still the same process?
Largely, yes - check out the first pinned comment. Main difference is you no longer need the StayHomeSafe app and the tracking wristband for hotel quarantine. And the COVID-19 test sample is taken first step in the process before you get the quarantine order. Otherwise everything should be the same.
I will be there in 1 September 2021 is it necessary to take 21day quarantine? Even if I take the first Pfizer Vaccine
Please refer to the official guidelines - unfortunately it's too difficult to summarise since there are so many factors (where you are coming from, HK resident or not, etc): www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html#quarantinemeasures2
Thank you for sharing all this information, I'm planning to travel in November to HK.
Do you know if non-residents are allowed to enter HK? I mean for tourism.
Technically yes, as long as you haven't been in a high risk (Group A) country in the past 21 days. But bear in mind you'll still have to do the full 14 days hotel quarantine before being able to actually go out in Hong Kong. Generally the only people I know who visit are people with family/friends here. See more details here since these things do change (including which countries are in Group A and quarantine length): www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html
Thank you for sharing this. It is very informative! Did you remember how long did it take you from landing to leaving the airport? I landed at 6pm and didn't get to leave the airport until 11pm! Another hour ride to the hotel....super exhausting.
From memory it was around 3 hours in the airport until I got results, another45 mins and I was on the bus. By the time I checked into my room it was nearly 3 am!
@@XennialTraveller Thank you !
It would be great if you reveal how much you paid for quarantine hotel stay!? Thankyou
I can, but it’s in the subject of my quarantine hotel review video 😜 And also, all quarantine hotel prices are listed in the official government designated hotel list. My hotel was HK$770 per night for standard room
@@XennialTraveller Thankyou for the info. Appreciate it!
Hi, thank you so much for the video, it's super helpful.
I wanna ask you a question please, I am going to arrive to Hong Kong airport at 4:10 pm , 15 October and you said that airport tests and so on will take around 4 hours, what I wanna know is when should I book the quarantine hotel?? Should it be booked in 15 or 16 October??
You MUST book your hotel starting on the day you land in HKIA - it doesn't matter whether you land 00:01 or 23:59 - that always counts as Day 1 and your hotel booking must be from this date or you won't even be allowed to board. your flight. If you land at 4:10 pm (as I did a few days ago), almost certainly you will get to your hotel around 10 pm anyway.
@@XennialTraveller thank you so much for helping
Hi , thank you for your help , very informative video . How much kost the hotel voor 21 days ? And can you order food from outside ? Where did you get the food from ? My husband will fly soon to his family in HK, I need to prepare him mentally en with papers . Gr , Elena .
Hotels are priced differently. The one I stayed at (Nina Hotel Island South. - see my separate video review) was about HK$770 per night including 3 meals per day. If you want to order outside food you can (there are delivery apps like Food Panda and Deliveroo) but no refund on food at the hotel.
Hi can you choose your hotel? also can you quarantine at 2 if you're traveling together and that you're married?
Yes, you can. You can quarantine with others, even friends or strangers. Just need to be arriving on the same flight and all names must be on the hotel reservation.
Thnx for dis vdeo i have some question? Sir what if i dont have a hk simcard? Im from phil and i will go to hk dis april 28 tnx
Should be ok. They apparently accept WhatsApp now. Good luck with your journey 😀
What is the reason behind the extended 21-day quarantine when other countries required only 14 days?
HK believes the COVID-19 incubation period can be longer than 14 days. Length of a quarantine is a decision taken by each country also based on the risk already in country. As HK is aiming for zero cases, it has zero tolerance to any imported COVID cases. Somewhere like the UK, for example, has such high number of cases it is not that concerned about imported cases.
... SO mainland wants keep out..
So cute ❤️
Hi, I would like to ask that if your tested negative from the country you departure and when you arrive in Hong Kong and also tested negative as well do we still need to stay quarantine for 21 days or there is some decrease in quarantine days ?
No change in quarantine length at all. In fact everyone MUST test negative twice as you mentioned in order to start quarantine. If you test positive before flying, you won't be allowed to fly, and if you test positive upon arrival in HK you'll be sent to hospital immediately rather than your quarantine hotel.
I think many Nepalese people are watching these video before going hongkong
Oh? That’s lovely to hear.
Hi, Can i ask how long did it take you to deplane in hongkong? As i have a connecting flight in there but the stopover time is only 45 minutes. I'm not sure what the rules nowadays. It would be really nice if you answer. Thanks 😀
Very quick - and HK is very efficient with transits anyway. It's difficult to say exactly since I wasn't transitting, I guess most likely your flight will be pretty empty? I wouldn't worry too much about it and let your airlines worry about the transit connection. They should help you get in between gates etc.
Hi i'm due to fly from the UK to Hong Kong for work in a few months. Just wondering do you have to be vaccinated to be allowed entry into Hong Kong ?
No requirement for vaccination. But there are reduced quarantine length for fully vaccinated persons from certain places (currently not the UK, but all of this is subject to change at any point). Best to refer to www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html
Your video is very informative. You said that you will talk about the papers but never talked about it. It is missing lots of good information. For example do they give you thermometer? After waiting more than 3 hours for test. Where was your luggage? (because last time we came to Hong Kong, we already took our luggage with us) how was custom procedures? How was immigration procedure? Many other things but mainly I remember this much for now.
Hey - most of that will be in Part 2 since the 'paper' (I think you mean the info booklet?) is all about what happens in the quarantine. Luggage - you can see this in the section starting 9:09 - you only collect your checked in luggage after you get your COVID test result and the bus to the main terminal. Immigration - no different procedure - simply HKID as normal.
Hi. First time to travel during the pandemic. Just wanted to ask if there's an open money changer at the HKIA? Or is it better to have the HKD before flying to hk? Also, is it required to have a medical insurance which covers covid or it's optional? Thank you so much.
Hi - I don't recall any money changer at HKIA, but there is an ATM when you collect your checked in luggage - easiest to just withdraw HKD from that. I don't believe there is any requirement for medical insurance with COVID coverage. But bear in mind that if you are a non-resident of HK then in the event you do test positive for COVID-19, you will be hospitalised (regardless of symptoms) and you will have to pay the bill for this.
@@XennialTraveller hi. Thanks for the reply. Well noted. :)
Do they allocate special seats for families that travel with infant and toddler at the holding area?
Not special seats, but you can ask to be put together at the side of the waiting areas. Some families will bring a small tent popup tent for the children or maybe some kind of beach towel to put on the floor.
I will be using US passport to depart from US, and HKID to enter HK. It happens that they have different middle names 😤. Many hkers born with using Chinese name as middle name. Now, I am betting that the covid-19 test result should have the same name as in my passport, not HKID. Hopefully, my guess is right or else will not be able to get on the connecting flight to HK, stranded in Japan.
Yes. HKID not really relevant until you get to HK so everything else is best to follow your passport name
Also, remember to get the ISO15189 certificate from your lab just to avoid any issues. This has been a cause for some people being denied boarding (especially in Japan).
Hi! Thanks for the video😊Do we need to get COVID-19 vaccine before entering Hong Kong? Thanks🙏
No requirement, but quarantine length is reduced in some cases. Refer to www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html
@@XennialTraveller Thanks a lot for the help!😊
can the nasal test be handled by the arrivee?
No. Had to be administered.
Hi i will fly to hk on may from KL, may i know do we need do covid test before fly at klia? And what flight do u used to fly ?
From Malaysia to Hong Kong, currently no COVID test is required as Malaysia is currently not in Group A or B (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html). I actually flew on the last direct Cathay Pacific flight from KL to Hong Kong in February - unfortunately these have now been cancelled so your best bet is probably to transit in Singapore - it's the most reliable route with SIA as other airlines have been cancelling flights even if they let you book them.
Does anyone know if you get tested for transit in hong kong or no.
No. But currently you have to have a pre departure Covid-19 test to transit in HK
Ni hao Xennial your this video help me a lot Now I can back to Hong Kong 🇭🇰 in future we can travel together 🙂
hi sir, may i ask, i have a connecting flight in hongkong on October,my origin is amsterdam schiphol airport to hongkong international airport, departing at 12.15pm at , is there any test i will do there? thanks in advance!
No, transit passengers do not go through these procedures. Please note the requirements for transit in HK Airport:
Passengers will be able to transit through Hong Kong if:
Their itinerary is contained in a single booking;
They meet the entry requirements of their final destination;
They have their baggage checked through to the final destination;
They have been issued their onward boarding pass(es) from their origin; and
The connection time between flights is within 24 hours.
@@XennialTraveller thank you so much !
Hi, can i ask if you need to book the on-arrival covid-19 test before the flight? Thank you:)
No need to book. It’s all a part of the mandatory process when you land, and it’s free.
How to do, if you come to HK without any phone?! They will not aloud you enter HK?
No longer need the SHS App. I guess it can just give them the hotel number if they ask for a number. But you need to fill in and print the Health Declaration online before you travel then as you have to have a QR code in the process
But what about me vaccinated from USA, I'm planning on seeing my filipina gf in Hong Kong China.
At the moment still only HK residents (and dependents) are allowed into HK (with the exception of people who were in Australia and NZ for 14-days prior to coming to HK)
Stay sane ...OMG ... What about if you wanted to go to the mainland
There are different rules going and coming from mainland. From what I understand, you will certainly have to quarantine on the way out, but there's a Return2HK scheme for HK residents who are coming from specific parts of the PRC. In general, it's 2 weeks' home quarantine coming from Mainland China.
This is too painful. I long for the old days when I can get from the gate to Hong Kong Island in one hour.
Hello, thank you for your informative video. I will fly from mexico to Hong Kong, I want to know if rt-pcr test is valid in hong Kong before fly or only Naat-pcr??
I believe RT PCR should be fine since that's what they are using here in Hong Kong as the standard Covid-19 test the government does. But best to check with your airlines. You also need to make sure the lab is either has ISO15189 or is accredited (and has evidence) by the government of the country it is in.
Still need 21 days quarantine even already vaccine??
The regulations are changing (again!). Best to refer to www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html
You are supposed to keep mask on flight too.
I heard that quarantine days for passengers vary from 7 days or 14 days or 21 days . Is that true ? or its same 21 days for every passengers?
21 days for all passengers. The only exceptions are if you come from Mainland China, Macau or Taiwan - then it's 14 days home quarantine. They are looking at changing it so people coming from low risk countries - Singapore, Australia, New Zealand - have 14 days hotel + 7 days home quarantine, but this has not yet been implemented. There is no such thing as a 7 day quarantine as far as I know.
21 day quarantine? 14 day quarantine? Is everyone outside of hong Kong subjected at 14day or 21 day quarantine? Which travellers?
EVERYONE is now subject to 14 day quarantine. 9 countries are banned so if you’ve been in them at any point in the past 14 days you can’t fly to HK.
Vatapá é um prato típico da Bahia!
Hi brother good to see you here ... i want to know something about how to travel Hongkong. Currently i live in Sydney as a temporary resident. I have overseas passport, i belong to Nepal.My girlfriend lives in Hong Kong since long time. She has permanent resident card of Hong kong. I wanted to go to HongKong but i am not sure if i will get travel visa. Is it possible to get Travel visa to Hongkong ? or its better she apply travel visa to Australia. Which one you think is better option regarding visa granting ? thanks
I'm afraid I'm not really enough of an expert to provide this kind of advice. As far as I know it's almost impossible to go to Australia right now, even for residents/citizens. If you normally can come to Hong Kong without visa, then it's possible, but with 14 days quarantine coming from Australia for now - but the situation is changing quickly because of COVID in Australia.
@@XennialTraveller thanks for your kind information ... i am not looking to meet right now its terrible situation in Australia now. May be after border open and all things goes right. Can i go to hongkong easily to visit ?
May I ask whether you passed immigration through the counter or could you just use the automated immigration clearance at an e-Channel ?
You can use the standard e-gates if you have a valid HKID card.
@@XennialTraveller thanks a lot for the information and the video as well!! 👍🏻💯
@@karenaho6357 All the best to you on your journey!
@@XennialTraveller Thank you!! 😊
What to do if I don’t have a phone number when I arrive at the airport? I’m going to Hong Kong in 35 days from Australia. Thanks for your videos, I also have booked the Nina Hotel.
Will not you have your Australian number? They can WhatsApp as well I believe. If not, just have the hotel's number to hand and give it to them. If you want to be added to the Nina Inmates WhatsApp, you can message me (Instagram @matthewseow) about 2 weeks before you are due to arrive.
@@XennialTraveller thank you so much for your feedback! No, I won’t have roaming turned on as it’s way too expensive for an unknown period of time. But I have recently installed WhatsApp, so maybe that is useful too? Yes I would be happy to join the Nina group on WhatsApp for my quarantine period, how does it work and how to find the group and join please? I don’t have Instagram account or App. I am a dinosaur.
@@JenniferChou Sounds like WhatsApp is the solution. For Nina Inmates WhatsApp group you can email me your WhatsApp number 2 weeks before you are due to arrive xennialtraveller@gmail.com
@@XennialTraveller thank you so much. I will do that near the end of next week then! Looking forward to joining the club!
Are travelers allowed in HK? Was debating if it's worth this whole tedious process so that I can visit HK for a month..
The only non residents allowed are if you are coming from Australia, NZ or Mainland China (and would normally have the right to visit HK)
Don’t go to HK! It’s very unsafe here with the rioters.
where should i get the "goverment accredited lab" document for testing before departure?
It all depends which country you're in. There's no specific list - it's 'accredited' by the government of the place where you are, but to be safe you should ask for the ISO15189 certificate (in English!) from the lab that you are getting the test from. If they cannot provide this then find another lab, rather than risk being rejected when trying to fly.
If I got vaccinated will it be the same ? Cuz if it takes a whole month damn its alot of time and money ..
At the moment, yes, it is the same. They are looking into reducing the quarantine period, but for now... Hong Kong is super conservative about these things. Certainly, people shouldn't be making the decision to travel lightly.
Hello friend can you please tell me how many people can stay in one room? Is it just like normal hotel or only 1 person per room or something🤔
You can share rooms if you want, but generally 2 adults maximum per room. Best to check with your specific hotel on their max occupancy, and also make sure you have all persons staying in the room named on the booking.
@@XennialTraveller Thankyou and it was nice informative video,god bless
@@kahlonraj1360 You're welcome
Can U.S. residents travel to Hong Kong China?
Currently only Hong Kong residents (regardless of nationality) can enter HK. So unless you have a specific visa that allows you entry, then not right now. China follows different regulations altogether, and has always required some visa or the other.
Is Hong Kong open to international tourists? I'm from USA 🇺🇲
No. In fact at the moment anyone who has been in the US in the part 14 days is banned from entering HK.
@@XennialTraveller Oh wow okay 👌 I see. I guess they have no word on when they think they might open up?
@@cs77smith67 No. And honestly I don't think HK will. We're talking of lockdown at the moment so not really much point to even think of coming. I'd check again in early summer to see if the situation has changed.
Ugh can’t believe I have to go thru all this bs. Whatever I guess it won’t hurt right lol.
Nah, just a bit uncomfortable to have someone swab into your nasal area, but you'll survive ;) But yeah, the whole quarantine thing sucks in 2022. All the best
Hello,May I ask if traveller from Philippines /non resident are allowed to enter HK.?
Currently no. Philippines is (still) in Group A of high risk countries
Hi can american citizen enter in hk?
At the moment, not unless you're a HK resident or if you're currently in Mainland China or Macau.
Is the hotel free?
Nope - they vary in price depending on the hotel, but you have to pay for the full 21 nights 😭
What happens if your phone doesn’t have roaming - will they accept whatsap call?
Someone I know said they now accept WhatsApp. But just in case, just keep the local number of the hotel handy (you need your booking anyway). But they're not going to put you back on the plane, don't worry ;)
@@XennialTraveller thanks and great vid. Subbed and liked
@@mustangx Thank you! All the best for your journey :)
@@XennialTraveller yeah i thought that BS about making you call them. I certainly don't have roaming on my mobile plan. Anytime I go to HK I get pay as you go card.
Very informative video. Just one question: how many Covid-tests will be done during the quarantine and how are they done?
In another video I saw people do the test by their own in the hotel room.
2 more COVID tests done during quarantine - Day 12 and Day 19 - i.e. total 3 tests (including the 1 at airport) in the whole process. People will come to your hotel room to do the nasal + throat swab test just outside your door. I'll have this in my next video about the 21-day hotel quarantine - managed to get it all on video haha
hi bro. HKSAR department of health.
hk airport usie connecting flight want to this ?
If you’re only going through transit then no, you won’t go through this process.
@@XennialTraveller thank u bro....
For the app that you have to walk around. Can you Cheat? Say you have an adjoing room that you have someone that you might want to visit . Could you set it by one of you walking into both rooms. This way you can visit your neighbor for what ever reasons? wink wink.
The app and wristband are no longer required for Hotel quarantine. If you have a connected room then no problem going between. But people have been prosecuted for stepping out into the corridor based on CCTV - nothing to do with the app/wristband.
21 days in a room fuck that.
Such is life :)
@@XennialTraveller and before that you did a week in Malaysia. then before that you did it in HK. You have lost weeks of your life all for a youtube video.
Agree. Even Global solitary confinement laws say that prisoners are allowed 1 hour a day out of the holding cell
@@sellsidedream8766 If you’ve ever encountered prison (even as a visitor) you would NEVER compare that experience. Check your privilege if you think you know what you’re talking about if you compare this to prison. It was completely a fine experience, even quite a positive one. And at the end of the day, I could easily avoid quarantine by not travelling.
@@nn-uj1iv I lost nothing of my life. I chose to travel for urgent family reasons. I’m not a victim. And I chose to make my experience a positive one. You can choose whatever you want.
What phone number did you use?
My Hong Kong mobile phone number. If you don't have a HK number you can use international number or just give them the number of your hotel.
The nose swab makes me squeamish.
Travel is dead
Critically ill, but not yet dead :)
@@XennialTraveller I sure hope so.
thank you for sharing!