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Statement from the Minister of Health on Update to COVID-19 border measures for travellers arriving from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao

From: Public Health Agency of Canada

On February 4, 2023, we are extending current health measures for travellers arriving on flights from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao, regardless of nationality or vaccination status.

February 2, 2023 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

In response to the increasing spread of COVID-19 and its variants in the People's Republic of China and limited epidemiological and viral genomic sequence data available on these cases, the Government of Canada announced temporary pre-boarding test requirements and arrival screening effective January 5, 2023, for most travellers arriving on flights originating from the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao.

On February 4, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. EST, Canada intends on extending these current health measures for travellers arriving on flights from these regions, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. The requirements are expected to remain in effect until April 5, 2023, 12:01 a.m. EDT.

The decision to extend the current health measures was informed by a number of factors, including:

• continued reports of a dramatic increase of COVID-19 cases in China since the lifting of restrictions;
• limited epidemiological data available from China, including with respect to genomic sequencing and potential variants of concern;
• the potential impact of China's reopening on Canada's health care system; nd
• responses of partner countries and international organizations.

Despite the data provided by China thus far, on-going gaps in data availability remain a significant concern. Extending these temporary health measures will provide time for new, reliable data sources to be made available and allow time for expected domestic waves in China to subside.

With these continuing measures, the Government of Canada, in consultation with provinces and territories, is taking a precautionary approach to protect the health and safety of people in Canada and safeguard Canada's already burdened health care system.

These border measures will continue to be reassessed as more data and evidence become available. The Government of Canada will not hesitate to adjust measures to protect the health and safety of everyone in Canada.

For additional information on these border measures, please visit: COVID-19 pre-boarding test requirements for air travel from China, Hong Kong and Macao .

For the latest advice on COVID-19 and international travel: COVID-19 and International Travel .

Guillaume Bertrand Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos Minister of Health 613-957-0200

Media Relations Public Health Agency of Canada 613-957-2983 [email protected]

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Visitors from China must provide a negative COVID test. Here's why that won't prevent infection in Canada

'this is closing the barn door after the horse has already escaped,' says one physician.

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As China deals with exploding numbers of COVID-19 cases in the wake of its easing of restrictions, Canada announced it is joining several other countries — including the United States , some European countries, India and Japan — in imposing mandatory COVID-19 testing for travellers coming from the region. 

Beginning Thursday, air travellers age two and older arriving in Canada from China, Hong Kong or Macau will have to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken before departure . 

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says the temporary measure is in response to a surge of COVID cases in China and the limited availability of epidemiological and other data related to it.

• Beijing condemns newly reimposed COVID-19 travel requirements for Chinese travellers

Specialists in infectious diseases and global health that CBC News spoke to said the move will do little to prevent the virus from coming to Canada in increased numbers.  

"I'm not alone in my doubts here that these kinds of travel restrictions will have much of an appreciable impact," said Dr. Matthew Oughton, an infectious diseases physician at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital and associate professor of medicine at McGill University. 

"This is closing the barn door after the horse has already escaped."

"It feels like common sense. It feels like the right thing to do. That doesn't mean it is," said Dr. Kerry Bowman, who teaches bioethics and global health at the University of Toronto.

"Having travel restrictions and having onsite testing, those types of things really have not been effective at slowing down the spread of illness."  

He says what data there is from China suggests that the majority of cases making up the current outbreak there are primarily Omicron and its subvariants, all of which Canada has been dealing with for the better part of a year. 

Zero-COVID policy scrapped

Until just a few weeks ago, China had a strict "zero-COVID" policy. Lockdowns were widespread and extremely restrictive. 

But in early December, following a series of angry protests amid a faltering economy, China abruptly dropped the strict measures that had kept transmission relatively low. 

And while the country did offer its population domestically-manufactured COVID-19 vaccines, they were not the effective mRNA-based vaccines used in many other parts of the world, and published data about their efficacy is also limited. 

Plus, uptake was low. In November, the China Daily reported that only about 40 per cent of China's population aged 80 and older had received two doses plus a booster , a number officials have vowed to bring up to 90 per cent.  

All that led to a sudden surge in infections in China over the past month, and the ensuing international travel restrictions, including from Canada. 

In an email to CBC News, PHAC said low levels of immunity among China's population and expected increase in travel due to Chinese New Year in mid-January were also factors in the agency's decision to require the test from China and not other countries which also have high levels of infection. 

• Travellers from China to Canada will require proof of negative COVID-19 test as cases surge
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"I think from a political point of view, most people are going to feel like at least our government is doing something to protect us," Bowman said. "But it really doesn't hold up to the standards of evidence-based practice."  

PHAC said it imposed the testing requirement because of "the limited epidemiological and viral genomic sequence data available" about China's cases, something many see as a lack of transparency. 

"Not necessarily the transparency around absolute numbers," said Zain Chagla, an infectious diseases physician and associate professor at McMaster University. "But transparency about genomic sequencing and really what's happening from a virus circulation standpoint." 

For example, whether a new variant of concern begins to circulate in China. 

Canada to require COVID-19 test for travellers from China

Concerns over new variants.

Some scientists worry China's outbreak could unleash a new coronavirus variant on the world that may or may not be similar to the ones circulating now, since every infection is another chance for the virus to mutate.

Late last month, the World Health Organization called on China to provide more detailed information  about its evolving COVID situation. 

"In order to make a comprehensive risk assessment of the situation on the ground, WHO needs more detailed information on disease severity, hospital admissions and requirements for ICU support," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the time. 

• China to scrap quarantine for inbound travellers as COVID-19 rules ease further
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The lack of detailed data from China alone is a good reason for other countries to be careful, says Oughton.  

"When you have this huge population going through a major wave of disease, and yet at the same time, you don't know what data to trust, it would be prudent to play things cautiously," he said. 

The problem with the approach being taken is that any appreciable impact would likely come too late. 

"By the time that you recognize there's a problem, especially with a virus like SARS-CoV-2, where you can be infectious even before your first symptoms, it's not much of a surprise that, say, by the time you've actually started travel restrictions, you've probably already had lots of people travelling, carrying whatever variants it is that they have," Oughton said.

Wastewater testing 

A better alternative, according to all of the physicians CBC News spoke to, would be to increase wastewater testing in Canada — including testing wastewater from planes.

"It's not going to give you real-time data, but it will at least be a way of screening for new variants, different variants you haven't seen, which may give you some information as to how to predict what is coming in and what could be happening in the weeks to come," said Oughton.

Wastewater testing is currently being done in several communities in Canada, with results taking about one to two weeks, according to PHAC. 

As part of its announcement about the new travel rules for China, the health agency said it will begin a pilot project to test wastewater from planes arriving at Vancouver International Airport, and expand the existing wastewater testing project at Toronto's Pearson Airport, to assess how prevalent the disease is around the world and identify any new variants of concern. 

A good thing, says Chagla, but with room for improvement in terms of how quickly that data is actually analyzed and used.

"There's lots and lots of work and lots of resources that could be put into that rather than worrying about what's coming over the border," he said, even if that includes a potential new mutation of the virus. 

Air filtration

Chagla says what's happening locally — with your neighbour or in your community — is a greater risk to you than the average traveller coming from China. 

And Bowman says it's important to remember that Canada has its own limitations when it comes to data collection, now that widespread testing for COVID-19 has all but ended. 

"I'm not saying it's limited on the same scale as China," he said, "but we have our own shortcomings as well."

• Lack of information on China's COVID-19 surge stirs global concern
• Think the pandemic's over? Guess again: Year-end figures show COVID-19 tied to more deaths in 2022

Bowman suggests that as the world approaches a fourth year of COVID, a better use of resources would be to address ongoing infrastructure issues.

"What we should be doing is getting really safe air — really good, high quality, filtered and circulated air — in schools, in government buildings," he said, acknowledging that while that would both be expensive and take time, it would serve Canadians well against any infection primarily transmitted through the air, including COVID-19, RSV and influenza.

"How much longer do we go on before we accept that?" he said. "If we don't do it, we will be continually paying the price over and over again."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Digital producer

Stephanie Hogan is a digital producer with CBC News, based in Toronto. She writes on a variety of subjects, with an interest in politics, health and the arts. She was previously political editor for The National and worked in various roles in TV and radio news.

With files from Lauren Pelley and The Associated Press

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Canada mandates Covid tests for HK, mainland arrivals

Greater China

Canada dropping COVID testing requirements for air travellers from China, Hong Kong and Macao

The Canadian government is dropping its COVID-19 testing requirements for air travellers coming to the country from China, Hong Kong or Macao.

The change will be in effect as of 12:01 a.m. EDT on March 17.

• COVID-19 Brief newsletter: Sign up for an informed guide on the pandemic

"Canada's COVID-19 border measures continue to be informed by available data, scientific evidence and monitoring of the epidemiological situation and response capacity domestically and internationally," Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos said in a news release Thursday. "While this is good news, we need to remain vigilant. We should all complete our COVID-19 vaccine series and additional recommended doses, and continue to do all that we can to protect ourselves and those around us."

The government first put the testing requirements into place Jan. 5, 2023, in response to a surge in COVID infections in China "to protect the health and safety of Canadians" and "given the limited data available at that time on those cases."

The government says since then, no new COVID-19 variants were detected based on data from China and the rest of the world, as well as from wastewater sampling data in Canada.

"While we are encouraged that the epidemiological situation has improved in both China and Canada, and that temporary test requirements for air travellers put in place in early 2023 can now be lifted, we know we must remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19 and its variants," Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra said in the release. "We will continue to make decisions based on the best public health advice and will adjust our measures accordingly to keep travellers, transportation workers and our transportation system safe and secure."

There is currently a Level 2 travel health notice for COVID-19 related travel to all countries.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says anyone travelling by plane is encouraged to wear a mask and anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home.

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Downtown Windsor, Ont. sinkhole repair to likely last until Thursday

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Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

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Inbound Travel

Inbound arrangements.

• All inbound persons must pass temperature checks upon arrival. Those found with symptoms will be referred to the Department of Health for further handling.
• No further restrictions upon arrival.

Handling Arrangements for Persons Tested Positive After Arrival at Hong Kong

• For persons tested positive after arrival at Hong Kong, please refer to the webpage on Points to Note for Persons who Tested Positive .

Please refer to this webpage .

More Information

Hong Kong Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from Canada to Hong Kong

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to Hong Kong from Canada?

Most visitors from Canada, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Hong Kong.

Can I travel to Hong Kong if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Hong Kong without restrictions.

Can I travel to Hong Kong without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Hong Kong without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Hong Kong?

Visitors from Canada are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Hong Kong.

Can I travel to Hong Kong without quarantine?

Travellers from Canada are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Hong Kong?

Mask usage in Hong Kong is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Hong Kong?

Restaurants in Hong Kong are open. Bars in Hong Kong are .

Before boarding the flight, they are required to present a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test report, with their names identical to their respective travel documents, and administered within 72 hours of the flight's scheduled time of departure. They are also required to present documentary proof to show that the laboratory or healthcare institution is recognized/ approved/ ISO15189 accredited. Record of recognized laboratories in the US can be printed from the CMS’s database . The travelers are also required to show confirmation that they have booked a hotel for 14-day quarantine upon arrival.  Currently, only Hong Kong residents* are permitted to enter the city.  The relevant specifications will remain effective until further notice. *Spouses and children of Hong Kong residents who are not themselves Hong Kong residents may enter Hong Kong, but they need to prepare and produce proof to immigration officers at the airport (e.g. copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates and ID cards of spouse or parents, etc.).

• The test must be conducted within 48 hours before the scheduled flight departure time (for those entering the Mainland via airport) or arrival time (for those entering the Mainland via other boundary control points);
• The test specimen must be a throat swab, nasopharyngeal swab or combined nasal and throat swab collected by dedicated staff; and
• The test result must be negative, and the test report must be issued by local COVID-19 testing institutions recognised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (including community testing centres/community testing stations in various districts) for conducting reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing.

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory April 12, 2024

Mainland china, hong kong & macau - see summaries.

Updated due to new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Summary:  Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services . Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction . 

Consulate Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

One month beyond the date of your intended stay

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for stays under 90 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau 26 Garden Road Central, Hong Kong Telephone:  +852 2841-2211, +852 2841-2225, +852 2841-2323   Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +852 2523-9011   Fax:  +852 2845-4845 Email:   [email protected]  

Destination Description

See the U.S. Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Hong Kong for information on U.S.-Hong Kong relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Hong Kong Immigration Department  website for the most current visa information. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our website.

To enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), you need:

• a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the date of your intended stay;
• adequate funds to cover your stay without working locally; and
• evidence of onward/return transportation.

You only need a visa if:

• You plan to stay for more than 90 days – obtain an extension with the Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department, if necessary.
• You plan to work or study in the Hong Kong SAR – visas must be obtained prior to departing the United States.

You must possess a valid passport and PRC visa to enter the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from Hong Kong. Further information on travel to and around the PRC is available on our  China International Travel Information and Macau International Travel Information pages.

West Kowloon Train Station:  The West Kowloon Train Station is the terminus of the Hong Kong section of the  Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link  (XRL). Once passengers pass through the Hong Kong immigration exit checkpoint on their way to mainland China inside the train station or on the train itself in that area, they are in the mainland Port Area. Likewise, passengers arriving from mainland China are in the mainland Port Area until they exit the Hong Kong immigration entry checkpoint. 

Health Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the PRC, including Hong Kong. 

Safety and Security

Since the imposition of the National Security Law on June 30, 2020, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has demonstrated an intent to use the law to target a broad range of activities such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The National Security Law also covers offenses committed by non-Hong Kong SAR residents or organizations outside of the Hong Kong SAR, which could subject U.S. citizens who have been publicly critical of the PRC and/or the administration of the Hong Kong SAR to a heightened risk of arrest, detention, expulsion, or prosecution. Mainland PRC security forces, including an Office for Safeguarding National Security, now operate in Hong Kong and are not subject to oversight by the Hong Kong SAR judiciary.

Drug and Alcohol Enforcement: PRC law enforcement authorities have little tolerance for illegal drugs, including marijuana and products containing cannabidiol, also known as CBD . Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in the PRC, including Hong Kong, are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, or the death penalty.

Hong Kong also has strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol that can lead to immediate detention on a criminal charge.

Demonstrations:  Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as violating Hong Kong law, including the National Security Law, could result in criminal charges. On June 30, 2020, as part of its color-coded system of warning flags, the Hong Kong police unveiled a new purple flag, which warns protesters that shouting slogans or carrying banners with an intent prohibited by the law could now bring criminal charges. Any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal.

U.S. citizens are strongly cautioned to be aware of their surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to Hong Kong: 

• Monitor local media, local transportations sites and apps like  MTR Mobile  or  CitybusNWFB , and the  Hong Kong International Airport website  for updates and traffic advisories. 
• Avoid the areas of the demonstrations. 
• Exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests. 
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission. 
• Be aware of your surroundings. 
• Keep a low profile. 

Hong Kong has a low crime rate. Even so, you should exercise caution when in congested areas and pay particular attention to personal belongings while in crowded areas and while traveling on public transportation. Violent crime, though rare, does occur.

• Take routine safety precautions. 
• Report any concerns to the local police. 
• Call “999,” the local equivalent to “911” 

Please note that mace, pepper spray, stun guns, bullets, switch blades, knuckle-dusters and other self-protection weapons are banned in Hong Kong. 

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law. You may also pay fines or must give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Be alert to criminal schemes, such as internet, phone scams and dating scams, as well as financial scams. See the  U.S. Department of State's  and the  U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s  pages for information on scams. 

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at “999” and contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau at +(825) 2523-9011. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• help you find appropriate medical care.
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• provide a list of local attorneys.
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States .
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Hong Kong has a crime victim compensation program available to U.S. citizens who are legal residents or tourists in Hong Kong. For more detailed information on the program and its requirements, please see the  Hong Kong Social Welfare Department webpage.  More resources for victims of crime in Hong Kong are available in our  Help for U.S. Victims of Crime in Hong Kong  information sheet. 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence can/should contact the Hong Kong police and/or U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau for assistance. 

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout Hong Kong. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to Hong Kong SAR laws, including certain PRC laws applied to Hong Kong. If you violate Hong Kong SAR laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. Furthermore, some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  U.S. Department of Justice  website. 

Arrest Notification:

• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.
• Hong Kong must notify a U.S. consular officer within four days; however, this does not always occur in a timely manner.
• The PRC and Hong Kong SAR governments do not recognize dual nationality. The PRC and Hong Kong SAR governments may prevent the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates General from providing consular services to dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent. Please see the page on dual nationality for more information on the limits on consular notification and access to dual nationals.
• A consular officer may be the only authorized visitor during your initial detention period.
• Detention may last many months before a trial.
• U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau is unable to represent you in a legal matter.
• Travelers to the PRC should enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , and you may wish to have someone contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau if you are detained.

Hong Kong law provides for an independent judiciary, but PRC actions have eroded the judiciary’s independence and ability to uphold the rule of law, particularly in cases designated as involving national security. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC, including the Hong Kong SAR, should be aware of varying levels of scrutiny to which they will be subject from PRC state security and Hong Kong local law enforcement. In Hong Kong, police have the right to detain you for questioning if you are not carrying your passport.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Assisted Reproductive Technology:  Hong Kong strictly forbids surrogacy, and surrogacy contracts will not be considered valid. The use of reproductive technology for medical research and profit is strictly controlled.

Controlled Items in Hong Kong:  Hong Kong customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning controlled items you might be carrying while transiting Hong Kong (temporary importation or exportation). Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) security routinely and thoroughly screens any luggage loaded onto an aircraft in Hong Kong, whether belonging to a departing or transiting passenger. Discovery of weapons or ammunition of any kind—including mace, pepper spray, stun guns, bullets, air gun pellets, switch blades, knuckle-dusters, and other self-protection weapons—during this screening will be referred to the police for investigation, leading to arrest and detention.

If you bring controlled items into Hong Kong without the necessary Hong Kong documents, you may be prosecuted, and the goods may be seized. The penalty for trafficking in dangerous drugs can be life imprisonment and a heavy fine. Among the other items that you must declare to customs officials are liquors, tobacco, cigarettes and cigars, methyl alcohol, and merchandise imported for commercial purposes. There are no currency restrictions for travelers.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of controlled and/or prohibited items:

• dangerous drugs
• psychotropic substances
• controlled chemicals
• antibiotics
• strategic commodities
• rough diamonds
• endangered species
• telecommunication equipment
• powdered formula

Please visit the website of the  Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department  for specific information regarding Hong Kong customs requirements.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes.

For additional information, please visit the  U.S. Council for International Business website  and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web page on  Traveling with Samples .

Please see our  Customs Information  sheet for general information.

Dual Nationality:  Dual nationality is not recognized under  PRC nationality law . Be mindful of the following special circumstances for dual nationals when traveling in the region.

Enter the Hong Kong SAR on your U.S. passport to ensure U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau can provide consular assistance in case of arrest or other emergency. Regardless of your travel documents, if you are a dual national, or otherwise have ethnic or historical ties to the PRC, it is possible that Hong Kong authorities will assert that you are a PRC citizen and deny your access to U.S. consular representatives if you are detained.

Your child will be considered a PRC citizen if one or both of the parents are PRC nationals regardless of U.S. citizenship.

If traveling onward to mainland China, enter mainland China on your U.S. passport to ensure U.S. consular protection. See our  China International Travel Information  page for more information.

For further information on consular protection and  dual nationality , please refer to our website.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or must give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Cruise Ship Passengers:  Please see our Cruise Ship Passengers page for safety information and travel advice.

Earthquakes:  Earthquakes occur throughout the PRC and have affected Hong Kong in the past. Check here for information about  preparing for a crisis or disaster overseas .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Reports
• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  In Hong Kong, there are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Hong Kong. See  Section 6 of our Human Rights Practices in the Human Rights Report for Hong Kong  and read our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information page .

Pets:  You must have a permit to bring dogs and cats into Hong Kong. Dogs and cats imported from the United States may be exempted from quarantine when they have valid health and vaccination certificates and when the animal has been in the United States for at least six months immediately preceding travel.

Additional information on importing pets is available on the  Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website.

Political Activity:  Participating in unauthorized political activities, including participating in unauthorized public protests, or writing social media posts or other online publications critical of the government,   may result in detention, criminal charges, and/or PRC government-imposed restrictions on future travel to the PRC, including Hong Kong.

Social Media:  Social media accounts are widely monitored in the PRC, including Hong Kong. Social media posts—even content posted outside of Hong Kong—that local authorities deem illegal, including under the National Security Law or other Hong Kong laws, may result in criminal charges against both the poster of the material and the administrator of the social media forum.

Students:  See our  U.S. Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Surveillance and Monitoring:  Security personnel carefully watch foreign visitors and may place you under surveillance. Hotel rooms (including meeting rooms), offices, cars, taxis, telephones, Internet usage, and fax machines may be monitored onsite or remotely, and personal possessions in hotel rooms, including computers, may be searched without your consent or knowledge.

Transferring Money to/From Hong Kong:  The U.S. Department of State may be able to help transfer funds to a destitute U.S citizen overseas through our office in Washington, D.C., to U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau. More information on this option is available on our Sending Money to Destitute U.S. Citizens Overseas page .

Travelers with Disabilities:  Sidewalks often do not have curb cuts and many streets can be crossed only via pedestrian bridges or underpasses accessible by staircase. Assistive technologies for blind people and those with other vision disabilities are unreliable, and access to elevators in public buildings can be restricted. In major cities, public restrooms in places visited by tourists usually have a least one accessible toilet.

Hong Kong law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other state services, and the government generally enforces these provisions. The law mandates access to buildings, information, and communications for persons with disabilities. The  Hong Kong Social Welfare Department  is primarily responsible for coordinating and funding public assistance programs to persons with disabilities. The  Hong Kong Tourism Board  publishes “ Accessible Hong Kong , ” a guide for visitors with disabilities and the  Hong Kong Transport Department  publishes  A Guide to Public Transport for People with Disabilities . In addition, the Hong Kong government created  Cyberable  to provide one-stop information for persons with various disabilities.

Weather:  The southeast coast of the PRC is subject to strong typhoons and tropical storms, usually from July through September. The  Hong Kong Observatory  has an excellent notification and monitoring system and issues typhoon warnings an average of six times a year and heavy rainstorm and hot weather alerts more frequently. Please be advised that if Hong Kong announces a Typhoon Signal 8 or above or Black Rainstorm Warning, U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau will be closed for services. You may find additional information on Check here for information about  preparing for a crisis or disaster overseas  on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

For current information, please consult the  Joint Typhoon Warning Center  and the  National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Hong Kong, dial 999.

Ambulance services are widely available.

Quality of Care:  Good medical facilities are available, and there are many Western-trained physicians. Hong Kong emergency service response times for police, fire, and ambulances are good.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Payment and Insurance:  Travelers will be asked to post a deposit prior to admission to hospitals to cover the expected cost of treatment. Hospitals and clinics generally accept credit cards.

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau maintains a list of local  English-speaking doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medication : Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Prescription drugs are widely available, although names may vary. You need a prescription from a doctor in Hong Kong to purchase medications locally. Bring prescription medications to cover your stay in Hong Kong or plan to see a physician in Hong Kong to obtain a new prescription. If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  government of Hong Kong  to ensure the medication is legal in Hong Kong. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Air Quality : Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The air quality in Hong Kong varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the summer.

People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

• Infants, children, and teens;
• People over 65 years of age;
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes; and 
• People who work or are active outdoors.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the CDC.

COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 PCR tests are available at private laboratories and clinics in Hong Kong. The price for these PCR tests generally ranges from 50 to 100 US Dollars. The Hong Kong government maintains a list of recognized laboratories . Rapid COVID-19 tests are readily available at pharmacies and retail establishments throughout Hong Kong.   

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizen residents of Hong Kong. U.S. citizens who are not Hong Kong residents are not eligible to receive Hong Kong government-provided vaccines.   Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.   

For further health information :

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. Each year there are approximately 14,000 traffic accidents.

• Traffic moves on the left.
• Speed limits vary depending on location.
• Use of seatbelts is mandatory.
• You can drive using your U.S. driver’s license for up to a year. If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and have resided in the United States at least six months, you can apply for a Hong Kong driver’s license. Visit the  Hong Kong Transport Department online  for further details. 

Traffic Laws:  Many traffic violations are similar to those in the United States, including penalties for reckless driving, driving under the influence, and using a hand-held device while operating a vehicle. Hong Kong law requires that all registered vehicles carry valid third-party liability insurance. 

Public Transportation:  Approximately 90 percent of the population in Hong Kong depends on public transport. Taxis, buses, and the mass transit railway (MTR) are readily available, inexpensive, and generally safe. The MTR, an underground railway network, is the most popular mode of public transport, carrying an average of 3.5 million passengers a day. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD) as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Hong Kong's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Hong Kong should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI) web portal. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website , and the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Navigational Warnings website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Hong Kong . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report. 

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First scientist to publish Covid sequence in China protests over lab ‘eviction’

Zhang Yongzhen stages sit-in protest, as government attempts to avoid scrutiny over handling of outbreak

The first Chinese scientist to publish a genomic sequence of the Covid-19 virus, in defiance of government orders, has been staging a sit-in protest after claiming he was locked out of his laboratory.

Zhang Yongzhen, a virologist, said in an online post on Monday that he and his team had been given a sudden eviction notice from their lab, and guards had barred him from entering it over the weekend. The post, published on Weibo, was later deleted, Associated Press (AP) reported.

Zhang has been sitting outside the lab since Sunday. Photos posted online show a man purported to be Zhang sleeping on the ground.

The dispute between Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Dr. Zhang Yongzhen's team continues. Dr. Zhang allegedly shared photos of himself sleeping on the floor at the entrance of the laboratory. https://t.co/K5ztBAv6yE pic.twitter.com/6wBkkLLQnB — Yanzhong Huang (@YanzhongHuang) April 29, 2024

Zhang published his scientific findings about Covid-19 without government approval in January 2020. He and his team have since been subject to a series of setbacks, demotions and oustings, of which the eviction appears to be the latest.

The Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center said in a statement that Zhang’s lab was closed for “safety reasons” and renovations. It said Zhang’s team had been given alternative lab space.

However, Zhang said the offer was not made until after his team was evicted, and that the new lab did not meet the team’s required safety standards.

“I won’t leave, I won’t quit, I am pursuing science and the truth!” he said in the since-deleted Weibo post. “The Public Health Center are refusing to let me and my students go inside the laboratory office to take shelter.”

Teacher Li, who runs an information-sharing and activism-monitoring account on X, said students had protested against the closure and clashed with security guards.

Zhang, when reached by phone on Tuesday, said it was “inconvenient” for him to speak, but a colleague confirmed to AP on Monday the protest was taking place.

The move shows how the Chinese government continues to pressure and control scientists, seeking to avoid scrutiny of its handling of the coronavirus outbreak .

After sequencing the virus on 5 January 2020 Zhang and his team initially sent a notice to Chinese authorities warning of its potential to spread. The next day his lab was temporarily shut down by China’s top health official.

Foreign scientists called for Zhang and other Chinese scientists to be allowed to publish the sequencing. The following week Zhang published his sequence – without authority – allowing global health authorities to begin testing for Covid-19, finding that it was spreading outside China. It also kickstarted the development of tests, vaccinations and other pandemic measures.

Internationally Zhang was lauded, receiving prizes in recognition of his work, but domestically he came under pressure. He was barred from collaborating with some former research partners and removed from his post at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

During the pandemic, the government also arrested citizen journalists who sought to report on the impact of the outbreak on people and hospitals.

In 2021 Zhang told the New York Times he did not regret his actions. “I trusted myself. I have so much experience, my team has made so many discoveries over the years, that we were able to make accurate judgments,” he said.

Zhang’s team appeared to receive a lot of public support on Weibo, where related hashtags were viewed by tens of millions of Chinese. “How can the country develop if we treat scientific researchers like this?” one said.

Some article links appeared to have been removed since they were posted but extensive discussion of Zhang’s dispute with the Shanghai health authority remained online on Tuesday afternoon.

• Coronavirus
• Infectious diseases
• Asia Pacific
• Medical research
• Microbiology

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These are the 5 longest flights you can take from Toronto

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The longest flights you can take out of Toronto Pearson International Airport will eat up as much as 16 hours of travel time, a price many are willing to pay to see the world or visit relatives back home.

The busy spring travel season has arrived at the airport, and travellers are flocking to the hub for flights to far-off destinations, including some that will keep you stuck in an airplane seat for the better part of a day.

So bring that travel pillow, because, excluding flights with connecting layovers, these are the five longest routes travelling out of Toronto.

Philippine Airlines flight PR119 to Manila

The hands-down longest direct flight out of Toronto takes to the skies three times per week bound for the Philippines capital, Manila. blogTO highlighted the flight experience on this lengthy voyage , covering everything from the pre-flight process to the in-flight meals.

EVA Air/Air Canada flight BR 35 to Taipei

Flights serving the Toronto-Taipei route are just 20 minutes shorter than the longest flight departing Pearson. However, this flight to Taiwan is indeed the longest daily scheduled flight out of Canada's busiest airport. But not by much.

Cathay Pacific flight CX 829/CX 825 to Hong Kong

Despite being hundreds of kilometres longer than the Taipei route, flights serving Hong Kong actually last five minutes shorter in flight duration. Still, the route earns the title of the longest daily scheduled flight departing Pearson by distance travelled.

China Southern Airlines flight CZ312 to Guangzhou

This flight departing Toronto once a week is the fourth longest route out of Pearson, but only 35 minutes travel time separates it from the longest overall on this list.

Air Canada flight AC42/Air India flight AI188 to Delhi

It may not be among the top four longest flights out of Toronto, but two routes serving Delhi, India, clocking in at over 15 hours of travel time, will give you more than enough of a window to binge that series you've been meaning to start.

Honourable mention:

Air canada flight ac61/korean air flight ke74.

While the flight time is practically identical to the Toronto-Delhi routes, these two Toronto-Seoul routes clock in at just 27 km shorter — and are more or less tied as the fifth-longest flights you can take out of Toronto.

Minh K Tran / Shutterstock.com

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