Hong Kong has low violent crime, but legal risks around speech and electronic devices are serious. At Safe to Go, we re-check these advisories every day, and the US State Department asks for increased caution here because of the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
The panel above shows each government’s level today. Refusing to give Hong Kong police your device passwords in a national security case is a criminal offense, and the US says the rule covers passengers just transiting Hong Kong International Airport.
What Government Advisories Say About Hong Kong
The US advisory covers the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). The US State Department advisory tells travelers to exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. United States authorities emphasize that Hong Kong authorities have passed laws that limit civil liberties and apply to anyone in the territory, including foreigners. They also note that arrest warrants have been issued for people outside Hong Kong, including US citizens, for activities carried out overseas.
The UK FCDO travel advice maintains no advice against travel to any specific parts of Hong Kong, but warns travelers about the reach of national security legislation. The UK government points out that national security laws apply to activities inside and outside Hong Kong, including in the UK, and cover individuals regardless of nationality or residency. They observe that people have been prosecuted for publishing or supporting statements critical of Hong Kong or Chinese authorities, including online. The Canada travel advisory asks visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in Hong Kong.
None of the three governments advises against travel to Hong Kong. You can see how other destinations compare in our city safety guides.
How Hong Kong Compares with Mainland China and Macao
The UK FCDO explicitly notes that its Hong Kong advice covers only the SAR, directing travelers to separate official advice pages for mainland China and the Macao SAR.
Under the 2020 National Security Law, travelers can be detained or removed to mainland China for certain offenses according to the UK FCDO. The UK FCDO also warns that Hong Kong does not recognise dual nationality, or the British National (Overseas) passport as a valid travel document or proof of identity.
If you hold both British and Chinese nationality, local authorities may treat you exclusively as a Chinese citizen, even if you enter on a full British passport. Under those conditions, the British Consulate-General may be unable to provide consular assistance. The UK government advises anyone who has formally renounced Chinese citizenship to carry documentary evidence of that renunciation.
National Security Laws and Electronic Device Inspections
National security legislation applies to visitors, transiting air passengers, and foreign residents. China imposed the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, and Hong Kong enacted the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on March 23, 2024. The US State Department warns that these statutes define crimes vaguely, including secession, subversion, terrorism, collusion with foreign entities, treason, stealing government secrets, insurrection, sabotage against public infrastructure, and external interference.
Hong Kong authorities expanded these enforcement rules on March 23, 2026, creating new legal obligations regarding digital data. The US State Department notes that refusing to provide passwords or failing to assist police with decryption during national security investigations is now a criminal offense. Authorities have expanded power to demand full access to all personal electronic devices, including cellphones and laptops, and can seize and retain devices claimed to be connected to offenses.
This legal requirement applies to everyone in Hong Kong, including individuals arriving at or transiting through Hong Kong International Airport. The UK FCDO says some national security offenses carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The US says that saying anything critical about China or Hong Kong could get you arrested, detained, expelled or prosecuted.
- Offenses include treason, sedition, subversion, external interference, and unlawful disclosure of state secrets.
Street Crime and Drink Spiking Risks in Hong Kong
Violent crime in Hong Kong remains low, but pickpocketing and other street crime can happen. The UK FCDO advises visitors to take extra care of passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas and when checking in and out of hotels.
Personal attacks and sexual assaults are rare but happen, including through drink spiking. The UK FCDO warns visitors never to leave drinks unattended and to refuse drinks from strangers, and it says women travelling alone or with other women could be at greater risk. Solo travelers can consult our free travel safety checklist to prepare sensible emergency precautions before departure.
The UK government instructs hikers in Hong Kong’s country parks to remain on marked trails and avoid carrying valuables. Additionally, the UK FCDO notes that terrorist attacks in Hong Kong cannot be ruled out.
Strict Drug Prohibitions and Public Offense Fines
Hong Kong maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward dangerous drugs, enforcing severe prison sentences for possession, trafficking, and smuggling. The UK FCDO specifically warns that all cannabis products are illegal, including cannabidiol (CBD) items like oils, creams, capsules, and foods.
Airports in Hong Kong have technology for detecting illegal items, and it is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. The UK FCDO says criminal gangs have been known to coerce people into carrying drugs, and tells travelers not to let themselves be persuaded.
Importing or re-exporting elephant ivory and ivory souvenirs is also completely prohibited and carries fines or prison terms.
Typhoon Signals and Protests in Hong Kong
Severe weather can suspend transport operations in Hong Kong. Typhoon season runs from May to November, and may cause flooding and landslides. The UK FCDO tells travelers to follow local warnings issued in advance and monitor local news, and its Hong Kong travel advice names the weather services to check.
When local authorities issue a Typhoon 8 storm signal, public transport networks and public offices shut down across the territory. The UK FCDO says visitors can drive in Hong Kong with a valid UK driving licence for up to 12 months.
Large-scale political demonstrations took place in Hong Kong between 2019 and 2020, including in popular tourist areas, and there were some violent clashes between police and protesters. The UK FCDO says protests are rare but could take place at any time. If you encounter a demonstration, move away to a safe place immediately and follow the advice of local authorities.
How to Check Hong Kong’s Advisories Before You Fly
Before you travel, read the US State Department advisory and the UK FCDO Hong Kong advice for any change to the device-password rules. You can track latest advisory changes across destinations on our tracking page.
This verdict is a poor fit if you hold both British and Chinese nationality. The UK FCDO says local authorities may treat you solely as a Chinese citizen, and the British Consulate-General may not be able to help you. Our assessment would shift if local authorities broadened exit bans to cover ordinary foreign visitors. The Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance took effect in 2021, granting powers that could prevent individuals from leaving Hong Kong. The Hong Kong SAR government says these powers will only be used to stop certain asylum seekers from entering Hong Kong.
Review our explanation of how we rate safety to understand how government advisories are interpreted. Travelers who intend to visit multiple regional hubs can also compare destinations side by side to evaluate regional risks before finalizing flights. For current travel, monitor local news and typhoon advisories.