Hong Kong
Summary
This travel advice covers the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). For mainland China, see travel advice for China.
The UK has introduced COVID-19 related border measures for people arriving into England from mainland China. These restrictions do not apply to anyone travelling from Hong Kong. Travellers should check the latest advice on the travel to England from another country during COVID page for further information on requirements.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Hong Kong, like other parts of China, does not recognise dual nationality. There is a risk that those who commit an offence under the National Security Law could be detained and removed to mainland China. For more information, see Local laws and customs.
The National Security Law entered into force in Hong Kong on 30 June 2020. It includes offences of secession, subversion, organisation and perpetration of terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country, all of which can be interpreted broadly and carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. These offences apply to activities conducted both inside and outside Hong Kong, which in practice could include activities conducted in the UK.
You should avoid protests and demonstrations. See Political situation.
There are reports of greater scrutiny from mainland authorities at border crossings between the mainland and Hong Kong at this time, See Visits to mainland China
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Hong Kong, attacks cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism
The typhoon season in Hong Kong normally runs from April to October. See Natural disasters
You should take sensible precautions against pick pocketing and other street crime. See Crime
8,266 nationals visited Hong Kong in 2022 (as of November). Most visits are trouble free.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
You can sign up for email alerts to be notified when this travel advice is updated.
Update history
2024-10-25 16:09
This travel advice was reviewed for accuracy and there are no significant updates.
2024-03-22 18:14
This travel advice has been updated to reflect new national security legislation coming into force in Hong Kong (‘Safety and security’ page)
2023-11-23 15:56
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-09-03 08:15
Removal of information about storm warning signal for Typhoon Saola (‘Natural disasters’ page).
2023-09-01 12:57
Storm warning signal for Typhoon Saola issued (‘Natural disasters’ page).
2023-07-10 16:09
Information about the local laws and customs, specifically the national security law (‘Local laws and customs’ page).
2023-06-22 09:42
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-04-05 10:24
Hong Kong does not require travellers to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the SAR, regardless of your vaccination status (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-03-02 14:34
Updated information on the COVID-19 mask mandate under ‘Public spaces and services’ (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2023-02-13 14:22
Updated information on vaccination requirements and COVID-19 testing between Mainland China and Hong Kong (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry Requirements’ pages).
2023-01-26 11:07
Updated information on the National Security Law and the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance (‘Local laws and customs’ page).
2023-01-26 09:59
Updated information about the National Security Law (‘Summary’ page).
2023-01-19 16:24
General update to all sections of the travel advice. Updated information on travel between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2023-01-06 15:54
Updated information on travel between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China. Additional information on what to do if you are transiting through Hong Kong. (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-12-31 07:59
Updated information on entry requirements to Hong Kong (Summary, Coronavirus and Entry requirements)
2022-12-22 15:29
Updated information that passengers wanting to board a shuttle bus to cross the bridge departing from Hong Kong to Macao must present a certificate confirming that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of their departure (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-12-16 05:58
Updated information on Hong Kong entry requirements and Covid-19 (‘Entry requirements’ and Coronavirus’ pages).
2022-10-12 15:31
Updated information on entry requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-09-30 12:31
Updated information that proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is now required for anyone above aged 5 to enter a range of venues (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-09-26 14:15
Updated information on hotel quarantine being no longer needed to enter (Entry requirements page).
2022-08-12 10:05
Updated information on quarantine and medical surveillance requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-08-02 16:09
Updated information on transiting rules (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-07-04 14:37
Update to information on travel between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-06-15 10:18
Updated information on entry requirements for travellers who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-06-01 09:55
Update to the ‘Entry requirements’ section to reflect changes to pre-departure test rules from 1 June; under 3s and transit passengers at HKIA no longer need a pre-departure test.
2022-05-12 15:48
Updated information on testing requirements on arrival (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-25 14:10
Updated information on entry to Hong Kong for non- Hong Kong residents and public gatherings (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-03-31 17:43
Updated information on Hong Kong’s COVID-19 restrictions and hospital isolation process (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-02-24 17:17
Updated information on Hong Kong’s COVID-19 restrictions and hospital isolation process (‘Coronavirus’ page)