Hong Kong
Important COVID-19: travel is different
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Check what you need to do to travel abroad and return to England, or read travel guidance for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Summary
This travel advice covers the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). For mainland China, see travel advice for China.
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Hong Kong
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Hong Kong’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Returning to the UK
Hong Kong is on the amber list for entering England. From 4am on Monday 19 July Hong Kong will move to the green list for entering England. Check what you must do to enter England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you’re planning travel to Hong Kong, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
New national security legislation passed by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee meeting in Beijing entered into force in Hong Kong on 1 July 2020. It introduces offences on secession, subversion, organisation and perpetration of terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. These offences can be applied to activities conducted outside Hong Kong. China’s mainland authorities could under certain circumstances detain and try individuals under the terms of this law.
There is therefore a risk for those who commit an offence under the law of being detained and removed to mainland China. Due to ongoing heightened political sensitivity, there could be an increase in protests and violence. These could occur without warning, throughout Hong Kong. You should avoid protests and demonstrations. See Political situation.
Throughout 2019, large-scale political demonstrations took place all over the Hong Kong SAR, including in areas popular with tourists. While a number of peaceful activities took place, many other protests led to clashes between police and protesters involving significant violence. You should keep up to date with developments across Hong Kong. You can sign up for email alerts to be notified when this travel advice is updated.
There are reports of greater scrutiny from mainland authorities at border crossings between the mainland and Hong Kong at this time, including checks on travellers’ electronic devices. 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
The British Consulate-General has been informed that Hong Kong, like other parts of China, does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both British and Chinese nationality you may be treated as a Chinese citizen by local authorities, even if you enter Hong Kong on your British passport. If this is the case, the British Consulate-General may not be able to offer you consular assistance. The FCDO has published guidance on nationality in China. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry evidence that you have done so. See Local laws and customs
470,295 British nationals visited Hong Kong in 2019. 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.