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Hong kong special administrative region travel pass.

This webpage sets out the eligibility criteria and application procedures for persons who wish to apply for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Travel Pass Scheme.

The aim of the Travel Pass Scheme is to enhance the mobility of business travellers by facilitating bona fide frequent visitors to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Travel Pass is a machine readable document with 32 pages. It is valid for 3 years and good for multiple entries to the HKSAR for a stay of 2 months each trip. The holder of a Travel Pass will be allowed to use Hong Kong resident counters and the immigration clearance procedures will be simplified.

Frequent visitors who hold valid passports and are eligible to come to the HKSAR without a visa or entry permit for visit purpose may apply for HKSAR Travel Pass. Applicants should have genuine needs to visit the HKSAR frequently, and have come for visits trouble-free on 3 or more occasions (other than return from side trips to the Mainland of China or the region of Macao) in the 12-month period immediately preceding the application, or can satisfy the Director of Immigration that their visits may bring substantial benefits to the HKSAR. The Director of Immigration reserves the right not to issue a HKSAR Travel Pass even if the criteria stated above are fulfilled.

Applicant should complete the application form ( ID 888 ) in Chinese or English, and properly sign it. The name and other personal particulars in the application form must be identical to those appearing on applicant’s valid passport.

Application form can be obtained free of charge from the  Information and Liaison Section of the Immigration Department , Chinese diplomatic and consular missions  and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices overseas . The form can also be downloaded here .

The nomination of a referee or major business contact in the HKSAR is necessary to assist the Immigration Department to process the application. This will avoid unnecessary delay.

Applicant should complete the application form ( ID 888 ) in block letters with a recent photograph affixed on it and enclosed with:

• a photocopy of applicant’s valid passport showing the personal particulars of the holder, nationality, re-entry visa to the country of residence (if applicable), date of issue and expiry of the valid travel document, and the records of his/her latest three visits to the HKSAR/landing slips in the last 12 months;
• one additional identical photograph of applicant; and
• letter from applicant’s employing company supporting his/her application and background information of the company, and supporting letter from applicant’s major Hong Kong business contact if visits are for business purposes.

Applicant may be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application when necessary.

Online Submission

Click here for online submission of application and uploading of supporting documents.

Other Means of Submission

Completed application forms, i.e. ID 888 , and all supporting documents may also be submitted to the Immigration Department by post, in person or through his/her referee in the HKSAR to the following address:

Other Visas and Permits Section Immigration Department 7/F, Immigration Tower 7 Gloucester Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the Immigration Department. For proper delivery of your mail items, please ensure your mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. ( Details )

Once the receipt of application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire their application status here  or through the 24-hour telephone enquiry system at (852) 3160 8663.

Applicant may collect his/her Travel Pass either in person or authorise a representative to collect it on his/her behalf. Upon collection, the applicant or his/her authorised representative must produce his/her original valid passport for inspection if this has not been done when he/she submits the application. Applicant must use his/her Travel Pass together with his/her valid passport for arrival and departure clearance at control points in the HKSAR.

The prescribed fee should be paid upon collection of the Travel Pass. It is payable in cash, by EPS, by Octopus or by Faster Payment System (FPS), or by cashier order or bank draft drawn on a bank in the HKSAR or crossed cheque from a bank account in the HKSAR in Hong Kong currency either to 'The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region' or 'The Government of the HKSAR'.

• Application forms relating to HKSAR Travel Pass

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Online Application for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Travel Pass

Who can use this service.

You can use this online service to submit application for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Travel Pass.

Eligibility Criteria

To find out if you are eligible to apply for the HKSAR Travel Pass, please visit this website .

Documents to be Submitted Online

Documents marked with * are mandatory.

Please note that in the online application process, the applicant will be required to fill in an online application form and sign to confirm that all information given in the online application form is correct, complete and true.

File Formats Before uploading the required documents you will need to scan them in one of the following formats:

How to Start

Once you have prepared your supplementary documents, you can access the online service through the following link.

Online application for the HKSAR Travel Pass

Please ensure that the information you provide is correct. Incorrect information may render your submission invalid.

Supplementary Document Submission

If you have submitted an application for the HKSAR Travel Pass and received a notification letter from the Immigration Department asking you to provide supplementary documents, you can use the online submission service. The following link will take you to further information on how to submit your supplementary documents online.

Assistance and Further Information

If you need technical assistance in using the online service, you can call the Immigration e-Services Hotline at (852) 3128 8668 between 7 am and 11 pm daily. For general enquiries, please call (852) 2824 6111 during office hours (from 8:45 am to 5:15 pm, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday, except public holidays), send a fax to (852) 2877 7711 or send an email to [email protected] .

Further information on the online service is available in a set of helpful frequently asked questions (FAQs).

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Hong Kong MTR Tickets & Fares

Using Octopus card will enjoy a discount of Hong Kong metro price according to the line and time. Also, it can be used in some stores, restaurants and parking lots. You can get an Octopus Card at any of the metro stations, Light Rail stations, and Hong Kong Airport. There are also Tourist Octopus and On-Loan Octopus on sale, facilitating your travel in Hong Kong. Touirst Octopus asks no guarantee deposit, and the price is HKD 39. However, only Adult Tourist Octopus is provided. You can purchase a Tourist Octopus Card and top it up at MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machines at the metro station of Airport and HK West Kowloon Station, 7-Eleven stores and Circle-K stores in Hong Kong. When you are leaving Hong Kong, the remaining value can be refunded but the card can't be used any more, except as a souvenir. On-Loan Octopus provides Standard Optupus for adults as well as children aged 3-11 and the elderly over 65, at a price of HKD 50. You need to top up when buying the On-Loan Octopus Card. If your On-Loan Octopus has not any payment for 3 years, it will become an Inactive card and an administrative fee of HKD 15 is deducted annually unitl there is no deposit. Thus, it may be necessary to refund the On-Loan Octopus if you will not stay in Hong Kong, with a handling fee of HKD 11 or 1% of the remaining value.  

Single Journey Ticket

Single mtr ticket price.

Sunny Bay – Disneyland: HKD 7.5 (Octopus Card: HKD7.2) Central – Causeway Bay: HKD 6 (Octopus Card: HKD 5.7) Central – Wan Chai: HKD 5 (Octopus Card: HKD 4.8) Austin – Yuen Long: HKD 22 (Octopus Card: HKD 21.2) Mongkok East – Sha Tin: HKD 6.5 (Octopus Card: HKD 6.3) Central – Tsim Sha Tsui: HKD 12 (Octopus Card: HKD 10.3) Yau Ma Tei – Tsim Sha Tsui: HKD 5 (Octopus Card: HKD 4.8) Tsim Sha Tsui – Mongkok: HKD 6 (Octopus Card: HKD 5.7) Tsim Sha Tsui – Sham Shui Po: HKD 7.5 (Octopus Card: HKD 7.2) Sham Shui Po – Tsuen Wan: HKD 4.5 (Octopus Card: HKD 4.3)  

Tourist Passes

Tourist day pass: hkd 65.

-Valid for 1 month from the day of issue -Any 1 day of unlimited travel on the MTR, Light Rail and MTR Bus (except Airport Express , East Rail Line First Class and travel to/from Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau Station) -Available for online purchase  

Child Tourist Day Pass: HKD 30

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Hong kong tourism board, immigration & customs.

Immigration and customs processes in Hong Kong are clear and efficient. Here, we’ve got all the info you’ll need to ensure you’re prepared for a smooth entry so you can just get on with what’s most important: having a good time in the city!

Immigration 

Nationals of most countries do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong for tourism and can stay for periods varying from seven to 180 days, depending on nationality. If you’re unsure of your status, please check with any Chinese embassy or consulate .

More than 100 countries and territories have representative offices in Hong Kong. Their contact details are listed here .  You can also find further details about visa requirements on the Immigration Department website.

With effect from 28 December 2021, the Immigration Department has introduced electronic services for visa applications in phases to allow applicants to complete the entire process of visa-related applications online. Please visit the  Immigration Department website or click here for more details. 

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION TRAVEL PASS

This pass provides simplified immigration procedures for frequent business travellers who hold valid passports and are eligible to come to Hong Kong without a visa or entry permit for the purposes of a visit.

Eligibility criteria:

• You must have a genuine need to visit Hong Kong frequently, and
• you must have previously visited Hong Kong trouble-free on three or more occasions (not including side visits to the Mainland of China or Macao) in the 12 months prior to the application, or
• the Director of Immigration must be satisfied that your visits may bring substantial benefits to Hong Kong.

Pass holders may use Hong Kong residents' counters for simplified immigration clearance procedures.

Further details about this pass and a downloadable application form can be found on the Immigration Department website .

E-CHANNEL SERVICE FOR FREQUENT VISITORS

Frequent visitors to Hong Kong can now enjoy the convenience of computerised self-service  e-Channels , which provide quick and easy immigration clearance.

• Aged 18 or above;
• Holding a valid travel document and where appropriate, valid multiple visit visa;
• Holding one of the following documents: - HKSAR Travel Pass; - APEC Business Travel Card with ‘HKG’ printed on the reverse side; or - Frequent Flyer Programme membership card issued by airlines which have joined this scheme (please enquire with your airline for details).
• For passengers not holding one of the documents mentioned in item 3: - Holding a valid travel document which is not required to have entry visa/permit for entering the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); and - Have made visits to the HKSAR by air via the Hong Kong International Airport no fewer than three times in the past 12 months immediately before enrolment for the e-Channel service.
• No adverse record in the HKSAR.

Successfully enrolled visitors can use the Frequent Visitor e-Channels at all control points. Please click  here  for details on the procedure for using the Frequent Visitor e-Channels. 

All visitors entering Hong Kong must go through customs clearance and declare any dutiable commodities exceeding duty-free quotas. Learn more about dutiable commodities and the latest duty-free concessions .

Points to note:

• Import and export of commonly found prohibited / controlled items including dangerous drugs, arms, weapons, animals, plants, endangered species, meat and poultry is governed by Hong Kong’s laws.
• Any import or export of these items must be accompanied by a valid licence, permit or certification issued in advance by the relevant authorities, unless exempted by law.
• While legal in some countries, various personal protection devices, such as 'mace' spray and stun guns, are prohibited in Hong Kong.
• Persons entering or leaving Hong Kong are required to declare or disclose the possession of currency or bearer negotiable instruments totalling more than HK$120,000 to the Customs and Excise Department.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) is classified as a dangerous drug in Hong Kong, and products containing CBD are prohibited. Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO), trafficking (including importing and exporting) and manufacturing of substances in contravention of the law will be subject to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million. Possession and consumption of such substances will also be subject to imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of HK$1 million. Click here to find out more.

For further details, please visit the Customs and Excise Department website . To avoid any unnecessary delays, please follow the guidelines set by Hong Kong International Airport .

TIPS FOR VISITORS

Many visitors transit in Hong Kong or arrive here after visiting other countries. Due to the variations in legislations of different countries, some items which may be considered legal at other points of embarkation or disembarkation can be considered illegal in Hong Kong.

Details on the types of items that are illegal in Hong Kong, as well as some further tips on safety and security at the airport, can be found here .

AIRPORT SECURITY

All passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport are required to show their boarding passes and travel documents to airport security personnel at the Departures Immigration Hall. Please find further details here .

CARRY-ON BAGGAGE

Departing visitors and those in transit should note that enhanced security measures are now in effect at Hong Kong International Airport. Visitors are reminded not to include any sharp objects with points or blades in carry-on luggage, such as knives, cutters, scissors, razor blades or household cutlery. Pack such items in your check-in luggage.

Restrictions also apply to carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols, which must be in containers no bigger than 100ml and placed in a single transparent re-sealable bag with a capacity not exceeding one litre (maximum one bag per passenger).

Please find further details here .

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Special information for Labour Day Golden Week (1 – 5 May 2024)

• Major sightseeing attractions opening hours
• Public transportation and boundary-crossing services
• 1 May Pyrotechnics display special information: Vantage points and transportation adjustments 

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TOURIST TICKETS

Sales outlets.

• All Customer Service Centres of MTR stations (except Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Racecourse and Light Rail Customer Service Centres)
• Online Purchase

Valid for 1 month from the date of issue:

• Any one day* of unlimited travel on the MTR, Light Rail and MTR Bus (except Airport Express, East Rail Line First Class and travel to/from Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau Station)
• Use of the Ticket is restricted to tourists (non-residents in Hong Kong) who have been in Hong Kong for less than 14 days at the time of purchase

* ”Any one day" means 24 consecutive hours starting from the recorded entry time of the first journey on the MTR

Terms and Conditions

• A valid passport or similar valid proof of tourist status must be shown at the time of purchase/collection.
• The Tourist Day Pass user is required to show the Tourist Day Pass with valid proof of tourist status for inspection by MTR staff at any time upon request.
• The Child Tourist Day Pass is valid for children aged 3 to 11.
• A Tourist Day Pass that malfunctions can be processed at any MTR Customer Service Centres (except Airport Express, Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau and Racecourse Station).
• The Tourist Day Pass is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
• Use of the Tourist Day Pass is subject to MTR By-laws and Conditions of Issue of Tickets.
• If the Tourist Day Pass is used to travel to either Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau Station, the holder is in breach of the Terms and Conditions and is liable to pay the full single journey fare between the entry station and Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau Station.
• If the Tourist Day Pass is used for travel on East Rail Line First Class, the holder is in breach of the Conditions of Issue of Tickets and is regarded as not having paid the fare and is liable to pay a surcharge of $1,000. The holder is also required to deliver up that Tourist Day Pass to an official of the Corporation.
• The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Ordinance shall not apply to the terms and conditions herein.
• MTR Corporation Limited reserves the right to make the final decision in the event of any dispute.

This is a new smart ticket. For full details about the ticket, please click  here .

The eligibility criteria for a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Travel Pass will be relaxed from today (July 2), the Immigration Department has announced.

The Scheme, which began in January 1998, is designed to enhance the mobility of business travellers who have genuine needs to travel frequently to Hong Kong.

Applications are open to frequent visitors who hold a valid passport and are eligible to come to Hong Kong without a visa or entry permit for visit purposes. At present, applicants who have made five or more trouble-free trips to Hong Kong (other than returning from side trips to the Mainland or Macau) in the 12-month period immediately preceding the application; or can satisfy the Director of Immigration that their visits may bring substantial benefits to Hong Kong, are eligible to apply for a Travel Pass.

"Now, in a move to enable more business visitors to use the Travel Pass and to facilitate their travel convenience to Hong Kong, the eligibility criteria of five trouble-free trips will be relaxed to three trips with effect from today," a spokesperson for the Immigration Department said.

"The Travel Pass is a machine-readable document with 32 pages. It is valid for three years and good for multiple entries to Hong Kong for a stay of two months on visitor conditions each trip.

"The prescribed fee for the pass is HK$500. Holders enjoy streamlined immigration clearance procedures as they are allowed to use the 'Hong Kong Resident' counters when passing through the immigration control points."

Business people who need to travel frequently to Hong Kong are welcome to apply for the Travel Pass. Application forms are available free of charge from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices and Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions overseas.

The forms can also be downloaded from the website at: < http://www.info.gov.hk/immd/pdforms/id888.pdf > Completed application forms may be submitted for processing by post, in person or through a local reference to the Visitors Section, Immigration Department (6/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong).

Ends/Tuesday, July 2, 2002

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory April 12, 2024

Mainland china, hong kong & macau - see summaries.

Updated due to new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Summary:  Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services . Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction . 

Consulate Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

One month beyond the date of your intended stay

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for stays under 90 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau 26 Garden Road Central, Hong Kong Telephone:  +852 2841-2211, +852 2841-2225, +852 2841-2323   Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +852 2523-9011   Fax:  +852 2845-4845 Email:   [email protected]  

Destination Description

See the U.S. Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Hong Kong for information on U.S.-Hong Kong relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Hong Kong Immigration Department  website for the most current visa information. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our website.

To enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), you need:

• a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the date of your intended stay;
• adequate funds to cover your stay without working locally; and
• evidence of onward/return transportation.

You only need a visa if:

• You plan to stay for more than 90 days – obtain an extension with the Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department, if necessary.
• You plan to work or study in the Hong Kong SAR – visas must be obtained prior to departing the United States.

You must possess a valid passport and PRC visa to enter the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from Hong Kong. Further information on travel to and around the PRC is available on our  China International Travel Information and Macau International Travel Information pages.

West Kowloon Train Station:  The West Kowloon Train Station is the terminus of the Hong Kong section of the  Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link  (XRL). Once passengers pass through the Hong Kong immigration exit checkpoint on their way to mainland China inside the train station or on the train itself in that area, they are in the mainland Port Area. Likewise, passengers arriving from mainland China are in the mainland Port Area until they exit the Hong Kong immigration entry checkpoint. 

Health Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the PRC, including Hong Kong. 

Safety and Security

Since the imposition of the National Security Law on June 30, 2020, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has demonstrated an intent to use the law to target a broad range of activities such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The National Security Law also covers offenses committed by non-Hong Kong SAR residents or organizations outside of the Hong Kong SAR, which could subject U.S. citizens who have been publicly critical of the PRC and/or the administration of the Hong Kong SAR to a heightened risk of arrest, detention, expulsion, or prosecution. Mainland PRC security forces, including an Office for Safeguarding National Security, now operate in Hong Kong and are not subject to oversight by the Hong Kong SAR judiciary.

Drug and Alcohol Enforcement: PRC law enforcement authorities have little tolerance for illegal drugs, including marijuana and products containing cannabidiol, also known as CBD . Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in the PRC, including Hong Kong, are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, or the death penalty.

Hong Kong also has strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol that can lead to immediate detention on a criminal charge.

Demonstrations:  Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as violating Hong Kong law, including the National Security Law, could result in criminal charges. On June 30, 2020, as part of its color-coded system of warning flags, the Hong Kong police unveiled a new purple flag, which warns protesters that shouting slogans or carrying banners with an intent prohibited by the law could now bring criminal charges. Any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal.

U.S. citizens are strongly cautioned to be aware of their surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to Hong Kong: 

• Monitor local media, local transportations sites and apps like  MTR Mobile  or  CitybusNWFB , and the  Hong Kong International Airport website  for updates and traffic advisories. 
• Avoid the areas of the demonstrations. 
• Exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests. 
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission. 
• Be aware of your surroundings. 
• Keep a low profile. 

Hong Kong has a low crime rate. Even so, you should exercise caution when in congested areas and pay particular attention to personal belongings while in crowded areas and while traveling on public transportation. Violent crime, though rare, does occur.

• Take routine safety precautions. 
• Report any concerns to the local police. 
• Call “999,” the local equivalent to “911” 

Please note that mace, pepper spray, stun guns, bullets, switch blades, knuckle-dusters and other self-protection weapons are banned in Hong Kong. 

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law. You may also pay fines or must give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Be alert to criminal schemes, such as internet, phone scams and dating scams, as well as financial scams. See the  U.S. Department of State's  and the  U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s  pages for information on scams. 

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at “999” and contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau at +(825) 2523-9011. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• help you find appropriate medical care.
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• provide a list of local attorneys.
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States .
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Hong Kong has a crime victim compensation program available to U.S. citizens who are legal residents or tourists in Hong Kong. For more detailed information on the program and its requirements, please see the  Hong Kong Social Welfare Department webpage.  More resources for victims of crime in Hong Kong are available in our  Help for U.S. Victims of Crime in Hong Kong  information sheet. 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence can/should contact the Hong Kong police and/or U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau for assistance. 

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout Hong Kong. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to Hong Kong SAR laws, including certain PRC laws applied to Hong Kong. If you violate Hong Kong SAR laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. Furthermore, some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  U.S. Department of Justice  website. 

Arrest Notification:

• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.
• Hong Kong must notify a U.S. consular officer within four days; however, this does not always occur in a timely manner.
• The PRC and Hong Kong SAR governments do not recognize dual nationality. The PRC and Hong Kong SAR governments may prevent the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates General from providing consular services to dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent. Please see the page on dual nationality for more information on the limits on consular notification and access to dual nationals.
• A consular officer may be the only authorized visitor during your initial detention period.
• Detention may last many months before a trial.
• U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau is unable to represent you in a legal matter.
• Travelers to the PRC should enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , and you may wish to have someone contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau if you are detained.

Hong Kong law provides for an independent judiciary, but PRC actions have eroded the judiciary’s independence and ability to uphold the rule of law, particularly in cases designated as involving national security. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC, including the Hong Kong SAR, should be aware of varying levels of scrutiny to which they will be subject from PRC state security and Hong Kong local law enforcement. In Hong Kong, police have the right to detain you for questioning if you are not carrying your passport.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Assisted Reproductive Technology:  Hong Kong strictly forbids surrogacy, and surrogacy contracts will not be considered valid. The use of reproductive technology for medical research and profit is strictly controlled.

Controlled Items in Hong Kong:  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 (HKG) security routinely and thoroughly screens any luggage loaded onto an aircraft in Hong Kong, whether belonging to a departing or transiting passenger. Discovery of weapons or ammunition of any kind—including mace, pepper spray, stun guns, bullets, air gun pellets, switch blades, knuckle-dusters, and other self-protection weapons—during this screening will be referred to the police for investigation, leading to arrest and detention.

If you bring controlled items into Hong Kong without the necessary Hong Kong documents, you may be prosecuted, and the goods may be seized. The penalty for trafficking in dangerous drugs can be life imprisonment and a heavy fine. Among the other items that you must declare to customs officials are liquors, tobacco, cigarettes and cigars, methyl alcohol, and merchandise imported for commercial purposes. There are no currency restrictions for travelers.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of controlled and/or prohibited items:

• dangerous drugs
• psychotropic substances
• controlled chemicals
• antibiotics
• strategic commodities
• rough diamonds
• endangered species
• telecommunication equipment
• powdered formula

Please visit the website of the  Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department  for specific information regarding Hong Kong customs requirements.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes.

For additional information, please visit the  U.S. Council for International Business website  and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web page on  Traveling with Samples .

Please see our  Customs Information  sheet for general information.

Dual Nationality:  Dual nationality is not recognized under  PRC nationality law . Be mindful of the following special circumstances for dual nationals when traveling in the region.

Enter the Hong Kong SAR on your U.S. passport to ensure U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau can provide consular assistance in case of arrest or other emergency. Regardless of your travel documents, if you are a dual national, or otherwise have ethnic or historical ties to the PRC, it is possible that Hong Kong authorities will assert that you are a PRC citizen and deny your access to U.S. consular representatives if you are detained.

Your child will be considered a PRC citizen if one or both of the parents are PRC nationals regardless of U.S. citizenship.

If traveling onward to mainland China, enter mainland China on your U.S. passport to ensure U.S. consular protection. See our  China International Travel Information  page for more information.

For further information on consular protection and  dual nationality , please refer to our website.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or must give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Cruise Ship Passengers:  Please see our Cruise Ship Passengers page for safety information and travel advice.

Earthquakes:  Earthquakes occur throughout the PRC and have affected Hong Kong in the past. Check here for information about  preparing for a crisis or disaster overseas .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Reports
• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  In Hong Kong, there are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Hong Kong. See  Section 6 of our Human Rights Practices in the Human Rights Report for Hong Kong  and read our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information page .

Pets:  You must have a permit to bring dogs and cats into Hong Kong. Dogs and cats imported from the United States may be exempted from quarantine when they have valid health and vaccination certificates and when the animal has been in the United States for at least six months immediately preceding travel.

Additional information on importing pets is available on the  Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website.

Political Activity:  Participating in unauthorized political activities, including participating in unauthorized public protests, or writing social media posts or other online publications critical of the government,   may result in detention, criminal charges, and/or PRC government-imposed restrictions on future travel to the PRC, including Hong Kong.

Social Media:  Social media accounts are widely monitored in the PRC, including Hong Kong. Social media posts—even content posted outside of Hong Kong—that local authorities deem illegal, including under the National Security Law or other Hong Kong laws, may result in criminal charges against both the poster of the material and the administrator of the social media forum.

Students:  See our  U.S. Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Surveillance and Monitoring:  Security personnel carefully watch foreign visitors and may place you under surveillance. Hotel rooms (including meeting rooms), offices, cars, taxis, telephones, Internet usage, and fax machines may be monitored onsite or remotely, and personal possessions in hotel rooms, including computers, may be searched without your consent or knowledge.

Transferring Money to/From Hong Kong:  The U.S. Department of State may be able to help transfer funds to a destitute U.S citizen overseas through our office in Washington, D.C., to U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau. More information on this option is available on our Sending Money to Destitute U.S. Citizens Overseas page .

Travelers with Disabilities:  Sidewalks often do not have curb cuts and many streets can be crossed only via pedestrian bridges or underpasses accessible by staircase. Assistive technologies for blind people and those with other vision disabilities are unreliable, and access to elevators in public buildings can be restricted. In major cities, public restrooms in places visited by tourists usually have a least one accessible toilet.

Hong Kong law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other state services, and the government generally enforces these provisions. The law mandates access to buildings, information, and communications for persons with disabilities. The  Hong Kong Social Welfare Department  is primarily responsible for coordinating and funding public assistance programs to persons with disabilities. The  Hong Kong Tourism Board  publishes “ Accessible Hong Kong , ” a guide for visitors with disabilities and the  Hong Kong Transport Department  publishes  A Guide to Public Transport for People with Disabilities . In addition, the Hong Kong government created  Cyberable  to provide one-stop information for persons with various disabilities.

Weather:  The southeast coast of the PRC is subject to strong typhoons and tropical storms, usually from July through September. The  Hong Kong Observatory  has an excellent notification and monitoring system and issues typhoon warnings an average of six times a year and heavy rainstorm and hot weather alerts more frequently. Please be advised that if Hong Kong announces a Typhoon Signal 8 or above or Black Rainstorm Warning, U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau will be closed for services. You may find additional information on Check here for information about  preparing for a crisis or disaster overseas  on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

For current information, please consult the  Joint Typhoon Warning Center  and the  National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Hong Kong, dial 999.

Ambulance services are widely available.

Quality of Care:  Good medical facilities are available, and there are many Western-trained physicians. Hong Kong emergency service response times for police, fire, and ambulances are good.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Payment and Insurance:  Travelers will be asked to post a deposit prior to admission to hospitals to cover the expected cost of treatment. Hospitals and clinics generally accept credit cards.

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau maintains a list of local  English-speaking doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medication : Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Prescription drugs are widely available, although names may vary. You need a prescription from a doctor in Hong Kong to purchase medications locally. Bring prescription medications to cover your stay in Hong Kong or plan to see a physician in Hong Kong to obtain a new prescription. If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  government of Hong Kong  to ensure the medication is legal in Hong Kong. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Air Quality : Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The air quality in Hong Kong varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the summer.

People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

• Infants, children, and teens;
• People over 65 years of age;
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes; and 
• People who work or are active outdoors.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the CDC.

COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 PCR tests are available at private laboratories and clinics in Hong Kong. The price for these PCR tests generally ranges from 50 to 100 US Dollars. The Hong Kong government maintains a list of recognized laboratories . Rapid COVID-19 tests are readily available at pharmacies and retail establishments throughout Hong Kong.   

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizen residents of Hong Kong. U.S. citizens who are not Hong Kong residents are not eligible to receive Hong Kong government-provided vaccines.   Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.   

For further health information :

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. Each year there are approximately 14,000 traffic accidents.

• Traffic moves on the left.
• Speed limits vary depending on location.
• Use of seatbelts is mandatory.
• You can drive using your U.S. driver’s license for up to a year. If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and have resided in the United States at least six months, you can apply for a Hong Kong driver’s license. Visit the  Hong Kong Transport Department online  for further details. 

Traffic Laws:  Many traffic violations are similar to those in the United States, including penalties for reckless driving, driving under the influence, and using a hand-held device while operating a vehicle. Hong Kong law requires that all registered vehicles carry valid third-party liability insurance. 

Public Transportation:  Approximately 90 percent of the population in Hong Kong depends on public transport. Taxis, buses, and the mass transit railway (MTR) are readily available, inexpensive, and generally safe. The MTR, an underground railway network, is the most popular mode of public transport, carrying an average of 3.5 million passengers a day. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD) as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Hong Kong's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Hong Kong should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI) web portal. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website , and the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Navigational Warnings website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Hong Kong . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report. 

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Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities (the $2 Scheme)

Purpose of the $2 Scheme

• To enable elderly people and eligible persons with disabilities to travel on designated public transport modes and services at a concessionary fare of $2 per trip.

Target Beneficiaries

• Hong Kong residents aged 60 or above
• Eligible Persons with Disabilities aged below 60：Recipients under the  Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme  with  100% disabilities  and recipients of Disability Allowance

[100% disabilities means that persons with disabilities concerned must be certified as severely disabled by doctors of the Department of Health or the Hospital Authority. For the definition of “severely disabled”, please refer to Annex 1 in the pamphlet of Social Security Allowance Scheme issued by Social Welfare Department ]

Extension to Red minibuses, Kaitos and Trams (From February 27, 2022)

• From February 27, 2022, the $2 Scheme will be extended to routes of red minibuses and kaitos approved by the Transport Department to join the $2 Scheme and tram.
• A logo of the $2 Scheme will be displayed at the approved red minibuses, and kaitos joining the $2 Scheme.

Public Transport Modes and Services under the $2 Scheme

Note 1: For enquiries regarding the details of the fare concessions voluntarily offered by public transport operators, including the age and other limits of free rides offered to children, please contact the relevant operators directly

Extension to Green Minibuses

• The Government is extending the Scheme to green minibuses (GMBs) in phases from 29 March 2015. It now fully includes existing GMB routes. Please visit the website of Transport Department for route details.

• Using a designated Octopus, elderly people aged 65 or above and eligible persons with disabilities now can travel on all GMB routes at $2 per trip.

Details of Concession

• Eligible Beneficiaries can travel on designated public transport modes at $2 per trip by using JoyYou Card or designated Octopus.
• If the original fare for a journey is below $2, beneficiaries only need to pay the original fare.
• Beneficiaries travelling on franchised bus routes are reminded to tap the same Octopus card again before alighting for recording the differential fares of the trips concerned for Government 's reimbursement to the franchised bus operators when travelling along the sections for which two-way section fares are offered.
• Beneficiaries travelling on green minibus routes are reminded to inform the drivers of their destinations upon boarding when travelling along the sections for which two-way section fares are offered so that the drivers can adjust the Octopus reader before they tap the Octopus card for recording the differential fares of the trips concerned for Government 's reimbursement to the green minibus operators.

Note 2: $2 Scheme is not applicable to fares paid in cash.

Note 3: With effect from 25 August 2024, Anonymous Elder Octopus and ordinary Personalised Octopus will cease to be covered under the $2 Scheme.

How to Enjoy the Concession

Hong Kong residents aged 60 or above:

• Hong Kong residents aged 60-64 must use a JoyYou Card to benefit from the $2 Scheme.
• Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above should apply for a JoyYou Card as soon as possible if they do not have one to ensure that they can continue to enjoy the $2 Scheme from 25 August 2024 onwards (see Note 3) using JoyYou Card.

Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above:

• Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above should apply for the JoyYou Card as soon as possible if they do not have one to continue to benefit from the $2 Scheme.
• The Government will announce the date to cease covering Anonymous Elder Octopus and ordinary Personalised Octopus in the $2 Scheme. Eligible beneficiaries aged 60 or above must use JoyYou card to enjoy the $2 Scheme in future.

Eligible persons with disabilities aged below 60:

Application forms for the Personalised Octopus with "Persons with Disabilities Status" (Application form) are available as follows:

• Upon approval of application or renewal of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme and Disability Allowance (DA), the Social Welfare Department (SWD) will mail a pre-verified application form for Personalised Octopus with "Persons with Disabilities Status" to the eligible beneficiaries, their parents or guardians, as appropriate

@ Except Airport Express stations, Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Racecourse, Disneyland Resort, Sunny Bay, Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung, South Horizons, Hin Keng, Kai Tak, Sung Wong Toi and To Kwa Wan stations

• Applicant should read carefully the application submission procedures and the Notes to All Applicants on the back of the form for completion and return it to the MTR Corporation limited for processing.
• For any enquiries on the application for Personalised Octopus with “Persons with Disabilities Status”, please call MTR hotline 2881 8888
• Eligible persons with disabilities aged 60 or above should apply and use a JoyYou Card to continue to enjoy $2 Scheme. There is an expiry date for the Personalised Octopus with "Persons with Disabilities Status". There is no need to apply for renewal of the “Persons with Disabilities Status” after switching to a JoyYou Card.

About JoyYou Card:

• JoyYou Card is a tailor-made Personalised Octopus for the $2 Scheme applicable to Hong Kong residents (including eligible persons with disabilities) aged 60 or above. JoyYou Card carries the name and photo of the eligible beneficiary as a proof of eligibility to facilitate inspections by the public transport operators. Each eligible applicant will only be issued with one JoyYou Card.
• Hong Kong residents (including eligible persons with disabilities) aged 60 or above holding a valid Hong Kong identity card, and eligible persons reaching the age of 60 in three months, can apply for the JoyYou Card immediately via the Octopus App or by posting the application forms. For application details, please visit the JoyYou Card webpage or call the hotline at 3147 1388.

Arrangement for two-way section fares:

• Beneficiaries travelling on franchised bus routes are reminded to tap the same JoyYou Card or designated Octopus again before alighting when travelling along the sections for which two-way section fares are offered.
• Beneficiaries travelling on green minibus routes are reminded to inform the drivers of their alighting locations upon boarding when travelling along the sections for which two-way section fares are offered so that the drivers can adjust the Octopus readers before they tap the Octopus cards.

Free rides for children:

• Some of the public transport operators are currently offering free rides to children of designated age groups. Eligible children with disabilities for the $2 Scheme of such age groups will continue to enjoy these free rides by not tapping their Personalised Octopus with “Persons with Disabilities Status” against the reader. If they do so inadvertently, some operators may deduct $2 per trip from the Octopus. For details, please refer to the relevant announcement from the public transport operators regarding their free rides to children of designated age groups.

Leaflets on the $2 Scheme

TV and Radio Announcement on the $2 Scheme

Details of the $2 Scheme:

MTR and Franchised bus services:

Ferry services:

Note 4: The above ferry routes may be subject to change

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