Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble: The real cost of travelling to Hong Kong, Lifestyle News

PUBLISHED ONMay 05, 2021 2:26 AMByEunice Sng

With the Singapore-Hong Kong Travel Bubble, travelling will soon be within reach. But how much does it really cost to go on a week-long vacation in Hong Kong? We've added it all up for you, so you can make that decision yourself.

A new date has been set for the long-awaited Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble — and it seems that both city-states are doing their best to ensure that this time, all air travel plans go through.

Before you take that dusty ol’ suitcase out and start packing, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the various requirements for travel, as well as an estimated amount to set aside, just in case you were wondering.

How does the SG-HK travel bubble work?

Good news! Travellers from Singapore will not be required to get vaccinated before leaving for Hong Kong. However, you must have remained in Singapore in the last 14 days before departure (this excludes any time spent in quarantine or SHN).

Also, you are required to be on the direct designated flights (operated by Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific) to travel under the Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble.

Passengers transiting through Singapore, and those not included under the air travel bubble, will not be allowed on the designated flights.

From May 26 to June 9, there’ll only be one flight going into Hong Kong from Singapore and one flight going out from Hong Kong to Singapore. Each flight will carry a maximum of 200 passengers. Come June 10, there’ll be two flights going from each country daily.

ALSO READ: Travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong won't go ahead if Covid-19 threshold is breached

SG-HK travel bubble – in a nutshell

Common Questions	For Singaporeans Travelling to Hong Kong
Which are the designated airlines?	Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
Frequency of flight	One flight per day from Singapore to Hong Kong and vice-versa, with up to 200 passengers per flight.
Before leaving	Take PCR test 72 hours before the scheduled flight and have negative test results for Covid-19. Submit an online Health & Quarantine Information Declaration Form within 48 hours before arrival. Get the relevant QR code. Remember to book and pay for your post-arrival PCR test before leaving Singapore. Download the LeaveHomeSafe app on mobile devices.
Upon arrival	Take pre-booked on-arrival PCR test. To remain at the Hong Kong airport while waiting for negative test results. To scan QR codes at all places visited with the LeaveHomeSafe app — remember to keep the app for 31 days after leaving Hong Kong.
Before returning	Book and take pre-departure PCR test at any of the recognised testing institutions in Hong Kong, unless you’re returning within 72 hours of taking your arrival test Remember to pre-book your on-arrival PCR test. Complete SG Arrival Card health declaration within three days before your return.
Upon return	Take pre-booked on-arrival PCR test. Self-isolate at home until the test is confirmed to be negative.
How many PCR tests must you take?	Four
Vaccination requirements	None
Estimated total cost	From S$1330

ALSO READ: 7 ways to deal with travel deprivation

Calculating potential costs

Items	Estimated Cost
Return ticket (as of 26 May)	From S$307
Travel insurance (with Covid-19 shield)	S$52
Pre-departure PCR swab test	S$150
Arrival swab test	HK$499 (S$86)
Pre-departure PCR swab test	HK$499
Return swab test	S$150
Hotel accommodation	From S$500 for seven nights
Grand total	S$1330

*Do note: the authorities have reminded potential travellers that should they test positive whilst in Hong Kong, the individual will have to shoulder the full cost of all medical treatments.

ALSO READ: 10 best countries to travel to after vaccination: Covid-19 resilience ranking revealed

Fortunately, if you managed to get travel insurance coverage, you’ll receive up to S$100,000 for medical expenses if you’re hospitalised due to Covid-19 while overseas, and S$200/day for up to 14 days after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

There’ll also be up to S$1,000 for additional transport expenses if your trip is disrupted because you’re diagnosed with Covid-19, as well as up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation back to Singapore if required.

Stay cautiously optimistic

While the SG-HK travel bubble is a monumental step towards sweet leisure international travel, CNA cautions that should the seven-day average of the daily number of unlinked local Covid-19 cases exceed five in either city, the air travel bubble will be suspended for at least 14 days.

This article was first published in YouTrip.

Singapore Hong Kong Travel advisories pandemic