Enter Mainland China from Hong Kong: The Most Cost-efficient Way

Key Findings

• China-bound travelers can choose to enter mainland China through Hong Kong;
• International airline ticket prices to Hong Kong are much more lower, and the number of direct flights is even more;
• Hong Kong is reducing the amount of time travelers will need to serve hotel quarantine to 3 days, some travelers can directly return to the mainland without completing the remaining 4 days of quarantine in Hong Kong;
• Travelers who choose to enter mainland China through Hong Kong can calculate the total cost of air tickets and quarantine fees first, then choose a cheaper route.

Recently, China has shortened the suspension time for inbound international flights on routes found to have COVID-19 cases starting on Aug. 7. The country's aviation regulator said in a statement that flights on a route with an identified coronavirus case will be suspended for one week if 4% of passengers test positive, and two weeks if 8% of passengers test positive.

Earlier this year, the requirement of PU Letter is now lifted, foreign travelers who come to China to work or visit family members can get one step easier. In the meantime, China also reduced its mandatory inbound quarantine time by half. International arrivals into China will now only need to quarantine for 7 days at a designated facility and then an additional 3 days in home isolation.However, the number of direct flights to mainland China is still limited, travelers depart from western countries are most likely to spend 30+ hours on flights, and the prices of airline tickets are relatively high.

Alternative Way to Enter Mainland China

As we searched on Ctrip.com, the lowest price from Los Angeles to Beijing in September this year is 48744 yuan (≈7170USD). Although there are tickets from London to Shanghai in September, the one-way price is about 22670 yuan (≈3333USD).

The great thing is that, inbound travelers now have one more choice, that is, to enter mainland China through Hong Kong. Compared to the prices of direct flights to mainland China, the airline ticket prices to Hong Kong are much more lower, and the number of direct flights is even more. For example, the lowest price for direct flight from New York to Hong Kong in September is about 6200 yuan (≈911USD). The one-way price from Sydney to Hong Kong is about 8553 yuan (≈1258USD).

Hong Kong Entry Policy

Starting April 1, fully vaccinated travellers who have visited overseas destinations within the past 14 days will be permitted to enter Hong Kong. For travellers arriving from other countries, they need to show a proof of COVID-19 recovery, or a proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The last vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel. Children under the age of 12 who are not vaccinated will be allowed to enter with a fully vaccinated accompanying adult.

Also, travellers arriving to Hong Kong will need to provide a negative PCR test result for COVID-19, taken no more than 48 hours prior to their departure. Since June 1, travellers will no longer need a separate certificate confirming that the testing laboratory meets the required standards.

All travellers ending their journey at Hong Kong International Airport will have to undergo a PCR test and rapid antigen test for COVID-19. Travellers will be required to remain at the airport whilst awaiting the results of the rapid antigen test. Further information is available on the Center for Health Protection’s website. If travellers test positive, the Hong Kong authorities will arrange for admission to a public hospital or isolation hotel. If travellers are deemed to be a contact of a positive case, they may be placed in a Hong Kong government quarantine center for a minimum of 7 days.

Hong Kong is reducing the amount of time travelers will need to serve hotel quarantine, from seven days down to three days. After completing the hotel quarantine, travelers can stay at home or in a hotel for the four days of surveillance. During this period people will be able to leave their place of residence, but cannot enter places where there is active checking of vaccine passes.

When to Enter Mainland China?

Some travelers have shared their experiences on social media that, after completing the three-day centralized isolation, as long as all PCR test results are negative, they can directly return to the mainland without completing the remaining four days of quarantine in Hong Kong. Travelers should book an appointment for PCR test in advance according to the flight requirements.

Also, it has been confirmed with the Cathay Pacific Airline that travelers must complete "3+4"days quarantine in Hong Kong before they enter mainland through Shenzhen or Zhuhai; but they are allowed to leave by air after the 3-day centralized quarantine.

The following are the direct flights from Hong Kong to mainland China. Please note that the information is for reference only and may be varied.

Travelers who choose to enter mainland China through Hong Kong can calculate the total cost of air tickets and quarantine fees first. If it is cheaper than direct flight to mainland China, they can choose this route. It is important to note that, the "7+3" quarantine is still required after landing in the mainland based on the local policies.