Fire and rescue services
Call 999.
Medical emergencies
Call 999.
Police
Call 999.
Hong Kong
Advice levels
What does this mean?Overview
Safety
- Hong Kong has strict laws on national security that can be interpreted broadly. You could be detained without charge and be denied access to a lawyer.
- The Hong Kong Government strictly controls demonstrations. It's illegal to participate in public demonstrations without the approval of the government. Authorities may arrest protesters. Avoid protests and large gatherings. Don't photograph or video protests.
- Hong Kong experiences typhoons and very heavy rain. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities, including the Hong Kong Observatory. Travel disruptions may occur. Check with your travel provider for updates to your travel plans. The Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong closes when the ‘Typhoon 8’ and above or ‘Black Rain’ signal is raised.
- Violent crime is rare, but some petty crime happens. Thieves target tourist spots and crowded places, such as markets and trains. Take care of your belongings.
- Drink spiking happens. Don't accept food, drink, cigarettes or gum from strangers, and don't leave your food or drinks unattended.
- Scammers have impersonated trusted phone numbers, including numbers belonging to the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong. The Consulate won't ask for your personal information unprompted. Contact an organisation independently to check if calls are genuine before sharing any personal information.
- Scammers may ask for help carrying luggage or ask for money. Never carry anything for someone you don't know. Get legal advice before sending money or signing documents.
Full travel advice: Safety
Health
- It's illegal to carry sleeping tablets and some medication without a prescription. Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
- Hong Kong can have very high pollution levels and has very high humidity from May to October. If you have a heart or breathing condition, minimise physical and outdoor activities when the air quality index health risk is high and on very humid days.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
- Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and hepatitis, can occur. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Avoid contact with animals.
Full travel advice: Health
Local laws
- The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Law and the 2020 National Security Law may be interpreted broadly. The laws could be applied to activities that occurred outside Hong Kong, including social media posts. You could break the law without intending to. You may be at increased risk of detention. You could be detained without charge for up to 16 days and denied access to a lawyer for up to 48 hours.
- The maximum penalty under Hong Kong's national security laws is life imprisonment. Citizens of other countries, including Australia, have been arrested, convicted and imprisoned under Hong Kong's new security laws.
- Don't use, carry or traffic illegal drugs. Penalties include heavy fines and jail time.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) is listed as a dangerous drug in Hong Kong. Possession and consumption carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment. Trafficking and illicit manufacturing carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
- Chinese law doesn't recognise dual nationality. The Australian Government may be unable to help if you enter Hong Kong on a travel document other than your Australian passport or if you're deemed a Chinese citizen. If you're travelling from Hong Kong to Macau or mainland China, use your Australian passport.
- If Hong Kong authorities consider you a citizen of China, they may refuse access to Australian consular services.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel
- Hong Kong has separate immigration regulations to mainland China. You generally won't need a visa if you intend to be a Visitor for less than 90 days. Contact the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney for details.
- If you plan to return to mainland China after visiting Hong Kong, confirm your Chinese visa allows you to re-enter mainland China. See the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for eligibility requirements and visa types.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.
- For consular assistance, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong.
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the Consulate-General's social media accounts.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Safety
Civil unrest and political tension
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
The Hong Kong Government prohibits demonstrations that they haven't approved. Authorities may arrest protesters.
Avoid protests, demonstrations and large gatherings.
Don't photograph, film or participate in protests or other acts that authorities may consider provocative.
If there are signs of disorder, move away quickly and seek shelter in a safe place.
Increased screening, including of digital devices, is possible for travellers crossing between Hong Kong and mainland China.
To stay safe during civil unrest:
- avoid large gatherings and protests
- monitor the media for possible unrest and avoid those areas
- follow the advice of local authorities
More information:
- Protests and civil unrest
- Transport Department – special traffic news
- Hong Kong Police Facebook
- @hkpoliceforce (Hong Kong Police 'X')
- South China Morning Post or RTHK English news (local media)
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.
If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities.
More information:
Crime
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.
Drink spiking
Methanol poisoning
Scams
Scams against Australian travellers are increasing.
Criminals sometimes present themselves as people in need.
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:
- impersonation of trusted phone numbers, including the Australian Consulate General in Hong Kong
- fake arrests
- property
- holiday club or timeshare schemes
- investment and cryptocurrency
- foreign lottery schemes
- relationships
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:
- contact an organisation independently to check if calls are genuine before sharing any personal information - phone scammers may pretend to be from organisations you know and trust
- don't send money or give credit card or bank account details to anyone you don't know and trust
- thoroughly research any scheme or agreement before signing or paying money
- seek legal advice before signing any property contract
More information:
Cyber security
Kidnapping
Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Hong Kong experiences typhoons and very heavy rain. Strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge may cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas. If you're in affected areas, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities, including the Hong Kong Observatory. Travel disruptions may occur, including flight and ferry service cancellations. Check with your travel provider for updates to your travel plans.
Local safety rules require businesses and transport services to close during typhoons or very heavy rain.
The Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong closes when the 'Typhoon 8' and above or 'Black Rain' signal is raised.
If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:
- monitor the news and other local information sources
- follow the advice of local authorities
- know your accommodation or cruise ship's evacuation plans
- secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
- keep in contact with friends and family
More information:
Health
Travel insurance
Physical and mental health
Medications
Health risks
Hong Kong experiences very high humidity during summer, from May to October.
Reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities on very humid days.
Air pollution
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.
Insect-borne diseases
Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from disease:
- ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
- use insect repellent
- wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
Hand, foot and mouth disease
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 can occur.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands carefully and frequently.
Other health risks
Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases occur sometimes. These include:
To protect yourself from illness drink only filtered water or bottled water.
Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
You can get the latest information on health topics in Hong Kong from the Centre for Health Protection
More information:
Medical care
There’s no agreement between Australia and Hong Kong for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
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.
Local laws
Local law
The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Law and the 2020 National Security Law may be interpreted broadly. The laws could be applied to activities that occurred outside Hong Kong, including social media posts. People in Hong Kong have been imprisoned for acts considered seditious, including wearing clothing with a political slogan, writing graffiti and making comments on social media.
You could be detained without charge for up to 16 days and denied access to a lawyer for up to 48 hours. People arrested under national security laws have faced lengthy periods on remand while their cases are heard by Hong Kong courts.
You could break the laws without intending to, and you may be at increased risk of detention. The maximum penalty under these laws in Hong Kong is life imprisonment.
Under the security laws, you could be deported or face possible transfer to mainland China for prosecution under mainland law. Denial of entry to Hong Kong is also possible. Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants and financial rewards targeting individuals living outside Hong Kong, including in Australia.
Citizens of other countries, including Australia, have been arrested, convicted and imprisoned under Hong Kong's new security laws.
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.
Drugs
Possessing illegal drugs of any kind, including marijuana, can result in penalties that include heavy fines and jail time.
Officials have arrested many foreigners for trafficking drugs.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been listed as a dangerous drug under the control of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Possession and consumption carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment. Trafficking and illicit manufacturing of CBD carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Importing weapons
Strict rules control the import or possession of:
- any type of weapon
- any item that looks like a weapon, including replicas, antiques, toys and fashion accessories
Hong Kong has prosecuted foreigners, including Australians, for possessing:
- stunning devices such as taser guns
- dart and spear guns
- knuckledusters
- slingshots
- extendable batons
- tear gas and pepper spray
You may be able to 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.
Importing Products
Hong Kong has strict import rules. If you don't follow these rules, you could be fined and/or imprisoned.
More information:
Other laws
It's illegal to:
- take part in public demonstrations without Hong Kong government approval
- take photos of military installations
Australian laws
Dual nationality
While Hong Kong law allows dual nationals of Chinese descent to register their Australian nationality, China's Nationality Law prevents legal recognition of dual citizenship in Hong Kong.
Local authorities won't allow us to help dual nationals who enter Hong Kong on a non-Australian passport.
Local authorities will deny you access to Australian consular services if they identify you as a Chinese citizen. This can happen even if you enter Hong Kong on an Australian or other foreign passport and you:
- meet the conditions to be recognised as a Chinese citizen
- haven't renounced your Chinese citizenship according to Chinese law
- haven't formally advised the Chinese authorities of your Australian citizenship
- continue to maintain a Hong Kong, Macau or mainland China passport.
Australian-Chinese dual nationals can make a Declaration of Change of Nationality. Find out what the consequences of this are from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Get professional legal advice if you're not sure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.
If you plan to travel from Hong Kong to mainland China or Macau, travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
LGBTQIA+ travellers
Most people in Hong Kong accept or are indifferent to LGBTQIA+ travellers. However, community attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people are generally more conservative than in Australia.
More information:
Travel
Visas and border measures
Visas
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. This means it has separate immigration regulations to mainland China. You generally won't need a visa if you intend to be a Visitor for less than 90 days.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules, contact:
- the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney
- the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Immigration Department
- Visit Visa / Entry Permit Requirements for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Travel between Hong Kong and mainland China
See the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for eligibility requirements and visa types.
If you plan to return to mainland China after visiting Hong Kong, confirm your Chinese visa allows you to re-enter mainland China.
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.
More information:
Border measures
Your temperature may be checked on arrival in Hong Kong. For the latest requirements, see Hong Kong inbound travel arrangements or contact your airline or travel agent.
Transit via Hong Kong
Refer to the Hong Kong International Airport website or contact your airline or travel agent for details on transiting Hong Kong.
Passport
Validity
Lost or stolen passport
Passport with 'X' gender identifier
Money
The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).
Under Hong Kong law, 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:
Local travel
Accommodation
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.
More information:
Driving permit
You may be able to drive in Hong Kong for up to 12 months with your current Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted) or International Driving Permit (IDP).
If you're residing in Hong Kong, then you should only drive using a Hong Kong driver's licence.
Police should be called to attend the site of a car, motorcycle or bike accident. A police report reference number will be required for insurance claims.
More information:
Road travel
Hong Kong has a well-developed road network of similar standards to a large Australian city.
Check you have adequate insurance before driving or riding motorbikes..
Find out about local road rules and practices.
More information:
Motorcycles
Most travel insurance policies won't cover you if you don't follow local laws or wear a helmet.
Taxis
Use only licensed taxis or reputable limousine services. Arrange them through your hotel if you can. Always insist that the meter is used.
Be prepared to pay cash for your taxi.
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.
Public transport
Hong Kong has an extensive public transport system. It includes the MTR, buses, ferries and trams.
More information:
Sea travel
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:
Air travel
Check Hong Kong's air safety profile on the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Local contacts
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
- employer
- airline
Fire and rescue services
Call 999.
Medical emergencies
Call 999.
Police
Call 999.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Consular contacts
The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong.
Australian Consulate-General, Hong Kong
23/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Phone: (+852) 2827 8881
Fax: (+852) 2585 4457
Website: https://hongkong.consulate.gov.au/
Facebook: Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong and Macau
X: @AusCGHK
Instagram: @auscghk
Check the Consulate-General website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact our Consulate, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia
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