Switzerland, U.S. and UK are among 15 countries rated high risk, meaning only residents will be allowed to return.
The Hong Kong government announced that it would significantly strengthen entry requirements for travellers from Friday (August 20) given the increasing evidence of the transmissibility of the COV-19 Delta variant worldwide.
Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, and the U.S. are among the 15 countries that are to be upgraded to high-risk from medium risk while Australia is now deemed medium instead of low risk. The UK is currently already rated high-risk.
Only Hong Kong residents will be allowed to return from high-risk countries, and they will have to provide a recognized vaccination record before boarding and a negative COVID-19 test. After landing, they will have to undergo 21 days of quarantine at a designated hotel and regular testing.
The Swiss consulate in Hong Kong said it was informed of the arrangement by local authorities.
“This unexpected decision has a negative impact on many people and we have immediately expressed our concern in a letter to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR,” the consulate said in an email sent yesterday.
