Travel Vaccines and Advice for Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. It is a vibrant, bustling city located on the southern coast of China, bordered by the South China Sea to the east, south, and west, and by the province of Guangdong to the north. Hong Kong has a population of approximately 7.5 million people and is one of the world’s most densely populated areas.

The city is known for its stunning skyline, delicious food, bustling shopping districts, and thriving finance and business sectors. It has a unique history and culture, having been a British colony until 1997 when it was returned to China under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, which allows Hong Kong to maintain its own legal, economic, and administrative systems while being part of China.

A passport is required to enter Hong Kong. A visa is not needed for stays under 90 days. If you do plan to visit mainland China, a visa will be required.

Keep a copy of your return tickets, travel itinerary, and your passport to present if necessary. Be sure you have an empty page in your passport for an entry stamp.

Hong Kong Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Hong Kong?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Hong Kong and U.S. State Department

Hong Kong is very serious about passport expiration. Make sure you have at least one month’s validity upon exiting the region.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Hong Kong. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Hong Kong: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Japanese encephalitis and chikungunya are present in Hong Kong. Make sure to bring mosquito repellents or netting. JE is found throughout Asia. Vaccination is the best form of protection against the mosquito-borne virus.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

Hong Kong is mountainous, taking over 70 percent of its geographical area. Hong Kong also has over 200 islands and is considered a subtropical monsoon climate. These reasons make Hong Kong best defined by its four seasons. Here are descriptions:

• Winter – The subtropical climate turns winter into a cool and relatively humid environment. Expect temperatures in the mid-60’s.
• Spring – Like the winter but a bit warmer. Humidity is present, though the weather can vary from cloudy to clear. Temperature are in the low-70’s.
• Summer – By far the hottest and most humid time of the year. The humidity brings routine thunderstorms and rain, particularly in June through August. Temperatures can reach over 85 degrees.
• Fall – Fall is the best time to visit Hong Kong. The sunniest of the seasons, temperatures fall are in the high-70’s.

The subtropical climate of Hong Kong is accompanied by monsoons and heavy winds. Tropical cyclones are a risk to be aware of particularly in the summer months.

Hong Kong has a system in place to admit weather warnings for wind and rain severity. Rated on a scale from one to ten, the higher the rating the more severe the weather. Weather patterns rated over eight on the scale are considered serious.

The United States Government rates Hong Kong as an area of low crime. Remain alert in crowded areas and keep belongings close. Always carry identification. If you are a victim of a crime, the emergency phone number is 999, not 911. Emergency services are comparable to the U.S. in response time and quality.

Despite being sold in Hong Kong, some items are illegal if considered pirated. When making purchases, be sure it is from a reliable source. Bringing weapons into Hong Kong, including pepper spray, is only legal with the proper documents.

Transportation wise, Hong Kong has reliable options. Hong Kong drivers operate on the left side of the road. Car rentals are available and U.S. citizens can operate under their U.S. driver’s license for a year after entry. Public transportation in Hong Kong is world class, with buses, taxis and an underground option. All options are considered safe and reliable.

Must-do’s for travelers in Hong Kong involves unique forms of travel! They start where you first begin your journey, on Lantau Island near the airport. You will find the Ngong Ping Cable Car, a 360 degree 25-minute aerial experience that takes you across the Tung Chung Bay. Arrive at Big Buddha, or the Tian Tan Buddha, the largest Buddha bronze statue in existence.

The other two transportation attractions take place or end on Hong Kong Island. The Star Ferry is a breathtaking and cost-friendly trip across Victoria Harbor to Kowloon. Professional tip, try starting in Kowloon and ending on Hong Kong Island. The views of the city are even clearer. The other must-do is the Peak Tram, a scenic train that takes you to the top of Victoria Peak. Enjoy stunning views of the city below!

When you travel to Hong Kong, it’s important to bring certain things with you. You’ll need your passport and travel documents, as well as comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for Hong Kong’s humid subtropical climate. It’s also a good idea to pack an umbrella or raincoat since it can rain throughout the year.

You’ll need to bring a power adapter if your devices use a different type of plug, and some local currency for small purchases and transportation. Pack any necessary medications and toiletries, as well as insect repellent, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer. Don’t forget to bring your mobile phone and charger to stay connected while you’re in Hong Kong.

A travel guidebook or map can be helpful for getting around and finding things to do in Hong Kong. Bring your camera or smartphone to capture all the memories, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip to Hong Kong!

There is one U.S. Consulate located in Hong Kong. The U.S. State Department recommends signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free program allows the U.S. Embassy in Hong Kong to update you if any emergency or risks were to occur within the country.

They can help with things like getting a new passport or renewing an old one, and they can also help if there is an emergency. For example, if an American citizen is sick, arrested, or loses their passport, they can contact the embassy for help.

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macao
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

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!