{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"HK","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Hong Kong","url-slug":"hong-kong","friendly-date":"February 18, 2014 15:51 ","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
<\/p>\n
Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China.<\/p>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n
The crime rate in Hong Kong is relatively low. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, especially at the airport, on public transportation and in main tourist shopping areas, hotel lobbies and crowded streets. Bags left unattended are likely to be stolen. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.<\/p>\n
Robberies, some targeting foreigners, have occurred in the shopping and entertainment districts in Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, located across the border from Hong Kong in mainland China’s Guangdong province. Be extremely vigilant while in Shenzhen, and travel with a friend or in a group. Carry copies of passports and other identification and a small supply of cash separate from your other personal belongings.<\/p>\n
Foreigners have been targeted in incidents of drink spiking, which is often combined with theft or credit card fraud. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers, and pay careful attention when drinks are being prepared and served.<\/p>\n
Large demonstrations occur. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.<\/p>\n
Traffic drives on the left and is congested in urban areas. Roads are narrow and frequently unmarked. Public transportation is widely available. Taxi drivers speak little or no English; you should therefore have your destination written in Chinese.<\/p>\n
Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Dial 999.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Chinese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China<\/a> or one of its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Hong Kong, which must be valid for at least one month beyond the date of expected departure from Hong Kong.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Not required (for stays of up to 90 days) Canadians travelling to mainland China via Hong Kong must obtain a Chinese visa before arrival. Canadian travellers who are not Hong Kong residents should seek information from the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate and apply for entry visas before leaving Canada. Canadian residents in Hong Kong are encouraged to seek detailed information from the Office of the Commissioner of China’s foreign ministry<\/a> in Hong Kong. Travellers entering Hong Kong from mainland China and then leaving Hong Kong via the mainland should have a visa for that re-entry. Consult Travel Advice and Advisories for China<\/a> for more information regarding travel to mainland China.<\/p>\n Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in mainland China; however, under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong authorities recognize dual citizenship. Furthermore, in accordance with the bilateral agreement between Canada and Hong Kong SAR, local authorities advise Canadian consular officials in Hong Kong when Canadian citizens are arrested or detained, and also provide them with consular access to these Canadian citizens. You are encouraged to advise local authorities of your Canadian citizenship if you are detained or arrested.<\/p>\n Canadians who were born in Hong Kong must declare their Canadian citizenship to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for their Canadian citizenship to be recognized by local authorities. If this declaration is not made, local authorities may consider such individuals to be Chinese. For further information, contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department<\/a>.<\/p>\n Consult our publication entitled Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n All travellers are subject to body temperature screening upon entry into Hong Kong.<\/p>\n An airport departure tax of HKD120 and a ferry embarkation tax of HKD19 are normally included in the price of a plane ticket to or from Hong Kong. Confirm these taxes are included with your air carrier.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tJapanese encephalitis<\/a> is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is low for most travellers. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to mosquito bites (e.g., spending time outdoors in rural areas) while travelling in regions with risk of Japanese encephalitis.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Emergency services<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Not required (for stays of up to 90 days)
Student visa: Not required (for stays of up to 90 days)<\/p>\nDual citizenship<\/h3>\n
Temperature screening<\/h3>\n
Departure fees<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Japanese encephalitis<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>