Travel Vaccines and Advice for Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a special administrative region or SAR for short.

While it was a British colony for over 100 years, Hong Kong became a SAR under China in 1997. The region operates completely separately from China in politics and financials.

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!

Here are recommended items to bring along with you to Hong Kong:

• Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Sunscreen and bug spray are must for Hong Kong. Make sure to use 30+ SPF sunscreen and bug sprays that contain DEET.
• Electronics and Personal Belonging – If you cannot replace it, do not bring it. The risk of theft is low in Hong Kong but it can happen. The less you bring, the better for both travel and replacement purposes.
• Clothing – Proper rain gear is highly recommended for the varying weather and winds. Also, nights can be cold in Hong Kong, particularly during the winter months. Consider packing a heavier jacket. Sturdy shoes are a great idea for exploring.

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.

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and 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

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