Safety and Security

To stay connected:

• In the event of an emergency in Hong Kong, contact the consulate at +(852) 2523-9011.  From the U.S., contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Consulate General to Hong Kong and Macau on Twitter and by visiting its website.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad. 

CRIME: Hong Kong has a low crime rate.  Even so, you should exercise caution when in congested areas and pay particular attention to personal belongings while in crowded markets and while traveling on public transportation.  Violent crime, though rare, does occur.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.  Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: The local equivalent to the U.S. “911” emergency line is 999 in Hong Kong. 

If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and, if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

Hong Kong has a crime victim compensation program available to U.S. citizens who are legal residents or tourists in Hong Kong.  For more detailed information on the program and its requirements, please see the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department webpage.  More resources for victims of crime in Hong Kong are available in our Help for U.S. Victims of Crime in Hong Kong information sheet.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.