NEWS: Hong Kong Bans International Travel From 8 Countries Including the U.S.

There have been a lot of changes to international travel restrictions over the past few months due to COVID-19.

Orlando International Airport

Back in November, the U.S. relaxed international travel restrictions for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but put some back in place the following month due to the emerging Omicron variant. These restrictions are no longer in place and, as other countries are also moving to reduce international travel restrictions, Hong Kong is implementing more.

According to The Washington Post, Hong Kong has announced that they will ban all international travelers from 8 countries — including the U.S., Britain, Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines — from traveling into the city beginning Saturday, January 8th, 2022.

Flying to MCO

This joins other measures that the city is taking to curb the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant including banning dining in restaurants after 6PM and the mandatory closures of gyms, beauty parlors, and other facilities.

Orlando International Airport

The first case of the Omicron variant was detected in Hong Kong on December 31st, 2021 and six additional cases have since been linked to the same restaurant.

Map of where the Omicron variant has been discovered as of January 3rd, 2022 ©New York Times

These restrictions will be some of the strictest that the city has implemented since the onset of COVID-19, but officials feel that it is necessary due to the “relatively low vaccination rates.” As of this writing, roughly 20% of those 80+ are considered fully vaccinated in the city.

The travel ban will be in place for two weeks (through January 22nd, 2022) before it is reviewed.

Holiday crowds at the Orlando International Airport

Of course, we’ll continue to keep an eye out for all the latest travel updates that may impact your next Disney vacation, so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest!