What You Need To Know About Traveling To Hong Kong During Travel Bubble

Hurrah, hurrah! Yes, finally there’s some light at the end of the travel tunnel as Singapore residents can soon travel to Hong Kong, wait for it, leisure! Yes, you heard us right! Deemed the ‘world’s first’ two-way, quarantine-free travel bubble, Singapore and Hong Kong have reached an agreement in principle that eliminates quarantine for residents of both cities and requires travelers to prove they have tested negative for Covid-19. So, is it worth getting a headstart on your travel plans, packing our bags, filling our suitcases with sanitizers, and whatever else as a safety measure? As more information will be revealed soon, we’d say to hold your horses and find out everything you need to know about this travel bubble first. Here’s what we’ve rounded up so far!

Editors Note: Unfortunately, the highly-anticipated Hong Kong/Singapore “air travel bubble” has been postponed. A spike in COVID-19 infections in Hong Kong means the arrangement has been postponed for at least two weeks, said Edward Yau, Hong Kong’s secretary for commerce and economic development, at a press conference on Nov 21, 2020. Watch this space for more updates.

For traveler information for travelers going from Hong Kong to Singapore – click here for our guide!

When will I be able to fly? This travel bubble will launch on November 22, 2020. Any person who has remained in Singapore or Hong Kong 2 weeks before their departure is eligible. They will need to test negative for COVID-19 once using a PCR test in Singapore and twice in Hong Kong.  Flights by Cathay from Hong Kong to Singapore (SQ891 and CX759 for the Hong Kong-Singapore) and from Singapore to Hong Kong (SQ890 and CX734 for the Singapore-Hong Kong route).  Flights run on set days with daily flights from both cities launching December 7, 2020.  Capacity is limited with 200 per flight in November and 400 per flight from December 7th onwards.

What kind of testing is required for Singapore travelers? A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test must be taken within 72 hours before their departure from Singapore to Hong Kong.  There are designated public and private locations in Singapore for getting this test done here. Note to families, kids under 12 do not need to take this test in advance of visiting Hong Kong. Also note, travelers taking flights before December 4, 2020 need to apply 7 days in advance for a PCR test via the link hereand show their passport and flight booking details.  After December 4, 2020 – this application is not needed. On arrival at Singapore airport, no testing is required – travelers will take their second test on arrival in Hong Kong airport.  All travelers are required to take a second test at the Hong Kong airport and wait around 4 hours for results.  Booking can be done here.

How about testing in Hong Kong before heading boarding to go back home to Singapore?  Travelers are required to take a third test in Hong Kong within 72 hours in advance of the flight back to Singapore. There are designated public and private locations for getting this test done in HK here. Another option is taking the test at one of the community centers with online booking available to Hong Kong residents here (non-residents can walk-in). Note to families, kids under 12 do not need to take this test in advance of traveling back to Singapore.  Travelers do not need to take additional tests on arrival to Singapore.

What can we do in Hong Kong? So many things!  Here is our guide to families visiting!

Visit www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-updates-and-announcements for the latest updates and information prior to making your travel plans to Hong Kong.