Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Hong Kong.

 

Crime

 

The level of violent crime is very low but pick pocketing and other street crime can occur. You should take extra care of passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas and when checking in and out of hotels. There have been some isolated incidents of robberies in Hong Kong’s Country Parks; these incidents have been reduced following a crime prevention operation by the Hong Kong Police. Nevertheless, if you intend to hike in Hong Kong’s Country Parks you should stick to marked trails and avoid carrying valuables.

 

Make sure anything you drink can’t be tampered with. Be wary of accepting drinks from strangers and always have a trusted friend to keep an eye on any unfinished drink if you need to leave it for a period of time.

 

Political situation

 

Hong Kong is generally a stable society underpinned by the rule of law. Demonstrations are becoming more frequent, but despite the substantial numbers, they are usually conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. You should take sensible precautions against petty crime if you are nearby.

 

Local laws and customs

Hong Kong law is based mainly on UK law. There are on the spot fines for littering and spitting. There is zero tolerance for ticketless travel on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR).

 

Don’t become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Possession of these drugs can lead to imprisonment.

 

Don’t take photographs of military installations. Since the 1997 handover, the defence of Hong Kong has been the responsibility of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). All previous British military barracks now belong to the PLA.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government has restrictions in place on the quantity of powdered baby formula allowed for persons departing the territory. Penalties for non compliance are severe. See: Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department website

 

Health

 

You may undergo temperature screening at borders. Depending on the results, further medical examinations may be required.

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. The cost of medical treatment in Hong Kong is high.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

The typhoon season in Hong Kong normally runs from April to October. Typhoons sometimes hit Hong Kong and may cause flooding and landslides. Local warnings are issued in advance. Public offices shut down when the ‘Typhoon 8’ signal is hoisted.

 

You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Hong Kong Observatory. See Tropical Cyclones page for advice on what to do if you are caught up in a storm.

 

Entry requirements

 

Visas

 

Although Hong Kong is now part of the People’s Republic of China it remains a Special Administrative Region with its own immigration controls.  You can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa.

 

If you plan to work or study in Hong Kong, or stay for a period of longer than 6 months you will need to get a visa. For further information contact the nearest Chinese mission with visa issuing facilities or the Hong Kong Immigration Department (Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong; telephone:  2824 4055).

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. 

 

The authorities of Hong Kong have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Visits to mainland China

 

If you are travelling to mainland China via Hong Kong you must get a Chinese visa before arrival at the border. Visas are not available on arrival at the Chinese border for British passport holders. If you are entering Hong Kong via mainland China and leaving again via the mainland you will need a double or multiple entry visa for mainland China.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Hong Kong.