VoyaggoraTravel Live
Government advisories for Hong Kong
US State Department
US L2 · Increased cautionExercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the a rbitrary enforcement of local laws. Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws . Hong Kong SAR authorities have passed laws that limit people’s civil liberties. The laws apply to anyone in…
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Sep 4, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
UK · no warningsNo FCDO travel warnings
Latest change: Updated information on dual Chinese-British nationality, E-cigarettes and illegal drugs including CBD (cannabidiol) (‘Warnings and insurance’, ‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated Apr 1, 2026
Local scams and street crime
- Protecting yourself and your belongings: Violent 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. If you plan to hike in Hong Kong’s country parks, stay on the marked trails and do not carry valuables.
- Drink spiking and sexual assault: Personal 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 .
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Apr 1, 2026
Pregnancy and children: CDC health notes for Hong Kong
- Hepatitis A (children): Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
- Measles (children): All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
CDC health page for Hong Kong · CDC: pregnant travelers · CDC: traveling with children
Official notice Source: CDC Travelers' Health (US government, public domain). General information, not medical advice: see a doctor or travel clinic before you go.
Government of Canada
CA 2 · High degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution
Latest change: Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Oct 14, 2026
German Foreign Office
DE · no travel warningNo travel warning
Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Oct 13, 2026
Read the official travel and safety advice
Dutch Foreign Ministry
NL · yellowYellow: be alert, safety risks
De kleurcode van het reisadvies voor Hongkong SAR is geel. U kunt erheen reizen. Maar let op: er zijn bijzondere veiligheidsrisico’s.
Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Sep 15, 2026
New Zealand SafeTravel
NZ · level 2Exercise increased caution
Official notice Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, SafeTravel (CC BY 4.0) · updated 12 November 2025
Japan Foreign Ministry
JP L1 · Exercise cautionHighest level: Exercise caution
Level 1 in 1 area. Areas can differ; the highest level applies only where the ministry says so.
香港の危険情報【危険レベル継続】（内容の更新）
Official notice Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage · updated Aug 26, 2021
Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.
Entry requirements for Hong Kong
🇬🇧 British passport holders
- Visa: Hong Kong is part of the People’s Republic of China, but it is a Special Administrative Region ( SAR ) with its own immigration controls.
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong.
Read the full UK entry requirements
This 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.
The 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.
The authorities in Hong Kong no longer accept BN(O) passports for immigration clearance and do not recognise them as valid proof of identity.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You 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.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Other types of British nationals who are exempt from ETA must also carry a valid British passport when entering the UK.
Visa requirements
Hong Kong is part of the People’s Republic of China, but it is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with its own immigration controls.
You can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa. For information on entry requirements see the Hong Kong SAR government website.
To 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.
Vaccine requirements
To 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.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Hong Kong guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Hong Kong.
You 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.
Bringing restricted items into Hong Kong
It’s illegal for visitors arriving in Hong Kong International Airport to carry items including:
- stun guns
- objects with sharp points or edges (for example, samurai swords)
- martial arts equipment (for example, knuckledusters)
You could be fined or given a prison sentence. See further information from the Hong Kong Police Force.
E-cigarettes
It 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.
CBD (cannabidiol)
Hong 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.
Powdered baby formula
There 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.
See more information, including exemptions, from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.
Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated Apr 1, 2026
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders
- Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Read the full Canadian entry requirements
Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China.
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid at least 1 month beyond the date you expect to leave Hong Kong.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Student visa: required
If you plan to visit or transit through mainland China, make sure you obtain a Chinese visa before your trip.
If you plan to travel between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China, make sure you apply for a visa allowing multiple entries.
Useful links
- Immigration, visas and residency information – Immigration Department of Hong Kong
- Applying for visas for mainland China in Hong Kong – Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong
- Entry/exit requirements for mainland China
Screening of digital devices
Border officials may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices, particularly at border crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China.
Temperature screening
All travellers are subject to body temperature screening upon entry into Hong Kong.
Latest information for inbound travellers – Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Children and travel
Learn about travelling with children.
Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Oct 14, 2026
Other passports
Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:
- Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Hong Kong).
- Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
- Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
- Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
- Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.
Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.
Weather forecast, next days
Hong Kong
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Rain | Peak wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 Oct | Clear | 26° / 29° | dry | 22 km/h |
| Mon 19 Oct | Mostly clear | 23° / 30° | dry | 21 km/h |
| Tue 20 Oct | Clear | 25° / 30° | dry | 25 km/h |
| Wed 21 Oct | Clear | 25° / 34° | dry | 15 km/h |
| Thu 22 Oct | Clear | 24° / 31° | dry | 14 km/h |
Live feed Forecast data: MET Norway (Locationforecast, CC BY 4.0), city local time. Forecasts change; for severe weather follow the official warnings above · updated
Essentials for travelers
Emergency 999 112 also works
- Plugs: type G
- Power: 220 V, 50 Hz
- Traffic drives on the left
- Tap water: generally safe
- Calling code: +852
Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: high. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.
Local language
中國香港特別行政區 Chinese
Essential phrases in Chinese (Traditional)
| Hello | 你好 | Nǐ hǎo |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | 謝謝 | Xièxie |
| Help! | 救命！ | Jiùmìng! |
| Where is the hospital? | 醫院在哪裡？ | Yīyuàn zài nǎlǐ? |
| I need the police | 我需要警察 | Wǒ xūyào jǐngchá |
| I need a doctor | 我需要醫生 | Wǒ xūyào yīshēng |
| How much is it? | 多少錢？ | Duōshǎo qián? |
| Where is the toilet? | 洗手間在哪裡？ | Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? |
Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.
Official weather warnings
- Hong Kong Observatory Fire Danger Warning (Yellow) was issued at 8:15 a.m. on 18 October ·
Fire Danger Warning Yellow. WMO warnings page
Live feed Source: national weather service via WMO Alert Hub · checked · shown in the service's own words
More live hazards and notices
Getting around
- Traffic: In response to the demand, the High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section) will add the following temporary train trips: From Shenzhenbei Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station 19 October: G5679 From Futian Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station 18, 19 October: · Transport Department, Hong Kong (DATA.GOV.HK)
- Traffic: Part of the lanes of Man Po Street (Wan Chai bound) near Central Pier No.5 which was closed due to traffic accident is re-opened to all traffic. · Transport Department, Hong Kong (DATA.GOV.HK)
- Traffic: Hong Kong West Kowloon Station Public Car Park is now full. Please use public transport to reach the station. · Transport Department, Hong Kong (DATA.GOV.HK)
- Traffic: Transport Department has received notification from MTR Corporation Limited that Enhanced service for Chung Yeung Festival To facilitate grave sweeping and passenger travels, MTR will enhance service of: East Rail Line •16 – 19 October •Train frequency will be · Transport Department, Hong Kong (DATA.GOV.HK)
- Traffic: Due to watermain emergency works , part of the lanes of Jockey Club Road (Po Shek Wu Road bound) near North District Sports Ground is closed to all traffic. Only remaining lane is available to motorists. · Transport Department, Hong Kong (DATA.GOV.HK)
- Hong Kong special traffic arrangements, next 10 days: roads can close for processions, races and events, depending on crowds.
- 24 Oct: Special Traffic Arrangements for a Public Procession in Kowloon City
- 25 Oct: Special Traffic and Transport Arrangements for Running Race and Sports Event in Tin Shui Wai
- Hong Kong airport departures today: 442 departed, 12 left 30+ minutes late, 0 cancelled.
Source: Hong Kong International Airport flight information (Airport Authority). Checked . - Hong Kong special traffic news (6 active):
- In response to the demand, the High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section) will add the following temporary train trips: From Shenzhenbei Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station 19 October: G5679 From Futian Station to Hong Ko
- Due to traffic accident , the one-lane-two-way traffic arrangement is being implemented on Tai Tam Road near Tai Tam Reservoir Road. Traffic is busy now.
- Part of the lanes of Man Po Street (Wan Chai bound) near Central Pier No.5 which was closed due to traffic accident is re-opened to all traffic.
- Hong Kong West Kowloon Station Public Car Park is now full. Please use public transport to reach the station.
- Transport Department has received notification from MTR Corporation Limited that Enhanced service for Chung Yeung Festival To facilitate grave sweeping and passenger travels, MTR will enhance service of: East Rail Line •
- Hong Kong land border crossings, visitor queues now:
- Lo Wu: entering HK Normal, leaving HK Normal
- Lok Ma Chau: entering HK n/a, leaving HK n/a
- Lok Ma Chau Spur Line: entering HK Normal, leaving HK Normal
- Shenzhen Bay: entering HK Normal, leaving HK Normal
- Heung Yuen Wai: entering HK Normal, leaving HK Normal
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge: entering HK Normal, leaving HK Normal
- Man Kam To: entering HK Normal, leaving HK Normal
- Sha Tau Kok: entering HK Outside service hours, leaving HK Outside service hours
- Land border crossing queues to mainland China:
- Heung Yuen Wai: resident Normal/Normal, visitor Normal/Normal (arrival/departure)
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge: resident Normal/Normal, visitor Normal/Normal (arrival/departure)
- Lok Ma Chau Spur Line: resident Normal/Normal, visitor Normal/Normal (arrival/departure)
- Lo Wu: resident Normal/Normal, visitor Normal/Normal (arrival/departure)
- Man Kam To: resident Normal/Normal, visitor Normal/Normal (arrival/departure)
- Shenzhen Bay: resident Normal/Normal, visitor Normal/Normal (arrival/departure)
- Sha Tau Kok: resident Outside service hours/Outside service hours, visitor Outside service hours/Outside service hours (arrival/departure)
- Cross-boundary ferries to Macao/mainland China: 2 of 57 scheduled departures cancelled today
- 12:00 to Zhong Shan (CKS) - cancelled
- 14:30 to Macao (TurboJet) - cancelled
Weather, sea and nature
- Sea temperature today: Hong Kong about 28°C (82°F). Source: NOAA OISST satellite analysis (NOAA CoastWatch), reading of 2026-10-12; checked .
- Hong Kong beach water quality: all 40 gazetted beaches graded Good or Fair, none Poor or Very Poor. Source: Environmental Protection Department (data.gov.hk).
- Hong Kong Observatory, now: 31 °C, humidity 59%, UV index 3 (moderate) (update of 2026-10-18 16:02 HKT). Source: Hong Kong Observatory via DATA.GOV.HK. Checked .
- Hong Kong air quality (AQHI): 3 to 4 across 18 stations; highest at Central/Western (Moderate health risk).
Source: Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR (DATA.GOV.HK). Checked . - Yellow Fire Danger Warning issued · Hong Kong Observatory
Health
- Hong Kong accident and emergency waiting times (median wait for non-urgent patients, triage 4-5, across 18 public hospitals): shortest 0.5 hours at North District Hospital, longest 5.5 hours at Yan Chai Hospital. Updated 18/10/2026 4:00PM HKT. Source: Hospital Authority via DATA.GOV.HK. Checked .
- Hong Kong health alerts (Centre for Health Protection):
- Vigilance against Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Wed, 14 Oct 2026
- Enhanced Surveillance for Pneumonia of Unknown Etiology among Persons with Travel History to Irkutsk Oblast of Russia Mon, 12 Oct 2026
- The First Locally Acquired Infection of Chikungunya Fever in 2026 Fri, 18 Sep 2026
- A Locally Acquired Case of Chikungunya Fever Thu, 17 Sep 2026
- Vigilance against Mpox (monkeypox) Fri, 11 Sep 2026
- Stay Vigilant Against Communicable Diseases in the New School Year Fri, 28 Aug 2026
Events, holidays and sport
- Hong Kong Disneyland Park (Hong Kong Disneyland Parks): average wait 28 min, longest 60 min at Meet LinaBell at Duffy and Friends Play House; 0 rides down. Powered by ThemeParks.wiki
- Ocean Park: longest wait 15 min at Whirly Bird; 34 rides open, 14 down. Powered by Queue-Times.com
- Globe at Night campaign running 2026-11-01 to 2026-11-10: look for Cygnus, Grus, Pegasus. Join in: globeatnight.org.
Other live notices
- Hong Kong MTR: all lines running normally. (11 lines checked; source: MTR Corporation, DATA.GOV.HK. Checked .)
Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked
Health and vaccines
Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Airport weather right now
| Airport | Temperature | Wind | Visibility | Conditions | Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong VHHH | 32°C / 90°F | 7 kt from 110° | 6+ mi | Clear flying weather |
Live feed Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center · checked
Money
1 US dollar ≈ 7.85 HKD · 1 euro ≈ 8.82 HKD
Central-bank reference rate for Oct 18, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.
Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked
Voyaggora guides in Hong Kong
Quick answers: is it safe to travel to Hong Kong?
- Is it safe to travel to Hong Kong right now?
- Official advice is to take normal or increased precautions. As of Oct 18, 08:28 UTC. The US State Department rates Hong Kong Level 2 of 4, "Increased caution". Canada says "Exercise a high degree of caution". The UK FCDO has no warnings against travel to Hong Kong. Advisory levels change and can vary by region within a country: check the official page before you travel. Sources: US State Department Canada UK FCDO.
- Are there any active weather or hazard alerts in Hong Kong right now?
- As of Oct 18, 08:28 UTC, Travel Live shows these live hazard and alert sections for Hong Kong: official weather warnings, more live hazards and notices. Each one on this page names its official source and the time it was checked. Worldwide storms, earthquakes and disasters are on the Travel Live hub.
- What do the advisory levels mean?
- US State Department: Level 1 exercise normal precautions, Level 2 exercise increased caution, Level 3 reconsider travel, Level 4 do not travel. Canada: take normal security precautions, exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel, avoid all travel. UK FCDO: it advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to the whole country or to parts of it, or has no warnings. Each government uses its own scale, so the levels are not directly comparable.
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Get the Weekly BriefContains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.