Briefing de orientación en Hong Kong

El Reino Unido se apoderó de Hong Kong en 1841, y China lo cedió formalmente al año siguiente, al término de la Primera Guerra del Opio. La península de Kowloon se añadió en 1860, al término de la Segunda Guerra del Opio, y el Reino Unido obtuvo un arrendamiento de 99 años sobre los Nuevos Territorios en 1898. De conformidad con el acuerdo entre el Reino Unido y China de 1984, Hong Kong se convirtió en la Región Administrativa Especial de Hong Kong (HKSAR) de la República Popular China a partir del 1 de julio de 1997. En este acuerdo, China prometió que, con arreglo a su fórmula de "un país, dos sistemas", el sistema económico socialista y el sistema político estricto de China no se impondrían en Hong Kong y que Hong Kong disfrutaría de un "alto grado de autonomía" en todos los asuntos, salvo los de asuntos exteriores y defensa, durante los siguientes 50 años.

Tras la transferencia de soberanía, Hong Kong siguió disfrutando de éxito como centro financiero internacional. Sin embargo, la creciente influencia política china y el descontento con el Gobierno de Hong Kong en la década de 2010 se convirtieron en cuestiones centrales y dieron lugar a considerables disturbios civiles, incluidas las manifestaciones prodemocráticas de gran escala en 2019, tras el intento de la HKSAR de revisar una ordenanza local para permitir extradiciones a la China continental. En respuesta a las protestas, los gobiernos de la HKSAR y de China redujeron la autonomía de la ciudad e impusieron nuevas restricciones a los derechos de los residentes de Hong Kong, medidas que fueron ampliamente criticadas por contravenir las obligaciones contraídas en virtud de la Ley Básica de Hong Kong y de la Declaración Conjunta Sino-Británica. Legisladores y figuras políticas prodemocráticas fueron detenidos en una amplia represión, mientras que otros huyeron al extranjero. Al mismo tiempo, decenas de grupos de la sociedad civil y varios medios de comunicación independientes fueron clausurados o disueltos. En 2021, Pekín impuso un sistema electoral más restrictivo, reestructurando el Consejo Legislativo (LegCo) y permitiendo que solo se presentaran a las elecciones candidatos aprobados por el Gobierno. Los cambios garantizaron que prácticamente todos los escaños de las elecciones al LegCo de 2021 fueran para candidatos progubernamentales y pusieron fin, en la práctica, a la oposición política a Pekín. En 2024, el LegCo aprobó una nueva ley de seguridad nacional (artículo 23 de la Ley Básica), que amplía aún más las facultades del Gobierno de Hong Kong para frenar la disidencia.

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.

Dual Chinese-British nationality

Hong 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.

If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, carry evidence that you have done so.

See guidance on nationality in China. 

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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Terrorism  

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.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Hong Kong

Terrorist attacks in Hong Kong cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Protests and civil unrest

Between 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.

Protests 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.

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.

Laws and cultural differences

National security laws

The 2020 National Security Law (NSL) includes offences such as:

• secession
• subversion
• organisation and perpetration of terrorist activities
• collusion with a foreign country

The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance includes offences such as:

• treason
• sedition
• unlawful disclosure of state secrets
• external interference endangering national security

National 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.

The 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.

Hong 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.

You could be detained or removed to mainland China for some offences under the 2020 National Security Law.

Criticising the government

Some 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.

Immigration Ordinance

The 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.

Public offences

You can get on-the-spot fines for littering, jay walking or spitting.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to import and re-export elephant ivory and its products, including tourist souvenirs. You could get a fine or prison sentence.

Illegal drugs

Avoid 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.

Criminal gangs and individuals in the UK and overseas have been known to coerce people into carrying drugs.  Do not allow yourself to be persuaded.

Hong 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.

Airports in Hong Kong have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Taking photographs in secure areas

Do not take photographs of military installations.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are visiting, you can drive in Hong Kong with a valid UK driving licence for up to 12 months.

If you are living in Hong Kong, see the Hong Kong SAR Transport Department for information on applying for a full or temporary driving licence.

Hire 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.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Typhoons

Typhoon 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.

Monitor local news and check the World Meteorological Organization and Hong Kong Observatory.

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Hong Kong
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

See what health risks you’ll face in Hong Kong.

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in Hong Kong

Medical 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.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Hong Kong where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Hong Kong.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.