The daily quota for the number of people who can enter Mainland China from Hong Kong, starting January 8, is set at 60,000. The announcement was made by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu at a press conference on Wednesday.
Here are the conditions travellers must follow when the border reopens:
- Capacity limits: The 60,000 limit comprises further caps on travellers who enter the Mainland via land border crossings (50,000), and air and ferry (10,000).
- Who the limits apply to: The 50,000 land-crossing quota for northward-bound travellers will apply to only Hong Kong residents, including those with overseas passports, but not travellers returning to their homes in the Mainland. It will not apply to Hongkongers returning to the SAR.
- Entry points: There will be seven entry points to the Mainland: Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, Shenzhen Bay Port, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (land); Hong Kong International Airport (air); Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal and Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal (sea). The Hong Kong Express Rail Link will open no later than January 15.
- How to apply to enter: Bookings for specific cross-border entry points can be made online. Each booking can be made for up to four travellers, and slots will be available until March 4. This will also include drivers of hired cars.
- Testing requirements: Northward-bound travellers need a negative PCR test result obtained within 48 hours of their trip to Mainland China. They will have to pay a maximum of HK$240 at community testing centres in Hong Kong each time they need a test, or can arrange for private testing at Hong Kong-government recognised institutions. They will not have to undergo a test once they cross the border.
- Documents required: A negative PCR test result and proof of their quota booking (paper, screenshot or SMS).
Header image credits: N509FZ via Wiki Commons
