Hong Kong SAR China
About Hong Kong SAR China
| Currency | Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) |
| Language | Cantonese; English |
| Capital | N/A |
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China that lies on the southern coast of China and on the South China Sea. Hong Kong is a very densely populated territory with a large population of about 7.2 million people condensed into 424 square miles (1,098 square kilometers).
Hong Kong has a different political system from mainland China. The Basic Law of Hong Kong, its constitutional document, stipulates that Hong Kong shall have a “high degree of autonomy” in all matters except foreign relations and military defense. The chief of state is the president of China. The head of government is a chief executive of Hong Kong, selected by an 800-person election committee.
After the First Opium War (1839-1842), Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire. Boundaries were extended, and by 1898 there were three geographic areas – Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories. During World War II, Japan occupied Hong Kong, but after the war, Britain resumed control until 1997 when Britain’s 99-year lease of the New Territories expired.
In accordance with an agreement between China and Britain in 1984, Hong Kong became a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. China agreed that Hong Kong would maintain its economic and social systems for 50 years from the date of handover.
Hong Kong is known for its shopping, cuisine, culture, and as a global center of trade, finance and business.
Recommended Vaccinations For Hong Kong SAR China
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended for infants 6 to 11 months old prior to international travel
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through the consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine
Travellers involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers and cavers), as well as travellers with occupational risks (i.e. veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers), should consider the rabies vaccination.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Travellers, who are staying for a month or longer during the transmission season, should consider vaccination against this infection, especially if travel will include rural areas with rice fields and marshland. For trips less than a month duration and for those who restrict their visits to urban areas, the risk is very low, and vaccination is not usually recommended.
Recommended Medications For Hong Kong SAR China
There are no recommendations for Hong Kong SAR China at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Hong Kong SAR China
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Hong Kong.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Hong Kong through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever can occur in Hong Kong.
For Some Travellers
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in the country through contaminated food or coming in contact with a person infected with the virus.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring measles in the country
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Hong Kong, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies
Hong Kong is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, bats may carry rabies-like viruses in this country.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in Hong Kong. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis rarely occurs in this country. The transmission season is May to October. People at increased risk include travellers who are staying for a month or longer during the transmission season, especially if travel will include rural areas with rice fields and marshland.
Safety & Security in Hong Kong SAR China
Personal Safety
Hong Kong maintains strong public safety with traditionally low violent crime rates. In 2024, the territory recorded 94,747 crimes total, with robbery cases at 90 representing the second lowest on record. Wounding and serious assault cases reached the lowest level since 1973. Homicide detections achieved 100%, with cases at historically low levels. However, you face increasing fraud risk. Deception cases surged to 44,480 in 2024, accounting for 47% of all crime. Around 62% of fraud involves internet scams, particularly phone-based customer service impersonation schemes. Shop theft increased by 7% in 2024, and pickpocketing occurs in crowded markets and public transport areas. Traditional retail scams target tourists, with electronics shops sometimes substituting fake products or charging unmarked prices. Triad-related crime exists but rarely affects visitors, typically confined to specific business sectors. Naked chat blackmail cases have risen, primarily affecting younger residents online. While overall crime increased 5% in 2024, this rise stems almost entirely from fraud rather than violent offenses. Your personal safety from physical threats remains high throughout the territory.
Extreme Violence
Terrorism threat levels remain low in Hong Kong. No recorded terrorist attacks have occurred in recent years. The territory faces negligible risk from extremist violence. In 2024, there were no bank robberies or robbery cases involving genuine firearms or stun guns. Police maintain high detection rates for violent crime, with robbery detection at 92.2%. The national security law implemented in 2020 created broad criminal definitions for subversion, secession, and collusion with foreign forces, but these apply primarily to political activism rather than random violence. Organized crime exists primarily within triad groups, who focus on drug trafficking and racketeering rather than targeting tourists or business travelers. Armed violence is extremely rare. The police force emphasizes counter-terrorism preparedness through regular multi-agency exercises and enhanced capabilities against cyber terrorism and domestic threats. You face minimal risk of encountering extreme violence during your visit.
Political Unrest
Large-scale protests that characterized 2019-2020 no longer occur. Beijing imposed a national security law in June 2020 following pro-democracy demonstrations, criminalizing secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. The law grants police extensive powers and has led to over 10,000 arrests related to 2019 protests, with prosecution of approximately 3,000 individuals ongoing as of 2024. Since 2020, authorized protests have become extremely rare. The first officially approved protest since 2020 occurred in March 2023. Annual marches previously held on July 1 and October 1 have not taken place for five consecutive years through 2024. In March 2024, Hong Kong passed Article 23, expanding security legislation to broaden definitions of external interference and espionage. District council elections in December 2023 saw voter turnout plummet to 27.5% from 71% in 2019 under new rules requiring candidates to be deemed patriots by Beijing. The political environment has fundamentally changed, with pro-democracy groups disbanded and civil society organizations disappeared. You will not encounter protest activity that previously occurred. The current environment prioritizes stability over public dissent.
Areas To Avoid
Hong Kong has no genuinely dangerous neighborhoods requiring avoidance. The territory is exceptionally safe compared to global standards, with crime concentrated in specific situations rather than geographic locations. Sham Shui Po experiences slightly higher petty theft rates, particularly in markets selling second-hand goods and affordable electronics. Exercise caution with belongings in this area. Yau Ma Tei has marginally higher crime compared to other districts, with potential for petty theft and scams especially at Temple Street Night Market during nighttime hours. Some Wan Chai bars have isolated incidents of drink spiking and overcharging, though these remain uncommon. Mong Kok attracts crowds that create opportunities for pickpocketing. Tsim Sha Tsui has camera shops along Nathan Road known for tourist scams involving counterfeit products or price manipulation. Remote areas of New Territories such as Fanling, Yuen Long, and Tin Shui Wai are simply inconvenient for tourists due to distance from attractions rather than dangerous. Central, Wan Chai business districts, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui maintain heavy security and police presence, making them extremely safe. The overwhelming consensus indicates that you can walk virtually anywhere day or night without safety concerns.
