HK-Macau travel bubble may be limited to 3,000 during initial phase

According to Sanford C. Bernstein Ltd, authorities are analysing an initial quota of 3,000 for travellers from Hong Kong to Macau.

Macau.- The Macau government and Health Bureau continue to debate the implementation of a scheme to accept quarantine-free visitors from Hong Kong from mid-July onwards.

Sanford C. Bernstein Ltd has said that it expects the possible travel bubble will allow 3,000 fully vaccinated visitors per day during the initial phase of reopening. The brokerage noted that only 25 per cent of Hong Kong’s population have been vaccinated up to date.

Analysts said a 3,000 limit would increase the number of daily visitors to Macau by 13 per cent as during the first five months of the year the city welcomed 22,512 daily visitors.

Macau authorities will add a blue colour to the Macao Health Code for those arriving from Hong Kong. This would prohibit access to bars, parties and karaoke clubs.

Some 51 hotels have expressed an interest in Macau’s plans to allow quarantine-free inbound travel from Hong Kong. One of the key matters is the possibility of allowing access to casino floors, most likely with limits on visitor numbers.

Macau health official Tai Wa Hou said the initiative would probably be launched once Hong Kong passes 14 days of zero Covid-19 cases.

Neither the Hong Kong authorities nor the Macau government has established an exact date for the launch of a travel bubble, although analysts believe it could be announced during the second week of July. For now, people coming from Hong Kong need to undergo a 14-day quarantine.