Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the latest airport to offer rapid Covid-19 tests as a growing number of countries demand proof of negative results.
Biotech company Prenetics has begun offering rapid PCR tests for travellers departing HKIA. Prenetics also offers a pre-flight testing service at London Heathrow airport.
For its test in Hong Kong, it charges HK$499 (US$65).
Travellers who wish to avail of a pre-flight test at the airport must arrive at the designated venue at the airport at least four hours prior to boarding. Bookings are available up to two weeks in advance and are strongly recommended, according to the airport.
Within two hours of testing, results will be sent via email and SMS. They can also be uploaded to digital health passes, where available, and will be accepted anywhere a PCR test is required, according to Prenetics.
A number of countries currently require Covid-19 tests as an entry requirement, with the vast majority preferring the PCR test.
Prenetics will be joined by a second test provider, Raffles Medical Group, later this month. Raffles will offer a 24-hour turnaround time for test specimens collected before noon each day.
The new pre-flight testing service comes amid a delay in the highly anticipated Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble, which is now expected to launch in 2021 following the latest spike in Covid-19 cases across Hong Kong. The travel arrangement will see quarantines in both locations replaced with testing prior to departure and upon arrival at the destination.
Prenetics (starting December 8)
- Service hours: 09:30 – 18:00
- Service counter: Terminal 1 L5 Counter A03 (opposite Arrivals Hall A)
- Telephone: +852 3008 1006
Raffles Medical Group (starting December 21)
- Service hours: 07:00 – 23:59
- Medical centre location: Terminal 1 L6, 6T104 (accessed by lifts near L7 departures level Aisle A)
- Telephone: +852 2261 2626
