Travel between China’s Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions (SAR) has become easier as “Dynamic Zero COVID-19” becomes more and more limited to history.
From now on, that is, from December 23, 2022, people entering Macau from Hong Kong or other regions outside mainland China shall apply the following epidemic prevention regulations:
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Passengers must present a negative nucleic acid test result issued within 72 hours when boarding a flight, ferry or bus to Macau.
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After arriving in Macau, visitors to Macau can obtain a yellow code through the “Macau Health Code” application, which facilitates normal life in Macau (staying in hotels, visiting casinos/shopping malls, dining in restaurants/bars, etc.).
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People with a yellow color must conduct a self-test once a day within the first five days of coming to Macau and upload the results to the Macau Health Code app; if the test result is negative, the user will be issued a red code and need to undergo home isolation; 5 consecutive times Users who return negative results will receive a green code.
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After arriving in Macau, there is no restriction on when tourists can leave the SAR, unless they go to mainland China, they must wait nine days.
Passengers visiting Macao do not need to undergo any form of centralized quarantine upon arrival in the SAR.
On Saturday, December 24, 2022, the bus service between Hong Kong and Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will resume. Return flights run between Prince Edward, Hong Kong, the northernmost peninsular territory of Macau, and the southernmost island of Taipa.
People living in mainland China can also travel to Macau more conveniently.
read more: COVID-19 testing will no longer be carried out upon arrival in the Macau Special Administrative Region
Also, it has recently become easier to travel in and out of Hong Kong.
read more: Hong Kong cancels quarantine requirements for overseas arrivals
read more: Hong Kong border no longer tests flights to mainland
What about Taiwan?
As early as 2001, nonstop ferry service made it easier to travel between mainland China and parts of Taiwan.
The Xiamen-Kinmen Island, Fujian-Fuzhou-Matsu Island routes make it easier for residents of Taiwan and mainland China to carry out business, family visits, tourism and other activities.
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), these routes have not been operating since February 2020.
Are they coming back?
We can’t be sure yet. However, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on December 22 that they would not hinder the re-opening of the airline.
Zhu acknowledged that these routes will facilitate mainland China’s engagement with Taiwan, especially during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.
Read more: Authorities respond to ‘2+3’ quarantine policy rumors
(Cover image via Weibo/@中国日报)
