According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, Hong Kong has been assessed as Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit cannot recommend a particular individual or establishment, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of services provided.

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Hong Kong as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Please review OSAC’s Hong Kong webpage for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

The Consulate is not aware of any specific threats against American citizens. Petty street crime, including pickpocketing, occasionally occurs in congested areas and in places that are popular with tourists. These include subways and subway stations, the Peak Tram, the Star Ferry, Central District, Wan Chai, and large marketplaces throughout the city.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.”

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Hong Kong has a highly-developed and well-maintained road and highway network. Traffic moves on the left side. During the daytime, traffic congests Hong Kong's urban areas. Speed limits are:

50 kilometers per hour (kph) (approximately 31 miles per hour (mph)) in urban areas

80 kph (approximately 50 mph) on highways

110 kph (approximately 68 mph) on expressways unless otherwise marked.

The use of seatbelts in vehicles, when available, is mandatory. Hong Kong uses automatic photo-ticketing systems to discourage speeding, and tickets are mailed to the owner of the vehicle. Each year, there are about 14,000 traffic accidents involving more than 18,000 drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report “Driving Overseas: Best Practices." 

Public Transportation Conditions

Hong Kong has a modern, efficient, and reliable public transportation system, which is comprised of the subway (Mass Transit Rail, MTR) and several buses lines. The majority of people living and work in Hong Kong utilize public transportation instead of driving on congested roadways. The MTR and buses are typically clean and punctual. Subway stations, bus stops, and timetables are usually in English and Chinese, though the level of English spoken by bus drivers may vary.

Although public transportation is generally considered safe, petty crimes of opportunity can occur at subway, train, and/or bus stations. There have also been occasional reports of taxi scams in which drivers increase fares on the meter and/or claim that the fare is in a currency other than Hong Kong dollars.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Both MTR and ferry services are available to/from Hong Kong International Airport.

Hong Kong customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning controlled items you might be carrying while transiting Hong Kong (temporary importation or exportation). Hong Kong International Airport security routinely and completely screens luggage loaded on to an aircraft whether belonging to a departing or transiting passenger. Discovery of weapons of any kind – including stun guns - will be referred to the police for investigation, leading to arrest and detention. If you bring controlled items into Hong Kong without the necessary documentation, you may be prosecuted and the goods may be seized. Among the items that must be declared to customs officials are liquors, tobacco, cigarettes/cigars, methyl alcohol, and merchandise imported for commercial purposes. A non-exhaustive list of controlled and/or prohibited items can be found on the Consular Affairs Hong Kong Country Information Sheet.

Other Travel Conditions

There have been two ferry accidents on the Hong Kong-Macau route in recent years:

In October 2015, an accident left more than 100 people injured.

In September 2012, an accident resulted in 39 deaths.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Hong Kong as being a LOW-threat location for terrorist activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

The Consulate is not aware of any indigenous terrorist groups operating in Hong Kong, and there is no information suggesting any specific or credible transnational terrorist threats directed against Americans or American interests in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens around the world remain subject to the general threat of international terrorism and the possibility that a “lone-wolf” attacker or transnational terrorist organization would attempt to carry out an attack in Hong Kong cannot be ruled out.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Hong Kong as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes occur but are seldom violent. Demonstrations are usually located in the Central District near government buildings, which are close to the U.S. Consulate General. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings should they occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational with little or no advance notice.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

The Hong Kong Observatory has an excellent notification and monitoring system. During the typhoon season (July-November), the Observatory issues typhoon warnings an average of six times a year; heavy rainstorm alerts are issued more frequently. If the Hong Kong Government announces a Typhoon Signal 8 or above or Black Rainstorm Warning, many bridges and roads may be closed to traffic. Additionally, under such a warning, the U.S. Consulate General will likely be closed for services.

Air pollution has become an increasing concern. Congested vehicle traffic and factories on the Chinese mainland emit ozone, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides, leading to an atmospheric haze that is visible most days of the year. Average roadside pollution levels exceed WHO guidelines by as much as 200%. Deteriorating air quality can create health risks for those with allergies, asthma, or cardiac problems.

Critical Infrastructure

There have been no major problems affecting critical infrastructure in Hong Kong; however, there is a nuclear power plant just across the border in mainland China.

Privacy Concerns

Hong Kong has very strict privacy laws; however, in recent years, there has been an increase in complaints regarding personal data collection.

Personal Identity Concerns

Reports of discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation are infrequent.

Despite efforts to improve accessibility, Hong Kong’s hilly topography poses challenges to individuals with physical disabilities. Hong Kong’s many stairs, inclines, and steep, uneven walkways are not typically designed to accommodate individuals who use a walker, cane, crutches, or a wheelchair. 

Drug-related Crimes

The penalty for trafficking in dangerous drugs can be life imprisonment and a heavy fine.

Police Response

The Hong Kong Police Force has distinct units responsible for all crime/security issues and is highly trained and professional. General police support and response to foreign victims of crime is excellent. The average response time is under five minutes for emergencies and under 10 minutes for non-emergencies. Police operators typically speak English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

If you are arrested, authorities are required to alert the U.S. Consulate General. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police to notify the U.S. Consulate General of your arrest. Incidents of police corruption, bribery, or harassment are rare. However, if such incidents do occur, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) can be contacted at +852 2526-6366.

Crime Victim Assistance

The local police emergency number is 999. There are numerous police stations located throughout the various districts and communities of Hong Kong.

U.S. citizens who are victims of crime can also contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit at the U.S. Consulate at acshk@state.gov or at +852 2841-2211, +852 2841-2323, +852 2841-2225 (M-F 0830-1730), and +852 2523-9011 (after-hours).

Medical Emergencies

Dial 999 for emergencies or +852 2735-3355 for the Fire Services Department. Hong Kong offers good medical facilities, and there are many Western-trained physicians. Hong Kong emergency service response times for police, fire, and ambulances are good. Some emergency personnel are trained to paramedic standards, though most are trained at the first responder level to perform basic stabilization and transport to the nearest hospital.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, please refer to the Consulate’s Medical Assistance page. More comprehensive lists of medical doctors and dentists are available at the Medical Council of Hong Kong and Dental Council of Hong Kong websites.

Insurance Guidance

Travelers should consider obtaining temporary medical insurance prior to departing the U.S. Medical facilities in Hong Kong require foreigners to pay for treatment and then seek reimbursement through their insurance company. Hospitals, including emergency rooms, also will not usually admit foreigners as patients without payment up front (meaning, either one must have insurance that the hospital will accept or one would likely be required to make a deposit or put up a guarantee in order to be admitted).

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

In addition to routine childhood and adult immunizations, the following vaccines are also recommended:

Hepatitis A: for all travelers

Typhoid: for risk-averse travelers desiring maximum pre-travel preparation.

Hepatitis B: for prolonged stays; frequent short stays; adventure travelers; the possibility of acupuncture, dental work, or tattooing; all health care workers; the possibility of a new sexual partner during stay; and travelers with high potential to seek medical care in local facilities. Consider for short stays in travelers desiring maximum pre-travel preparation. Increased awareness is recommended regarding safe sex and body fluid/blood precautions.

Japanese encephalitis: Sporadic, limited risk exists in rural areas of the New Territories. Transmission season is April-October. For risk-averse travelers desiring maximum pre-travel protection and traveling for prolonged stays or frequent short stays in risk areas. Not recommended for urban areas or short visits to usual rural tourist sites. Evening and nighttime insect precautions are recommended.

Rabies: For travelers likely to have contact with bats, which are presumed to exist throughout the country. Bat bites should be taken seriously and post-exposure prophylaxis sought even in those already immunized.

Influenza: Flu (including 2009 H1N1): for all travelers. It is transmitted throughout the year in the tropics, and all travelers are at increased risk. Consider a standby treatment course of oseltamivir for unvaccinated travelers, especially those at high risk for complications.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Hong Kong.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Hong Kong/Macau OSAC Country Council was established in 2000 and continues to meet several times a year. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s OSAC East Asia-Pacific team with any questions.

U.S. Consulate Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau

26 Garden Road, Hong Kong

Hours: M-F 0830-1730

Consulate Contact Numbers

Consulate General Hong Kong: +852 2523-9011

Marine Post One: +852 2841-2230

Website: https://hk.usconsulate.gov/

Consular coverage for multi-post countries

The Consulate General in Hong Kong is also responsible for Macau

Additional Resources

Consular Affairs Hong Kong Information Sheet