Colombia, Korea now in Hong Kong’s high-risk list

The tighter border restrictions will take effect on 18 June.

The Hong Kong government has placed Colombia and Korea amongst high-risk places, moving it up from the list of areas identified as medium-risk starting 18 June.

This was in light of the persistent unstable COVID-19 situation and the prevalent transmission of mutant virus strains.

"The Government will continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation of various places, the prevalence of new virus variants, vaccination progress, and changes in the volume of cross-boundary passenger traffic,” a government spokesman said.

The government will also make adjustments to the boarding requirements and mandatory quarantine for persons arriving in Hong Kong from relevant places as the situation warrants.

Persons who have stayed in areas under Group B specified places (high-risk) within 14 days from their arrival to Hong Kong will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours from their flight.

They will also need to bring a confirmation of their reservation in a designated quarantine hotel.

Those who have been fully vaccinated will be subjected to a 14-day quarantine, while those have not yet received their vaccine will undergo a 21-day quarantine.

Also amongst the high-risk areas are: Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, the US, and Vietnam.