Hong Kong

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Hong Kong’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Hong Kong set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Office in the UK.

The authorities in Hong Kong no longer accept BN(O) passports for immigration clearance and do not recognise them as valid proof of identity.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals 

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Other types of British nationals who are exempt from ETA must also carry a valid British passport when entering the UK.

Visa requirements

Hong Kong is part of the People’s Republic of China, but it is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with its own immigration controls.

You can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa. For information on entry requirements see the Hong Kong SAR government website.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you must get a visa. For further information contact the nearest Chinese mission with visa issuing facilities or the Hong Kong Immigration Department.   

Vaccine requirements

To enter Hong Kong, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Hong Kong guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Hong Kong.  

You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Children aged 3 and over must follow the same rules as adult travellers unless otherwise stated.

Bringing restricted items into Hong Kong

It’s illegal for visitors arriving in Hong Kong International Airport to carry items including:

• stun guns
• objects with sharp points or edges (for example, samurai swords)
• martial arts equipment (for example, knuckledusters)

You could be fined or given a prison sentence. See further information from the Hong Kong Police Force.

E-cigarettes

It is prohibited to bring e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, or related devices into Hong Kong, including in personal luggage. From 30 April 2026, possessing any e-cigarette or “Alternative Smoking Product” (ASP) in a public place will be illegal, regardless of whether it is in use. Offences also include selling, manufacturing, promoting, advertising, or possessing e-cigarettes for commercial purposes. Possession of these items or their components can result in imprisonment and substantial fines. Travellers transiting through Hong Kong without passing immigration control are exempt from these restrictions.

CBD (cannabidiol)

Hong Kong classifies CBD as a dangerous drug. All cannabis products are illegal in Hong Kong, including CBD (cannabidiol) items such as oils, creams, capsules, and food products.

Powdered baby formula

There are restrictions on the amount of powdered baby formula you can take out of Hong Kong. If you do not follow the rules, you could face a fine or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

See more information, including exemptions, from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Hong Kong

Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Hong Kong
• dealing with a death in Hong Kong
• being arrested or imprisoned in Hong Kong
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk guidance offers information and advice for British companies operating in Hong Kong on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.