Hong Kong

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• Dial 999 in case of emergency. This is the local equivalent to 911 in the United States.  

Demonstrations  

Participating in unauthorized political activities – including participating in unauthorized public protests – or writing or reposting social media posts or other online publications critical of the government, that authorities claim violate Hong Kong law could result in detention, criminal charges, and/or restrictions on future travel to China and/or Hong Kong. This includes content posted while outside of Hong Kong and China.  

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

Crime 

• Hong Kong has a low crime rate.  
• Violent crime, though rare, does occur.  
• Protect your personal belongings in crowded areas, and while traveling on public transportation.  

Scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. 

Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Common scams include:  

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers 

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 999.   

Review our information for Victims of Crime.   

The U.S. consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 999.   

• After contacting the Hong Kong police, U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau for assistance.

Technology use abroad 

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 

Drones, satellite phones, and other technologies are regulated and may be subject to restrictions. Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department and the Office of the Communications Authority are the authorities on technology use. 

Drones 

• Using drones in Hong Kong requires a permit or license. Their use may be restricted or illegal depending on the location.  
• Drones may be confiscated. Restricted areas are often poorly marked. If a drone is used in a restricted area, the owner and operator may face fines or arrest. 

GPS  

• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 

Tourism safety 

The tourism industry is regulated: 

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.  
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.  
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.  
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.  
• U.S. citizens are stronly encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.  
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.   

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties 

• U.S. citizens must follow Hong Kong laws, including Chinese laws that apply to Hong Kong.  
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or profession in Hong Kong, seek information from local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Arrests 

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately. 

• Hong Kong authorities must notify the U.S. consulate within 4 days if a U.S. who entered Hong Kong using their U.S. passport is arrested.  
• China and Hong Kong do not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S. and Hong Kong/Chinese nationals will only be recognized by Hong Kong authorities as U.S. citizens if they enter Hong Kong on their U.S passports. Authorities have also been known to fail to recognize the U.S. citizenship of U.S. citizens with familial or historical ties to China or Hong Kong. 
• For more information, please review our page on dual nationality. 
• Other than a legal representative, a U.S. consular officer may be the only authorized visitor during your initial detention period. 
• Detention may last many months before a trial. 
• The U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau is unable to represent you in legal matters. 

Since the imposition of China’s National Security Law (NSL) on June 30, 2020, Chinese authorities have targeted a broad range of activities it classifies as secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities under the NSL. Offenses of treason, sedition, theft of “state secrets,” and external interference could subject U.S. citizens who have been publicly critical of the Chinese government 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. China’s security forces operate in Hong Kong and are not subject to oversight by the Hong Kong legal system. 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 China, or other online publications critical of the government, that authorities claim violate Hong Kong law could result in arrest/detention, criminal charges, or restrictions on future travel to China or Hong Kong.

On March 23, 2026, the Hong Kong government changed the implementing rules relating to the National Security Law. It is now a criminal offense to refuse to give the Hong Kong police passwords or not assist in decryption to allow authorities full access to all personal electronic devices, including cellphones and laptops, in national security cases. This legal change applies to everyone, including U.S. citizens in Hong Kong. This change also applies to persons arriving or just transiting Hong Kong International Airport. In addition, the Hong Kong government also has more authority to take and keep any personal devices, as evidence, that they claim are linked to national security offenses.

U.S. citizens in China and Hong Kong might face scrutiny from Chinese state security and local law enforcement. In Hong Kong, police have the right to detain you for questioning if you are not carrying your passport. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in Hong Kong. 

• Such goods are illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Controlled items in Hong Kong 

Hong Kong has strict rules for controlled items that pass through its borders. This includes temporary importation and re-export.  

• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) thoroughly screens luggage loaded onto aircraft. This applies to all baggage regardless of whether the passenger is departing or passing through. 
• 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 handcuffs, mace, pepper spray, stun guns, swords, bullets, air gun pellets, switch blades, self-defense batons, knuckle-dusters, bullet casings, bullet proof vests, body armor, and other self-defense 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.  

Trafficking drugs can carry heavy penalties like life imprisonment or fines.  

• You must declare liquor, 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 or prohibited items: 

• certain prescription medications 
• "dangerous drugs”, as defined by Hong Kong authorities 
• 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 review our Laws Abroad page for more information.   

Faith-based travelers 

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your trip using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers  

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on asexual orientation in Hong Kong.  
• Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Hong Kong or China. Local authorities will not provide marriage certificates to same-sex couples.    
• There are no civil laws in Hong Kong prohibiting discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.     
• Violence against gay and lesbian individuals in Hong Kong is rare.   
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.  

Travelers with accessibility needs  

• The law in Hong Kong prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities. The law is generally enforced. 
• Hong Kong terrain can be steep and difficult to walk on. Streets can be uneven and narrow, and steps are common in public places, including sidewalks. The most common types of accessibility features are ramp access to public buildings, audible signals at crosswalks, and raised treading on sidewalks. 
• Elevators are common but not universal. Handicap-accessible parking is required in publicly owned parking lots. 
• 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.  
• The Hong Kong government created Cyberable to provide one-stop information for persons with various disabilities. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students 

• Review our information on Studying Abroad. 

Women travelers   

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

Human rights 

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Health

Health resources 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hong Kong Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.  
• CDC Medical Tourism information  
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health 
• Travel Insurance 
• Centre for Health Protection    

Emergency phone numbers 

• Dial 999 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services 

• Ambulance services are widely available. 

Medical payments and insurance 

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. A separate travel health insurance is recommended 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. 
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Medical care is not free in Hong Kong. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• 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. 
• Review our Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage page for more information on insurance providers.  
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Vaccinations 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health 
• World Health Organization Travel Advice  

Healthcare facilities 

• There are good medical facilities and quality of care available in Hong Kong and there are many Western-trained physicians. Hong Kong emergency service response times for police, fire, and ambulances are good. 
• 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. 
• Private hospitals and doctors may require payment upfront or a deposit prior to service or admission. 
• Generally, hospitals have reduced staff overnight. Private hospitals will allow a caregiver to stay the night with the patient. 
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Access to affordable psychological and psychiatric services through Hong Kong’s public system is limited for non-residents, and may have higher fees and longer wait times than for residents. Non-residents must often rely on more expensive private care.  
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions. 

Prescription medications 

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  
• Check with the government of Hong Kong to ensure medication is legal in Hong Kong. This applies even if you are only passing through Hong Kong. 
• Prescription drugs are widely available in Hong Kong. However, brand 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.  

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• Food and Drug Administration 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (“TCM”)   

Exercise caution using Traditional Chinese Medicine (“TCM”). Consult your healthcare provider before departure to discuss any potential risks or interactions with medications you may be taking. 

Please follow these safety tips if you decide to use TCM in Hong Kong: 

Consult your doctor before traveling: Discuss any plans to use TCM with your healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking prescription medications. 

Verify the credentials of practitioners: Ensure that the TCM practitioner is licensed and reputable. Ask about their qualifications and experience. 

Be cautious with herbal remedies: Some herbal remedies may interact with medications or have side effects. Ask about the ingredients and potential risks. 

Avoid unregulated products: Be cautious about purchasing TCM products from unverified sources. They may contain harmful substances or contaminants. 

Monitor your health: If you experience adverse effects after using TCM, seek medical attention immediately. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy  

• 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. 
• If you are considering traveling to Hong Kong to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.   

Air quality 

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. 

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check  NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Hong Kong.  
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.  
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.  
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Water quality & food safety 

• Tap water is safe for tourists to drink, especially in newer hotels and accommodations.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve boiled cold water unless bottled water is specifically requested.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety 

Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. 

• Traffic moves on the left, the opposite side of the road to the United States.   
• The steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle, like in the United Kingdom or Australia.  
• Seatbelt use is mandatory. 
• A child safety restraint device in private vehicles is mandatory for children under 8 years old. 

Traffic laws 

• You can drive using your U.S. driver’s license for up to 1 year. 
• You may obtain an International Driving Permit before traveling to Hong Kong as it can be useful for car rental or roadside checks by the authorities. 
• If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and have lived in the United States at least 6 months, you can apply for a Hong Kong driver’s license. Visit the Hong Kong Transport Department for further details. 
• Many traffic violations are like those in the United States. This includes penalties for reckless driving, driving under the influence, or using a hand-held device while driving.  
• Hong Kong law requires that all registered vehicles carry valid third-party liability insurance. 

Taxis and ride-shares 

• Taxis are inexpensive, metered, and available throughout the city, with designated taxi stands at the airport, ferry terminals, and other major sites.  
• Taxis can also be ordered by phone or through the Uber app.  
• Uber operates in Hong Kong.   
• Most taxis will ask for cash payment. 

Public and commercial transportation  

Approximately 90 percent of the population in Hong Kong depends on public transport.  

• 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. It carries an average of 3.5 million passengers a day. 
• Visit the website of Hong Kong’s tourist office. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.  

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel 

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Hong Kong should check the following:  

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories  
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts  
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Typhoons and tropical storms 

Hong Kong faces strong typhoons and tropical storms from July through October.  

• The Hong Kong Observatory has an excellent notification and monitoring system. It issues typhoon warnings, heavy rainstorm, and hot weather alerts.  
• 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.  

Helpful resources 

• For typhoon preparedness, visit the Typhoon Tips page of the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau. 
• Review our information on Natural Disasters. 
• For current information, please consult the Joint Typhoon Warning Center and the National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources 

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.