Hong Kong and China are closer to resuming quarantine-free travel

Authorities in Hong Kong have revealed that a travel bubble with mainland China could be launched soon as there have been advances between the two countries.

China.- Huang Liuquan, Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council deputy director, has said the authorities of both countries have talked about the possibility of resuming quarantine-free travel. Mainland representatives said Hong Kong “has created a good environment for the restoration of quarantine-free travel” and “basically has the conditions for the restoration of quarantine-free travel.”

In early November, the South China Morning Post quoted an unnamed source from mainland China as saying that China will open its borders to travellers from Hong Kong starting the first week of December. However, John Lee, Hong Kong chief secretary, couldn’t give an exact date for the launch of a travel bubble.   

Hong Kong said the next step was to prepare for the resumption of quarantine-free travel, including the introduction of the “Hong Kong Health Code”, the operation of border control points, and measures to identify high-risk groups.

The reopening of the border between Hong Kong and China could be a crucial step for Macau as Hong Kong has historically accounted for 15 per cent to 20 per cent of Macau’s total gaming revenue and allowing travel without isolation could help a recovery.

Hong Kong and mainland China together account for approximately 90 per cent of Macau’s GGR. The border will not be further opened to international travel outside the Greater China region in the short term.