Listeners considering travel to Hong Kong as of November 2025 should be aware that the U.S. State Department, other leading governments, and international advisory portals have placed Hong Kong under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory. This is due to several factors, including risks related to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, heightened security presence, and occasional civil unrest according to the U.S. State Department and Smartraveller Australia. Hong Kong is still widely regarded as one of Asia’s safest cities for visitors, with low rates of violent crime targeting foreigners, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching do occur in busy districts, markets, and public transport hubs. The Wan Chai entertainment district has reported incidents of drink spiking, so never leave drinks or food unattended and avoid accepting them from strangers, as advised by Travel.gc.ca and CityUnscripted.

Credit card and ATM fraud is present. Listeners are advised to use ATMs located inside reputable banks or hotels, shield their PINs, and check account statements for any unauthorized transactions. It’s important to note that Hong Kong enforces strict weapons regulations: carrying pepper spray, batons, or similar items can lead to arrest and detention.

Medical facilities in Hong Kong are modern and reliable. However, emergency and private healthcare can be expensive for non-residents. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, and policies should be checked to ensure adequate coverage for emergencies and medical evacuation, as discussed by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The local tap water is safe to drink and food standards are generally high. Recently, a case of chikungunya fever was detected at the end of October 2025, but no formal travel health notice has been issued. Air pollution levels can be high, especially from May through October, and the hot, humid conditions during this period may trigger symptoms in those with respiratory or cardiac illnesses. The typhoon season runs from April to October, with the Hong Kong Observatory issuing frequent alerts about severe weather. Flooding and landslides have occasionally caused travel disruptions and infrastructure damage.

Listeners should also be aware of evolving entry restrictions. As of October 2025, non-Hong Kong residents arriving from overseas by plane are still denied entry. Those coming from Mainland China, Macao, or Taiwan must undergo a 14-day compulsory quarantine. Group gatherings in public spaces are subject to temporary restrictions due to precautionary public health measures. Many major attractions—such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Ngong Ping 360 cable car, Hong Kong Wetland Park, and certain museums—are temporarily closed or operating with reduced hours. The 15th National Games road cycling event on November 8 will also bring temporary road and border controls, especially affecting access via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, as announced by Discover Hong Kong.

In addition, Hong Kong enforces broad national security laws and has increased surveillance, so listeners are advised to avoid bringing digital or personal content that may be considered critical of the government. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so having destinations written in Chinese is practical. Traffic congestion is common, but public transport is extensive and safe.

Travelers are encouraged to register with their embassy, maintain regular contact with family or friends, and always follow official guidelines for safety and health. Vigilance in crowded areas, keeping travel documents safe, carrying photocopies of essential documents, and confirming the current status of attractions and weather advisories before arrival will help ensure a smooth trip. As conditions and advisories can shift rapidly, checking government websites and local media for the latest updates before and during the visit is essential.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI