This travel advice covers the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). For mainland China, see travel advice for China and for Macao SAR, see Macao travel advice.
\nHong Kong does not recognise dual nationality, and does not recognise the BN(O) passport as a valid travel document or proof of identity. If you hold both British and Chinese nationality, local authorities may treat you solely as a Chinese citizen, even if you enter Hong Kong on a full “British citizen” passport or hold a British National (Overseas) passport. In such circumstances, the British Consulate-General may not be able to offer you consular assistance.
\n\nIf you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, carry evidence that you have done so.
\n\nSee guidance on nationality in China.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Hong Kong’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Hong Kong set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Office in the UK.
\n\nThe authorities in Hong Kong no longer accept BN(O) passports for immigration clearance and do not recognise them as valid proof of identity.
\n\nYour passport must be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nOther types of British nationals who are exempt from ETA must also carry a valid British passport when entering the UK.
\n\nHong Kong is part of the People’s Republic of China, but it is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with its own immigration controls.
\n\nYou can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa. For information on entry requirements see the Hong Kong SAR government website.
\n\nTo stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you must get a visa. For further information contact the nearest Chinese mission with visa issuing facilities or the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
\n\nTo enter Hong Kong, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Hong Kong guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Hong Kong.
\n\nYou must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Children aged 3 and over must follow the same rules as adult travellers unless otherwise stated.
\n\nIt’s illegal for visitors arriving in Hong Kong International Airport to carry items including:
\n\nYou could be fined or given a prison sentence. See further information from the Hong Kong Police Force.
\n\nIt is prohibited to bring e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, or related devices into Hong Kong, including in personal luggage. From 30 April 2026, possessing any e-cigarette or “Alternative Smoking Product” (ASP) in a public place will be illegal, regardless of whether it is in use. Offences also include selling, manufacturing, promoting, advertising, or possessing e-cigarettes for commercial purposes. Possession of these items or their components can result in imprisonment and substantial fines. Travellers transiting through Hong Kong without passing immigration control are exempt from these restrictions.
\n\nHong Kong classifies CBD as a dangerous drug. All cannabis products are illegal in Hong Kong, including CBD (cannabidiol) items such as oils, creams, capsules, and food products.
\n\nThere are restrictions on the amount of powdered baby formula you can take out of Hong Kong. If you do not follow the rules, you could face a fine or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
\n\nSee more information, including exemptions, from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Hong Kong cannot be ruled out.
\n\nBetween 2019 and 2020, large-scale political demonstrations took place in Hong Kong, including popular tourist areas. There were some violent clashes between police and protesters.
\n\nProtests are rare but could take place at any time. If you are near a demonstration, follow the advice of local authorities and move away to a safe place.
\n\nViolent crime is low but pickpocketing and other street crime can happen. Take extra care of passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas and when checking in and out of hotels.
\n\nIf you plan to hike in Hong Kong’s country parks, stay on the marked trails and do not carry valuables.
\n\nPersonal attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do happen, including by drink spiking. Do not leave drinks unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers. Women travelling alone, or with other females, could be at greater risk. See advice for women travelling abroad.
\n\nThe 2020 National Security Law (NSL) includes offences such as:
\n\nThe 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance includes offences such as:
\n\nNational security laws can be interpreted broadly and some offences can lead to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Individuals and organisations can be prosecuted and are required to comply with national security investigations, including sharing full access to electronic devices.
\n\nThe national security laws apply to activities taking place inside and outside Hong Kong, including in the UK. The national security laws apply to all individuals regardless of nationality or residency.
\n\nHong Kong’s National Security Police have issued arrest warrants and financial rewards against individuals living outside Hong Kong, including in the UK under the 2020 National Security Law.
\n\nYou could be detained or removed to mainland China for some offences under the 2020 National Security Law.
\n\nSome people have been prosecuted for publishing or supporting statements that are critical of the Hong Kong or Chinese authorities, including online. You could also be prosecuted for supporting individuals who are considered to be breaking national security laws.
\n\nThe Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance came into force in 2021. Under this law, people could be stopped from leaving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). However, the Hong Kong SAR government has said these powers will only be used to stop certain asylum seekers from entering Hong Kong.
\n\nYou can get on-the-spot fines for littering, jay walking or spitting.
\n\nIt is illegal to import and re-export elephant ivory and its products, including tourist souvenirs. You could get a fine or prison sentence.
\n\nAvoid any involvement with illegal drugs, including cannabis. All cannabis products are illegal in Hong Kong, including CBD (cannabidiol) items such as oils, creams, capsules, and food products.
\n\nCriminal gangs and individuals in the UK and overseas have been known to coerce people into carrying drugs. Do not allow yourself to be persuaded.
\n\nHong Kong enforces a zero‑tolerance policy toward dangerous drugs and will not tolerate drug‑related activities. If you are found guilty of smuggling, trafficking, possessing, or using illegal narcotics, including while transiting through the airport, you should expect a severe prison sentence.
\n\nAirports in Hong Kong have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nDo not take photographs of military installations.
\n\nIf you are visiting, you can drive in Hong Kong with a valid UK driving licence for up to 12 months.
\n\nIf you are living in Hong Kong, see the Hong Kong SAR Transport Department for information on applying for a full or temporary driving licence.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an international driving permit. Check requirements with the car hire company before you travel.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nTyphoon season runs from May to November in Hong Kong and may cause flooding and landslides. Follow any local warnings issued in advance. Public offices and public transport will shut down when there is a ‘Typhoon 8’ storm signal.
\n\nMonitor local news and check the World Meteorological Organization and Hong Kong Observatory.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 999 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Hong Kong.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical treatment for uninsured foreign visitors to Hong Kong is expensive. You can only get prescribed medication through a doctor unless your UK prescription specifically says the medication will be required in Hong Kong.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Hong Kong where some staff will speak English.
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Hong Kong.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk guidance offers information and advice for British companies operating in Hong Kong on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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