The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today urged those who plan to travel to Shenzhen to ensure they meet the new entry requirement which comes into effect on January 5.

It issued the reminder following the announcement made by the Shenzhen Municipal Government today.

From 10am on January 5, people entering Shenzhen via the Shenzhen Bay Port are required to present valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result issued within 24 hours by one of the testing institutions recognised by the governments of Guangdong and the Hong Kong SAR, as well as a hotel reservation confirmation for the 14-day period of centralised quarantine and medical surveillance after their entry.

The new requirement does not apply to those who have been granted approval for exemption from the quarantine arrangement for performing essential official and business duties and cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers.

People who intend to travel from Hong Kong to Shenzhen via the Shenzhen Bay Port must make a hotel reservation for the 14-day period of centralised quarantine and medical surveillance in advance through the Shenzhen Municipal Government quarantine hotel online reservation system for inbound passengers, which will go online at 10am tomorrow.

The designated COVID-19 testing institutions recognised by the Hong Kong SAR Government have been posted on the thematic website.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reminded people to bring the hotel reservation confirmation and valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result before departure.

If they re-enter Hong Kong after being refused entry to Shenzhen, they may be subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days according to the relevant regulation.

It also strongly urged the public to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong amid the severe epidemic situation.