atlas•

Before you go to Hong Kong SAR China: what to know

Must know

  • Hong Kong has its own immigration rules separate from mainland China: a China visa-free stay does not cover Hong Kong and vice versa.
  • Indian nationals must complete online Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) before a visa-free visit.
  • The National Security Law applies to everyone, including visitors; avoid political protests and slogans.
  • Get an Octopus card (or Octopus in Apple Wallet) for transport, convenience stores and many shops.
  • Typhoon signal 8 or higher shuts most transport and businesses; check the Hong Kong Observatory in June–October.

Entry and visas

Most Western passports enter visa-free (US and EU 90 days, British citizens 180 days). Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and India get 14 days (India with PAR), Belarus and UAE 30 days, Turkey 90 days. Uzbek ordinary passport holders need a visa. Mainland Chinese residents need an Exit-Entry Permit with a valid endorsement. Proof of funds and an onward/return ticket may be requested.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: Generally at least 1 month beyond the intended stay; Indian passports used for PAR must have at least 6 months validity.

At the border you may be asked for

  • No arrival card for most visitors; you receive a landing slip - keep it with your passport.
  • e-Channel self-service gates are available to some registered frequent visitors.
  • Buy an Octopus card at the Airport Express counter or load it in Apple Wallet.

Customs

  • Duty-free: 1 litre of spirits (over 30% ABV) and 19 cigarettes per adult; excess must be declared.
  • E-cigarettes and heated tobacco: importing them is banned since April 2022 - do not pack them.
  • Declare cash and bearer instruments over HKD 120,000.
  • Powdered infant formula leaving Hong Kong is limited to 1.8 kg per person over 16.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: immd.gov.hk ↗, gov.uk ↗, immd.gov.hk ↗

Money

Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cards are widely accepted.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Amex, JCB

Apple Pay — works · Google Pay — works

Where to exchange money

  • Licensed money changers in Tsim Sha Tsui (e.g. Chungking Mansions area) and Central often beat banks
  • Bank ATMs (HSBC, Hang Seng, Bank of China HK) with a low-fee card

Where not to exchange

  • Airport exchange counters
  • Hotel desks
  • Dynamic currency conversion at terminals

ATMs: ATMs are everywhere and accept foreign Visa/Mastercard (JETCO, HSBC). Some charge an access fee; your bank fee applies.

Tipping: Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge; leaving small change is common. Round up taxi fares.

  • Octopus card works on all public transport, convenience stores, supermarkets and many restaurants; available in Apple Wallet.
  • Alipay HK and WeChat Pay HK are widely used locally; mainland Alipay/WeChat also work at many merchants.
  • Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard do not work abroad; bring a foreign-issued card or USD/EUR cash.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: discoverhongkong.com ↗, octopus.com.hk ↗, discoverhongkong.com ↗, support.apple.com ↗, usa.visa.com ↗, mastercard.com ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Importing e-cigarettes/heated tobacco is prohibited. From 30 Apr 2026, possessing specified smoking substances or using/activating a vape in public is also banned; small-quantity cases carry a HKD 3,000 fixed penalty.
  • Smoking in indoor public places, many parks, beaches and public transport; vaping in no-smoking areas.
  • Activities seen as secession, subversion or collusion with foreign forces under the National Security Law, incl. some slogans and online posts.
  • Drugs incl. cannabis and CBD (CBD has been a dangerous drug since 2023).
  • Littering, spitting and posting bills: fixed penalty HKD 3,000.
  • Eating or drinking in the MTR paid area: fines.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Carry your passport or ID; police can check identity at any time.
  • Drones over 250 g must be registered; flying in restricted zones (e.g. Victoria Harbour areas, near the airport) is illegal.
  • Working on a visitor entry is illegal.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, taco.gov.hk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Buddhism, Taoism and folk religion; significant Christian minority.

Clothing: Smart-casual city wear; offices and good restaurants lean formal. Very strong air-conditioning indoors - bring a light layer.

Etiquette

  • Stand on the right on escalators; walk on the left.
  • Queue properly for buses and the MTR.
  • Share tables at busy dim sum restaurants (dai pai dong); service is fast and brisk.
  • Use both hands to give and receive business cards.
  • Avoid political discussions with strangers.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: discoverhongkong.com ↗

Climate

Subtropical: mild dry winters, hot humid summers with heavy rain May–Sep and typhoons mainly June–October. Autumn is the most pleasant season.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: 19°C / 14°C, cool, dry, clear
  • February: Feb: 19°C / 15°C, cool; misty, Chinese New Year
  • March: Mar: 22°C / 17°C, mild; humid and foggy
  • April: Apr: 25°C / 20°C, warm, humid; showers
  • May: May: 29°C / 24°C, hot; rain increases
  • June: Jun: 31°C / 26°C, hot, very wet; typhoons possible
  • July: Jul: 32°C / 27°C, hot, humid; typhoons
  • August: Aug: 32°C / 27°C, hot; storms and typhoons
  • September: Sep: 31°C / 26°C, hot; peak typhoon risk
  • October: Oct: 28°C / 24°C, warm, drier; good
  • November: Nov: 24°C / 20°C, pleasant, sunny
  • December: Dec: 20°C / 15°C, cool and dry

Best season: October–December for dry, sunny, comfortable weather.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: hko.gov.hk ↗

What to pack

  • Type G (UK three-pin) plug adapter
  • Light jacket for strong indoor air-conditioning
  • Compact umbrella
  • Comfortable walking shoes for hills and stairs
  • Sun protection

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • E-cigarettes or heated tobacco (import is illegal)
  • CBD products
  • Protest-related slogans or material

Practical

Plugs: Type G, 220V, 50Hz

Water: Tap water meets WHO standards, but old building pipes vary; many locals boil or filter it.

Traffic: drives on the left

Mobile and eSIM: Tourist SIMs and eSIMs (CSL, 3HK, SmarTone, China Mobile HK) sold at the airport and convenience stores; free Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi.HK) in many public places.

Apps: MTR Mobile, Citymapper, Octopus, HKO MyObservatory, Uber, Openrice

Internet: Open internet; Google, WhatsApp and Western sites work normally.

Health: No vaccinations required. Excellent public and private hospitals; non-residents pay higher fees at public A&E.

Insurance: Not required; recommended.

Emergency: Police, fire, ambulance 999

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, discoverhongkong.com ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.