Hong Kong

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the outbreak of COVID-19, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex and rapidly changing. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly. Should you decide to travel despite our advice, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
All travellers to New Zealand must undertake 14 days of government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
All travellers to New Zealand (excluding those from Antarctica and most Pacific Islands) must show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result before departure. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against Covid-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

Hong Kong

Civil unrest
Large-scale protests and demonstrations have taken place in Hong Kong since July 2019. Acts of violence have occurred between police and demonstrators across Hong Kong, including at the International Airport. As crowd control measures, police have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray. Injuries have occurred. Demonstrations may be ongoing. Locations of gatherings may be unpredictable and change at short notice.

New Zealanders in Hong Kong are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little or no warning. If you find yourself in an area affected by demonstrations or violence you should move away to a safe place. New Zealanders are also advised to monitor local media for developments and comply with any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities.

Severe weather events
Hong Kong experiences severe weather events, such as typhoons. Businesses and transportation will close during typhoons that are level 8 and above. Flights and ferries into and out of Hong Kong may be delayed or suspended. Contact your travel operator or airline for the latest departure information, and monitor local weather forecasts.  If there is a severe weather event, or natural disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities and update your family and friends in New Zealand about your situation.

Terrorism
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Hong Kong, attacks can’t be ruled out. New Zealanders in Hong Kong are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources, as well as following instructions issued by local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places.

Crime
Petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing occurs in Hong Kong. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.

There have been incidents of drink spiking followed by theft and credit card fraud. Extra care should be taken to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended. We recommend against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances.

General travel advice
National security legislation for Hong Kong came into effect on 1 July 2020. This legislation could be interpreted broadly, leading to increased risk of arrest and prosecution on national security grounds for a wide range of activity, including protest activity, which may not be limited to activity in Hong Kong. There is a possibility of being detained and removed to mainland China for those who are arrested under the legislation. The maximum penalty under this law in Hong Kong is life imprisonment.

The Immigration (Amendment) Bill entered into force on 1 August 2021. The Bill contains powers which could prevent people from leaving Hong Kong. Hong Kong authorities have indicated that these powers will not be used and that the ability to remove travellers from flights will only be applied to stop certain asylum seekers from entering Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, like other parts of China, does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both New Zealand and Chinese nationality you may be treated as a Chinese citizen by local authorities and you may not be granted access to New Zealand consular assistance. Travellers should read our advice on dual citizenship here.

If you are a New Zealand dual citizen with Hong Kong residency, you can make a declaration of change of nationality if you wish to be treated as a New Zealand citizen. Consult the Hong Kong Immigration Department for more information. You may wish to seek legal advice if you are considering changes to your citizenship status.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Hong Kong has strict laws regarding the import and/or possession of any type of weapon or items that may resemble weapons, including antiques, replicas, toys and fashion accessories. Anyone found with these items (including in their luggage) without a permit faces arrest, fines and/or imprisonment.

Photography of military installations is strongly discouraged and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Hong Kong should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place which includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders travelling and living in Hong Kong are encouraged to register their details with SafeTravel. SafeTravel is the official registration facility for New Zealanders overseas. When New Zealanders register with us, we are able to relay important information about local developments and account for their safety and well-being as part of New Zealand’s consular response to emergencies offshore.

You can find our travel advice for China here.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Consulate-General Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Street Address 6501 Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong Telephone +852 2525 5044 Fax +852 2845 2915 Email nzcghkg@biznetvigator.com Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/hong-kong Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1300, 1400 – 1700 hrs

See our regional advice for North Asia

MIL OSI