Hong Kong Travel Vaccines and Advice
Hong Kong is a lively country, and one of the most significant economic centers in the world. Dense cities of skyscrapers with huge shopping malls contrast with smaller rural fishing villages and mountainous surroundings protecting a diversity of wildlife. With a sophisticated railway network, travelling around the country will not prove a problem. Glimpse the iconic skyline, one of the most photographed cityscapes in the world, by taking the Star Ferry along Victoria Harbour or by taking a ride on the tram. Make a visit to one of the many serene Taoist temples. Sample local rice dishes at Mong Kok or Temple Street Night Market, or take a boat to one of the largest surrounding islands, Lantau.
Recommended travel vaccinations for Hong Kong
| Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
|---|---|
| Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
| Typhoid | |
| Hepatitis A | |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito bites |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
Recommended Medication for Travelling to Hong Kong
| Medication | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| Azithromycin or Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
Current Weather in Hong Kong
Medical Care in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a good health care system managed by the Department of Health. The Hospital Authority (HA) provides public hospitals, where you may have to pay for treatments in cash. However, there are a number of private hospitals which are partnered with the UK for healthcare accreditation. You should seek treatment at a private hospital if you require hospitalization during your travels, which have English speaking staff. Make sure to purchase travel insurance with good private facility cover.
Although there are many pharmacies in Hong Kong, make sure to bring a well-stocked medical kit and any prescriptions you require. Hospitals offer 24-hour pharmacies.
Ambulance services are accessed by dialling 999.
Is Hong Kong Safe for Travel?
| Safety and Security | Descriptive |
|---|---|
| Crime | Risk present |
| Shenzhen | Stay cautious in Shenzhen since there’s a risk of robberies targetting tourists |
| Demonstrations | Risk of violence |
| Spiked food and drinks | Leave nothing unattended |
| Tensions on the Korean Peninsula | Tensions can rise because of nuclear missile testing |
| Road safety | Congested and narrow roads |
| Public transportation | Very few English speakers, always have final destinations written in the local language |
| Health | Dengue fever and Chikungunya warning |
| Risk level | Normal security precautions |
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Hong Kong?
Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.
Only a passport is required to enter Hong Kong if travelling there for under 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least one month after the visa’s expiry date.
Please click here for more information.
Embassy of Canada to Hong Kong information
When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:
- A legal problem
- A lost passport
- The need to report a crime
It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.
Canadian Consulate General to Hong Kong
Street Address:
9th Floor, 25 Westlands Road,
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
Tel.: 85 (2) 3719 4700
Fax: 85 (2) 2847 7561
Email: [email protected]