A ban on UK flights to Hong Kong is to be lifted from April 1 as part of a relaxation of some of the world’s strictest anti-Covid-19 restrictions.
The UK is one of nine countries listed for the resumption of international flights, also including the US, Canada, Australia, India and France.
Other measures will see quarantine reduced for international arrivals.
They were outlined by Carrie Lam, chief executive of the Chinese-ruled territory amid growing criticism from residents and businesses over Covid rules which have been in place for over two years.
Lam said: “The flight ban is no longer timely and appropriate…it will bring huge disturbances to Hong Kong people who are stuck in these nine countries if we continue the ban.”
Hotel quarantine for arrivals could be halved to seven days from 14 if residents tested negative, Lam said. She had previously said measures would be in place until April 20.
Lam said social distancing measures would be eased in phases from April 21, allowing restaurant dining after 6pm with tables of four people from two currently.
Nightclubs, pubs and beaches would be allowed to open in a second phase while people would be allowed to exercise outdoors without a mask. Masks are currently compulsory everywhere outside the home.
Meanwhile, Thailand is further lifting travel restrictions by allowing foreign visitors to enter without the need to show proof of a negative pre-arrival PCR test within 72 hours of travel from April 1.