Asia and Oceania

Terrorism

 

Although Hong Kong has separate immigration controls from Mainland China and separate legal and law enforcement systems, it could still be vulnerable to both terrorism directed at China, and the global threat from terrorism. They could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  See Terrorism abroad.

Crime

 

The incidence of violent crime is very low but pick pocketing and other street crime can occur in urban areas.  You should take extra care of passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas.  You should be careful of your belongings when checking in and out of hotels.  There have also been some isolated incidents of robberies in Hong Kong's Country Parks since 2005; these incidents have been reduced following a crime prevention operation by the Hong Kong Police.  Nevertheless, if you intend to hike in Hong Kong's Country Parks you should stick to marked trails and avoid carrying credit/bank cards or large amounts of cash.

In both 2006 and 2007, the Hong Kong press reported instances of spiked drinks, targeting both males and females. Whilst there have been no recent reports of this practice, you should ensure that anything you drink cannot be tampered with.  You should also be wary of accepting drinks from strangers and always have a trusted friend to keep an eye on any unfinished drink if you need to leave it for a period of time.

 

For more general information see Victims of crime abroad.

 

Political Situation

 

Hong Kong is a stable society underpinned by the rule of law.  Large-scale demonstrations are becoming more frequent in Hong Kong, but despite the substantial numbers these sometimes attract, they have been conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.  However, you should take sensible precautions against petty crime if in the vicinity.

 

Hong Kong country profile