Latest Policy Updates for Tourists Visiting Hong Kong (as of October 2023)

1. Visa Policy
Hong Kong, as a Special Administrative Region of China, is open to tourists from most countries/regions around the world, but the following visa requirements should be noted:
- Visa Exemption Policy: Citizens from over 170 countries/regions can enter Hong Kong without a visa, staying for 7 to 180 days (depending on nationality).
- Residents from Mainland China: Need to hold a "Travel Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao" and a valid endorsement.
- Transit through Hong Kong: If transiting through Hong Kong to a third country and the stay does not exceed 7 days, most travelers do not need an additional visa.

2. Health Requirements for Entry
Currently, Hong Kong has lifted all entry restrictions related to COVID-19:
- No proof of vaccination required.
- No nucleic acid testing or rapid antigen test (ART) required.
- No quarantine required.
- Health declaration form required: It is recommended to complete the declaration in advance via the "Customs Passenger Self-service" WeChat mini-program or web page, generate a QR code, and save it as a screenshot.

3. Transportation and Entry Methods
- By Air: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is one of the world's major hubs, offering direct flights to more than 200 cities worldwide.
- By High-Speed Rail: Direct high-speed rail service from mainland China to West Kowloon Station in Hong Kong.
- By Land Border Crossings: Shenzhen Bay, Futian, Lo Wu, and other checkpoints offer 24-hour or limited-time customs clearance services.

Practical Guide to Traveling in Hong Kong

1. Status of Attraction Openings
- Main Attractions: Disneyland, Ocean Park, Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, Star Ferry, Lamma Island, etc., are all open normally.
- Museums and Exhibitions: The Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ Museum of Visual Culture require prior online reservation.

2. Transportation and City Travel
- Airport Express: Reaches Central in 24 minutes, with a single fare of about HKD 115.
- Subway (MTR): Covers the entire city, supports Octopus card, Alipay/WeChat Pay for scanning and riding.
- Taxis: Red urban taxis start at HKD 27, with additional charges for crossing sea tunnels.

3. Payment and Communication
- Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is mainly used; some merchants accept Alipay/WeChat Pay (requires binding to an overseas bank account).
- Phone Cards: Local SIM cards (such as CSL, 3HK) can be purchased at the airport or convenience stores, costing about HKD 50 and including 5GB of data.
- Power Sockets: British-style three-pin sockets (220V), converters may be needed.

4. Accommodation and Food Recommendations
- Hotel Areas: Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay are convenient for transportation, with three-star hotels priced at about HKD 600-1200 per night.
- Local Cuisine: Try Hong Kong-style milk tea, pineapple bun, roasted meat, wonton noodles, and visit local cafes (such as Lan Fong Yuen, Dairy Farm).

5. Pitfall Avoidance and Safety Tips
- Shopping Traps: Avoid buying expensive electronics or jewelry in non-reputable stores; it’s better to shop in large malls (such as Harbour City, Times Square).
- Legal Differences: Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places in Hong Kong, violators may face fines up to HKD 5000; eating or drinking in the subway can incur fines of HKD 2000.
- Emergency Numbers: Call 999 for police/fire/medical emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to exchange currency to Hong Kong dollars in advance?
A: It is recommended to exchange a small amount of cash (e.g., HKD 500-1000); credit cards or mobile payments can be used in most scenarios.

Q: How can I travel from Hong Kong to other cities in mainland China?
A: You can take the high-speed rail (West Kowloon Station), cross-border buses (such as Shenzhen Bay checkpoint), or direct flights (such as to Beijing, Shanghai).