Nicole Kidman Gets a VIP Pass to Skip Hong Kong Quarantine
In a move that has sparked a mix of cheers and eye‑rolls, Hollywood star Nicole Kidman was granted an exemption from Hong Kong’s rigorous 21‑day hotel quarantine. The 54‑year‑old film actress, fresh off a trip from Sydney, landed in the city on Thursday and quickly checked into a hotel—no swab tests, no isolation, just the usual Australian welcome.
What’s the Backstory?
- Hong Kong is known for its tight COVID‑19 entry rules. Travelers from “high‑risk” nations must stay in a designated hotel for a full 21 days, even if vaccinated.
- The Australian government recently re‑rated the country from “low risk” to “medium risk,” meaning visitors now face a 14‑night stay in quarantine.
- Actors and other celebrities were exempted so they could open up production for Amazon’s upcoming series, The Expats.
- Reuters was unable to independently confirm the exemption details, and the Hong Kong government stayed tight‑lipped on the matter.
How Do People React?
Meanwhile, local netizens are both amused and outraged. A TikTok user, @WhovianBooknerd, commented, “So we have HK residents who can’t come back if not vaccinated (and even then with 2‑3 weeks quarantine) but Nicole Kidman can just enter like this? It’s disgusting!”
Fans also note that while the public faces “ISO‑like” restrictions—only vaccinated people can visit relatives or travel—the actress was able to jump straight onto a plane and film without the headache.
Why the “VIP” Door?
Under the new “high‑risk” policy, the United States, Spain and France have joined the list of countries that require Hong Kong residents to stay in a hotel for a full 21 days. Even if a Hong Kong resident is vaccinated, the door is still closed.
In contrast, Kidman’s exemption shows that, for production crews, the city can roll out the red carpet—literally. For everyone else, booking a hotel stay is now a race against the clock, with limited rooms and flight seats becoming rare commodities.
Bottom Line
Only if you’re a well‑known actress filming a major series do you get a pass over Hong Kong’s COVID whistles. For the rest of us, COVID restrictions still hold tight, and the city’s “high‑risk” list keeps flesh‑on‑flesh travelers from getting that easy exit. Who knew that Hollywood glamor could outpace pandemic policy?
