U.S. Department of State Seal
U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

International Travel

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Learn About Your Destination

Hong Kong

Hong Kong
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Exercise increased caution traveling to Mainland China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans.

Updated to reflect a shift to Level 2 “Exercise increased caution” for Mainland China.

Summary: Exercise increased caution when traveling to Mainland China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercised increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction.

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Consulate Messages

Alerts

Quick Facts

PASSPORT VALIDITY:


One month beyond the date of your intended stay

BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:


One page required for entry stamp

TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:


Not required for stays under 90 days

VACCINATIONS:


None

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:


None

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:


None

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau
26 Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2841-2211, +852 2841-2225, +852 2841-2323 
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 
+852 2523-9011 
Fax: 
+852 2845-4845
Email: acshk@state.gov 

See the U.S. Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Hong Kong for information on U.S.-Hong Kong relations.

Visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department website for the most current visa information. 

Find information on dual nationalityprevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our website.

To enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong), you need:

  • A passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the date of your intended stay.
  • Adequate funds to cover your stay without working locally.
  • Evidence of onward/return transportation.

You only need a visa if:

  • You plan to stay for more than 90 days.  If needed, you can apply for a visa extension at the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
  • You plan to work or study in Hong Kong.  You must get a visa before arriving in Hong Kong.  Please contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department for more information.

You must have a valid passport and People’s Republic of China (PRC) visa to enter mainland China from Hong Kong.  Further information on travel in the PRC and the Macau Special Administrative Region is available on our China International Travel Information and Macau International Travel Information pages.

West Kowloon Train Station: The West Kowloon Train Station is the end of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL).  Once you pass through the Hong Kong immigration exit on the way to mainland China, either inside the train station or on the train itself, you are in mainland China’s area of authority where immigration and law enforcement matters are handled by mainland authorities and not by the Hong Kong authorities.  Likewise, if you are arriving from mainland China, you have not entered Hong Kong until you pass through the Hong Kong immigration entry checkpoint; any legal matters occurring before that point would be handled by mainland authorities. 

Since the imposition of the National Security Law (NSL) on June 30, 2020, the PRC has targeted a broad range of activities it classifies as secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities under the NSL. In 2024, the Hong Kong government enacted the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), which codified offenses for treason, sedition, theft of “state secrets,” and external interference. These laws purport to cover offenses regardless of citizenship or location, which could subject U.S. citizens who have been publicly critical of the PRC and/or the administration of Hong Kong to a heightened risk of arrest, detention, expulsion, or prosecution. U.S. citizens could be subject to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans. On multiple occasions, Hong Kong authorities have offered cash awards that unjustly target overseas democracy advocates, including a U.S. citizen and other individuals based in the United States. PRC security forces operate in Hong Kong and are not subject to oversight by the Hong Kong judiciary.

Drug and Alcohol Enforcement: PRC law enforcement authorities have no tolerance for illegal drugs, including marijuana and products containing cannabidiol, also known as CBD. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in the PRC and Hong Kong are severe, and convicted offenders face long jail sentences, heavy fines, or the death penalty.

Hong Kong strictly prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol. Violations can lead to immediate criminal charges and/or detention.

Demonstrations: Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as violating Hong Kong law, including the National Security Law, could result in criminal charges.

We strongly caution U.S. citizens to be aware of their surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to Hong Kong: 

  • Monitor local media, local transportations sites and apps like MTR Mobile or CitybusNWFB, and the Hong Kong International Airport website for updates and traffic advisories. 
  • Avoid the areas of the demonstrations. 
  • Exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests. 
  • Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission. 
  • Be aware of your surroundings. 
  • Keep a low profile. 

Hong Kong has a low crime rate. Even so, you should exercise caution and pay particular attention to personal belongings while in crowded areas and traveling on public transportation. Violent crime, though rare, does occur.

  • Take routine safety precautions. 
  • Report any concerns to the local police. 
  • Call “999,” the local equivalent to “911,” in an emergency.

Mace, pepper spray, stun guns, bullets, switch blades, knuckle-dusters and other self-protection weapons are banned in Hong Kong. 

Be alert to criminal schemes, such as internet, phone, dating, and financial scams. See the U.S. Department of State's and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s pages for information on scams. 

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at “999” and contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau at +(825) 2523-9011. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault may first wish to contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can: 

  • Help you find appropriate medical care.
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
  • Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
  • Provide a list of local attorneys.
  • Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Hong Kong has a crime victim compensation program available to U.S. citizens who are victims of crime in Hong Kong. For more detailed information on the program and its requirements, please see the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department webpage. More resources for victims of crime in Hong Kong are available in our Help for U.S. Victims of Crime in Hong Kong information sheet. 

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau and/or the Hong Kong police for assistance. 

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage. Professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout Hong Kong. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. We encourage U.S. citizens to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on health insurance overseas.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to Hong Kong laws, including certain PRC laws applied to Hong Kong. If you violate Hong Kong laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities before practicing or operating a business.

Arrest Notification:

  • If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
  • Hong Kong must notify a U.S. consular officer within four days if a U.S. citizen is arrested if you have traveled on a U.S. document. However, this does not always occur in a timely manner.
  • The PRC and Hong Kong do not recognize dual nationality. The PRC and Hong Kong may prevent the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates General from providing consular services to dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens with familial or historical ties to the PRC and/or Hong Kong. Please review our page on dual nationality for more information on the limits on consular notification and access to dual nationals.
  • A U.S. consular officer may be the only authorized visitor during your initial detention period.
  • Detention may last many months before a trial.
  • U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau is unable to represent you in a legal matter.
  • See our webpage for further information on arrests overseas.

Hong Kong law provides for an independent judiciary, but Beijing’s actions have eroded the judiciary’s independence and ability to uphold the rule of law, particularly in cases designated as involving national security. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC and Hong Kong may be subject to scrutiny from PRC state security and Hong Kong local law enforcement. In Hong Kong, police have the right to detain you for questioning if you are not carrying your passport.

Some crimes committed overseas can be prosecuted in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the U.S. Department of Justice website. 

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Assisted Reproductive Technology: Hong Kong strictly forbids surrogacy. Surrogacy contracts are not valid under local law and will not be enforced. Reproductive technology used for medical research and profit is strictly controlled.

Controlled Items in Hong Kong: Hong Kong strictly enforces its regulations on controlled items transiting Hong Kong. This includes temporary importation and re-export. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) thoroughly screens luggage loaded onto aircraft in Hong Kong. This applies to all baggage regardless of whether the passenger is departing or transiting. If the authorities discover weapons or ammunition of any kind, the police will investigate the owner of the luggage, who may be arrested or detained. Weapons and ammunition include mace, pepper spray, stun guns, bullets, air gun pellets, switch blades, handcuffs, self-defense batons, knuckle-dusters, and other self-protection weapons.

If you bring controlled items into Hong Kong without the necessary Hong Kong permits, the goods may be seized, and you may be prosecuted. The penalty for trafficking in dangerous drugs can be life imprisonment and/or a heavy fine. You must also declare liquors, tobacco, cigarettes and cigars, methyl alcohol, and merchandise imported for commercial purposes. There are no currency restrictions for travelers. Please refer to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department for more details.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of controlled and/or prohibited items:

  • dangerous drugs
  • psychotropic substances
  • controlled chemicals
  • antibiotics
  • arms
  • ammunition
  • weapons
  • fireworks
  • strategic commodities
  • rough diamonds
  • animals
  • plants
  • endangered species
  • telecommunication equipment
  • game
  • meat
  • poultry
  • eggs
  • powdered infant formula

Please visit the website of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department for specific information regarding Hong Kong customs requirements.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) carnet document for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. For additional information, please visit the U.S. Council for International Business website and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web page on Traveling with Samples.

Please see our Customs Information sheet for general information.

Dual Nationality: Dual nationality is not recognized under PRC nationality law. Be mindful of the following special circumstances for dual nationals when traveling in the region.

Enter Hong Kong on your U.S. passport to ensure U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau can provide consular assistance in case of arrest or other emergencies. Regardless of your travel documents, if you are a dual national, or otherwise have familial or historical ties to the PRC, it is possible that Hong Kong authorities will assert that you are a PRC citizen and deny your access to U.S. consular representatives if you are detained.

Your child will be considered a PRC citizen if one or both parents are PRC nationals, regardless of U.S. citizenship.

If traveling onward to mainland China, enter mainland China on your U.S. passport to ensure U.S. consular protection. See our China International Travel Information page for more information.

For further information on consular protection and dual nationality, please refer to our website.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Such products are illegal in the United States and purchasing them may also violate local law. You may be subject to fines or must give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Cruise Ship Passengers: Please see our Cruise Ship Passengers page for safety information and travel advice.

Earthquakes: Earthquakes occur throughout the PRC and have affected Hong Kong in the past. Check here for information about earthquake preparedness.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

LGBTQI+ Travelers: In Hong Kong, there are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Hong Kong. See Section 6 of our Human Rights Practices in the Human Rights Report for Hong Kong and read our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page.

Pets: You must have a permit to bring dogs and cats into Hong Kong. Dogs and cats imported from the United States may be exempted from quarantine under certain circumstances. Please find more information on importing pets on the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website.

Political Activity: Participating in unauthorized political activities, including participating in unauthorized public protests, or writing or reposting social media posts, even when posted outside of Hong Kong and PRC, or other online publications critical of the government, may result in detention, criminal charges, and/or PRC government-imposed restrictions on future travel to the PRC and/or Hong Kong.

Social Media: Social media accounts are widely monitored in the PRC and Hong Kong. Social media posts—even content posted outside of Hong Kong—that local authorities deem illegal may result in criminal charges against both the poster of the material and the administrator of the social media forum.

Students: See our U.S. Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Surveillance and Monitoring: While less prevalent than in mainland China, security personnel carefully watch foreign visitors and may place them under surveillance. Hotel rooms (including meeting rooms), offices, cars, taxis, telephones, Internet usage, and fax machines may be monitored onsite or remotely, and personal possessions in hotel rooms, including computers, may be searched without the owner’s consent or knowledge.

Transferring Money to/From Hong Kong: The U.S. Department of State may be able to help transfer funds to a destitute U.S citizen overseas through our office in Washington, D.C. More information on this process is available on our Sending Money to Destitute U.S. Citizens Overseas page.

Travelers with Disabilities: Sidewalks often do not have curb cuts, and many streets can be crossed only via pedestrian bridges or underpasses accessible by staircase. Assistive technologies for blind people and those with other vision disabilities are unreliable, and access to elevators in public buildings can be restricted. Public restrooms in places visited by tourists usually have a least one accessible toilet.

Hong Kong law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities. This applies in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other state services. The government generally enforces these protections. The law requires access to buildings, information, and communications for persons with disabilities. The Hong Kong Social Welfare Department is primarily responsible for coordinating and funding public assistance programs to persons with disabilities. The Hong Kong Tourism Board publishes “Accessible Hong Kong,” a guide for visitors with disabilities and the Hong Kong Transport Department publishes A Guide to Public Transport for People with Disabilities. In addition, the Hong Kong government created Cyberable to provide one-stop information for persons with various disabilities.

Weather: Hong Kong is subject to strong typhoons and tropical storms, usually from July through September. The Hong Kong Observatory has an excellent notification and monitoring system and issues typhoon warnings when warranted and heavy rainstorm and hot weather alerts frequently. If Hong Kong announces a Typhoon Signal 8 or above, or a Black Rainstorm Warning, the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau will be closed for services. You may find additional information on typhoon and storm preparedness on the Hurricane Preparedness and Natural Disasters pages of the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

For current information, please consult the Joint Typhoon Warning Center and the National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Hong Kong, dial 999.

Ambulance services are widely available.

Quality of Care: Good medical facilities are available, and there are many Western-trained physicians. Hong Kong emergency service response times for police, fire, and ambulances are good.

The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. See our Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage page for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Payment and Insurance: Travelers will be asked to pay a deposit prior to admission to hospitals in Hong Kong to cover the expected cost of treatment. Hospitals and clinics generally accept credit cards.

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau maintains a list of local English-speaking doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medication: Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Prescription drugs are widely available in Hong Kong, although names may vary. You need a prescription from a doctor in Hong Kong to purchase medications locally. Bring prescription medications to cover your stay in Hong Kong or plan to see a physician in Hong Kong to obtain a new prescription. If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Hong Kong to ensure the medication is legal in Hong Kong.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The air quality in Hong Kong varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically worse in the summer.

People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

  • Infants, children, and teens;
  • People over 65 years of age;
  • People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
  • People with heart disease or diabetes; and 
  • People who work or are active outdoors.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the CDC.

For further health information:

Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States.

  • Traffic moves on the left.
  • Speed limits vary depending on location.
  • Use of seatbelts is mandatory.
  • You can drive using your U.S. driver’s license for up to a year.  If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and have resided in the United States at least six months, you can apply for a Hong Kong driver’s license. Visit the Hong Kong Transport Department for further details.

Traffic Laws: Many traffic violations are like those in the United States, including penalties for reckless driving, driving under the influence, and using a hand-held device while operating a vehicle. Hong Kong law requires that all registered vehicles carry valid third-party liability insurance.

Public Transportation: Approximately 90 percent of the population in Hong Kong depends on public transport. Taxis, buses, and the mass transit railway (MTR) are readily available, inexpensive, and generally safe. The MTR, an underground railway network, is the most popular mode of public transport, carrying an average of 3.5 million passengers a day.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD) as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Hong Kong's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s Safety Assessment Page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Hong Kong should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings website.

The Commandant of the Coast Guard is unable to determine if effective anti-terrorism measures are in place in Hong Kong ports as required by 46 U.S. Code § 70108.

For additional travel information

International Parental Child Abduction

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Hong Kong. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report. 

Last Updated: December 10, 2024

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau
26 Garden Road, Central,
Hong Kong
Telephone
+(852) 2841-2211, +(852) 2841-2225, +(852) 2841-2323
Emergency
+(852) 2523-9011
Fax
+(852) 2845-4845

Hong Kong Map