23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 999.
Call 999.
Call 999.
Do not travel to Hong Kong.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Large-scale demonstrations can occur across Hong Kong. These demonstrations can result in violent confrontations between protestors and police, or opposing groups or criminally linked individuals, and there have been some targeted individual attacks. Violent clashes are more likely to occur in the evening.
Emergency laws have been introduced. These ban face coverings in public assemblies and give police additional powers to physically verify the identity of individuals. Further measures could be introduced at short notice.
'Flash mob' demonstrations can take place with little or no warning. In recent protests, petrol bombs have been thrown, barricades built and fires lit in the streets. MTR stations, shopping malls and businesses have been vandalised. Hong Kong Police have reported the seizure of explosives materials. Media and police reported the explosion of a remote controlled improvised explosive device targeting police.
Unauthorised demonstrations are met by a more rapid and severe police response. Police have used tear gas, live ammunition, rubber bullets and pepper spray. Water cannons with dye have also been used. Additional enforcement measures could be used.
If there are signs of disorder, move away quickly and seek shelter in a safe place.
Expect road closures and disruption to public transport and other services. Shopping centres, businesses and the MTR, including the airport express may close or suspend services at short notice. Enhanced access controls at Hong Kong International Airport continue to be enforced. Check with your airline or via the airport's website, "HKG My Flight" app, or www.MTR.com.hk for updated transport information.
Increased screening, including of digital devices, is possible for travellers crossing between Hong Kong and mainland China.
To stay safe during civil unrest:
What to do if you are exposed to tear gas:
More information:
There's little violent crime in Hong Kong. You could encounter pickpocketing and street theft.
Thieves target tourist spots and crowded places such as markets and trains.
Take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places.
Foreigners have had drinks spiked in bars and nightclubs. Drink spiking may be combined with theft or credit card fraud.
To reduce your risk of drink spiking:
More information:
Scams against Australian travellers are increasing.
Criminals sometimes present themselves as people in need.
One scam starts via the internet. A person might offer you gift cards or money to help carry someone's luggage on an international flight. They may ask for your money, credit card or online bank account details.
Other reported scams involve:
Be wary of strangers asking for your help.
Never carry anything for anyone you don't know and trust, especially when crossing international borders. There's a risk that criminals have hidden drugs or other illegal items inside.
To avoid becoming a victim of a scam:
More information:
Hong Kong experiences typhoons.
Local safety rules require businesses and transport services to close during typhoons of level 8 and above.
The Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong closes when the 'Typhoon 8' signal is given.
Authorities may delay or suspend flights and ferries into and out of Hong Kong. Contact your travel operator or airline to find out about delays.
If there's a typhoon:
If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Hong Kong. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
It's illegal to have sleeping tablets and certain other medications without a prescription. These include medications used to treat erectile dysfunction or anxiety.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a risk in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Government has reported multiple cases of COVID-19 and upgraded its response level to emergency, its highest response level. If you have symptoms, you may be taken to hospital for further testing. If authorities suspect you’re infected, you may need to stay in hospital or be quarantined. Monitor your health closely and follow the advice of local authorities.
While Hong Kong has reported a number of COVID-19 cases, including human-to-human transmission, it has robust screening measures and a very good health care system.
For information on Hong Kong’s COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to the Centre for Health Protection. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Humidity
Hong Kong experiences very high humidity during summer, from May to October.
Reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities on very humid days.
High levels of air pollution may trigger bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions.
If you have an existing heart or breathing difficulties, reduce physical and outdoor activities on days with high pollution.
You can monitor real-time air quality index reports for Hong Kong.
Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, sometimes occur.
The Hong Kong SAR Government is currently at 'Alert' response level for the Zika virus. This is the lowest level in the 3-tier alert system which indicates that the immediate health impact on the local population is low.
To protect yourself from disease:
If you're pregnant, consult your doctor about possible Zika virus risks before travelling.
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May. Sometimes they last until October.
HFMD mostly affects children aged younger than 10 years, but adult cases, particularly in young adults, occur.
HFMD is spread by direct contact with discharges of infected people.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases occur sometimes. These include:
To protect yourself from illness:
Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9) have been reported in mainland China.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government is currently at 'Alert' response level for influenza, including avian influenza A (H7N9). This is the lowest level in the 3-tier alert system.
To reduce your risk:
More information:
The Hong Kong SAR Government is currently at 'Alert' response level for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This is the lowest level in the 3-tier alert system.
Hong Kong's Department of Health checks for MERS-CoV at border control points.
Travellers who arrive in, or transit through, Hong Kong and have flu-like symptoms may be sent to a public hospital. The hospital will isolate the person until they test negative for MERS-CoV.
More information:
From 3 February, public and private hospitals will operate at a reduced capacity due to industrial action. Non-emergency services may be impacted. Medical services and facilities are of a high standard.
Costs can be higher than in Australia.
Private hospitals may require you to confirm your insurance cover or pay a deposit up-front before they will admit you.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
National security legislation for Hong Kong came into effect on 1 July 2020. This law could be interpreted broadly and the full extent of the law and how it will be applied is not yet clear. You could break the law without intending to. You may be at increased risk of detention on vaguely defined national security grounds. The maximum penalty under this law in Hong Kong is life imprisonment. Under the law, you could be deported or face possible transfer to mainland China for prosecution under mainland law.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
The Australian Government can't intervene in the Hong Kong judicial process.
If local authorities consider you a citizen of China, they may refuse to grant you access to Australian consular services. This will prevent the Australian Government from providing you with those services.
Possessing illegal drugs of all kinds, including marijuana, can result in penalties that include heavy fines and jail time.
Officials have arrested many foreigners for trafficking drugs. The travellers are usually arrested when they try to exit the airport in Hong Kong.
Strict rules control the import or possession of:
Hong Kong has prosecuted foreigners, including Australians, for possessing:
You can import, possess or purchase such items legally, including from local Hong Kong markets. To do this, you must get a permit from local authorities in advance.
These laws apply to people in Hong Kong and those transiting Hong Kong airport.
If authorities find you carrying such items (including in your luggage), they may arrest, fine or detain you.
More information:
Hong Kong has introduced strict laws for importing and re-exporting all elephant ivory products, including tourist souvenirs.
Offenders could face fines and jail time.
More information:
It's illegal to:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
The Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China applies in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Under this law, dual citizenship is not legally recognised in Hong Kong. However, Hong Kong's law allows dual nationals of Chinese descent to register their Australian nationality.
Register with the Hong Kong Immigration Department if you wish to be considered a national of Australia.
If you're an Australian-Hong Kong dual national, you can make a Declaration of Change of Nationality. Find out what the consequences of this are from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
If local authorities consider you a citizen of China they may refuse you access to Australian consular services. This can happen even if you entered Hong Kong on an Australian or other foreign passport, and you:
Authorities may not allow certain categories of Chinese citizens, such as state officials, to renounce their Chinese nationality under Chinese law.
Get professional legal advice if you're not sure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.
If you plan to enter mainland China from Hong Kong, travel on your Australian passport.
If you travel on other documents, you can't get access to our services.
More information:
Same-sex relationships are legal.
Most locals accept or are indifferent to LGBTI travellers. However, community attitudes towards LGBTI people are generally more conservative than in Australia.
Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. This means it has separate immigration regulations from those of the People's Republic of China
If you plan to travel between Hong Kong and mainland China, you'll need a visa.
If you plan to return to China after visiting Hong Kong, get a multiple-entry visa for China. If you don't get this visa, you'll need a new visa to re-enter China. Get your visa before leaving Australia.
If you enter the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, you can apply for a visa at the border of Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
If you've recently changed your passport, but your Chinese visa is still in the old passport, take both passports with you. Officials may ask you to present your previous passport and Chinese visa.
If you can't produce your previous visa, border officials may deny you a visa on arrival to Shenzhen.
More information:
Transit services at Hong Kong International Airport are subject to a number of restrictions. Contact your airline or travel agent before travelling.
From 12 May 2021, travellers to Hong Kong will only be required to quarantine for seven days in a 'government designated hotel' if you have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival in Hong Kong and have stayed only in Australia or other designated low risk areas in the 21 days prior to their arrival. You'll then need to complete seven days of self-monitoring and a compulsory COVID-19 test on the 12th day. The 14 and 21 day compulsory quarantine requirement remains in place for travellers who have not been vaccinated and/or who have stayed in most other places outside China.
Recognised vaccines administered outside of Hong Kong include those vaccines on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Emergency Use Listing or Pre-qualification lists, as well as vaccines recognised for use by Stringent Regulatory Authorities as designated by WHO or the National Medical Products Administration.
Compulsory quarantine requires travellers to stay in a Government Designated Hotel, during which time you must wear a wristband that monitors your location. Evidence of a valid hotel reservation will be required before being allowed to board your flight to Hong Kong.
Unaccompanied minors entering Hong Kong will be required to undergo compulsory quarantine in a hotel and can nominate one parent or guardian to accompany them.
If you arrive via Hong Kong International Airport, you are required to wear a facemask and will also be subject to medical screening, including a deep throat saliva swab-test.
If you're arriving from a designated high risk country or high risk area, you'll also need to provide a valid negative COVID-19 test (nucleic acid test) issued in the 72 hours before your scheduled departure flight.
If you’ve stayed in a designated ‘extremely high-risk area’, including Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines or South Africa for more than two hours on the day of boarding or during the 21 days before that day you're not permitted to board a flight to Hong Kong, unless you're boarding a Government designated flight.
Check the Hong Kong COVID-19 Government Website for the latest details.
If you're staying in Hong Kong:
The Hong Kong Government has introduced a range of measures, including limiting group gatherings in public spaces. You must also wear a face mask in public spaces, including public transport. These measures may change at short notice. There are strong penalties for non-compliance with health measures.
Health Declaration System
All inbound travellers via Hong Kong International airport must submit a Health Declaration Form.
More information:
Travel between Hong Kong and mainland China
Access to cross-border transport (including flights, trains, ferries and buses) with mainland China may be unavailable or limited including:
Check arrangements with your airline or transport provider and follow the advice of local authorities.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).
Under new laws, travellers in and out of Hong Kong may need to declare cash. Make a written declaration if you're carrying more than HKD120,000 or equivalent in cash.
You can change Australian dollars for HKD at local currency exchanges and banks.
Credit cards are widely accepted.
Take care when using ATMs, as petty crime occurs. See Safety
More information:
Unlicensed guesthouses providing low-cost accommodation operate in Hong Kong. They may not follow the safety standards set for licensed guesthouses. Don't risk your safety or security.
If you choose to stay in a guesthouse, confirm it's licensed. Tell your family and friends where you are staying.
More information:
You can drive in Hong Kong for up to 12 months if you have both:
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
After 12 months, you'll need to apply for a local licence.
Make sure your insurance covers you if you drive without a Hong Kong driver's licence.
More information:
Hong Kong has a well-developed road network of similar standards to a large Australian city.
Check you have adequate insurance before driving.
Find out about local road rules and practices.
More information:
Check your insurance covers you for riding motorbikes.
Most travel insurance policies won't cover you if you don't follow local laws or wear a helmet.
Always wear a helmet.
Use only licensed taxis or reputable limousine services. Arrange them through your hotel if you can. Always insist that the meter is used.
A small, but growing number of foreigners have gotten into disputes with taxi drivers over the fare.
If you have an issue with a taxi driver, ask for a receipt. Then record the taxi driver's licence number and contact the police.
Hong Kong has an extensive public transport system. It includes the MTR, buses, ferries and trams.
More information:
Ferries are a common mode of transport between Hong Kong, Macau and the Chinese mainland.
Some cruise lines stop over in Hong Kong.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Hong Kong's air safety profile on the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 999.
Call 999.
Call 999.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong.
23/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Phone: (+852) 2827 8881
Fax: (+852) 2585 4457
Website: hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Hong Kong and Macau
Check the Consulate-General website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.