COVID-19 Safety Measures at Hong Kong International Airport

As anyone who has flown recently will confirm, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to some major changes in the way airports operate, with every location taking slightly different countermeasures. If you're planning to fly to Hong Kong with BudgetAir, the following information about of COVID-19 safety measures at Hong Kong International Airport should tell you everything you need to know.

What airport measures are currently in place for travellers?

Hong Kong International Airport has been among the most proactive airports in the world when dealing with COVID-19. High-tech "sterlization robots" have been introduced to continually clean surfaces, while all arrivals must pass through the thorough "CleanTech" system, featuring temperature checks and disinfection measures. Travellers from certain countries must provide evidence of a negative Covid test, and the physical environment of the airport has been redesigned to ensure maximum distancing and safety for staff.

Do immigration or security checkpoints have new procedures?

Yes, everyone who touches down at Hong Kong International Airport must undergo temperature checks and pass through disinfection stations before they have their passports checked as normal. Restrictions are also in place to limit travel from areas with high Covid infections, and those coming from at risk nations must provide documentary evidence that they have received a negative test. Failure to present this evidence can result in fines or even imprisonment, and any test documents must come from an ISO 15189 certified testing institution. It is also mandatory to complete a Health & Quarantine Information Declaration before arriving. Passenger quarantine procedures at Hong Kong Airport can be found here. Additionally, testing for Covid is now compulsory (see below), as well as a 21-day quarantine is mandatory for people who haven't been fully vaccinated, and 14-day quarantine for the ones who have been fully vaccinated.

Are there any testing facilities at Hong Kong International Airport?

Yes. there are two different COVID-19 testing services available in the airport: Prenetics and Raffles Medical Group. It's important to make an appointment in advance before getting tested in any of these two centres.

What are the social distancing and face covering policies at Hong Kong International?

Face masks must be worn within the airport site, and floor markings have been provided to make it easier to socially distance from other passengers. A distance of 1.5 metres should be maintained at all times.

Is there a clinic at Hong Kong International?

HKIA offers a medical center run by Raffles Medical Group. The center caters for everything from cuts and bruises to vaccinations, physiotherapy, mobilisation, and X-rays, and can be found at Departures Level 6. It is open 24/7, and appointments can be made by phoning +852 2261 0999.

How often is Hong Kong International Airport being cleaned?

HKIA has one of the best records for cleaning of any international airport. Early on in the Covid pandemic, the authorites introduced sanitisation robots which automatically clean all public spaces on a rolling basis. Antimicrobial coatings, an invisible coating which will kill germs, bacterias, and viruses, have been applied on high-touch surfaces of passenger facilities and is currently being conducted.

Are the shops and restaurants at HKIA open as normal during the pandemic?

No. Some eating places are open, but many remain closed. As for the shops, the vast majority of them are temporarily closed. Here's the list of open shops and restaurants in Hong Kong Airport.

Are there any other special guidelines or information for passengers to know about?

Travellers should be aware that all arrivals must respect a mandatory 21-day quarantine period if not vaccinated or 14-day quarantine if vaccinated, and that details of onward travel must be provided to the local authorities. If a postiive test is received, further treatment and quarantine may be needed. It will also be necessary to wear face masks on all connecting transport, including buses and ferries to the mainland. So have a stock of masks ready for use at all times.

Are there any links to the government website for travellers?

Hong Kong's quarantine and testing rules are among the most complex in the world. More information on Hong Kong Governments arrival policy for inbound travellers is available. It's essential reading for anyone who is flying into Hong Kong with BudgetAir so bookmark it, and please check the most updated information before your departure.

*Return fares per person, including taxes, excluding ₹799 booking fee.