Hong Kong

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking dangerous drugs in Hong Kong are severe; do not consume drugs in Hong Kong or before arriving.

Life imprisonment and/or heavy fine for trafficking.

Hong Kong has zero tolerance for illegal drugs including marijuana and CBD; CBD is a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

Possession or consumption of CBD: up to 7 years imprisonment; trafficking or illicit manufacturing: up to life imprisonment.

Mace, pepper spray, stun guns, switchblades, knuckle-dusters, self-defense batons, handcuffs, and similar items are banned in Hong Kong — including for transit passengers, as airport luggage is screened.

Arrest or detention; goods seized.

Travelers arriving in Hong Kong with currency or bearer negotiable instruments totaling more than HKD 120,000 must declare to a Customs officer via the Red Channel; there is no limit on the amount itself.

Hong Kong strictly controls transit/import of arms, ammunition, fireworks, dangerous drugs, antibiotics, animals, plants, endangered species, telecom equipment, meat, poultry, eggs, and powdered infant formula; permits are required.

Prosecution; goods seized.

Bringing any e-cigarette, vape or heated-tobacco product into Hong Kong is banned for arriving travellers - and since April 30, 2026, possessing e-cigarette capsules, liquids or heat sticks in public places is also an offence.

Public-place possession: HK$3,000 fixed penalty (larger quantities: fine up to HK$50,000 and 6 months imprisonment); importing is a criminal offence under Cap. 60.

Traffic moves on the left in Hong Kong; you may drive on a valid US license for up to one year, and vehicles must carry valid third-party liability insurance.

Avoid photographing protesters or police without permission; photographing or joining protest activity authorities consider provocative may bring arrest under national-security laws.

Arrest under the National Security Law possible.

Most people in Hong Kong accept or are indifferent to LGBTQIA+ travellers, but community attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ people are generally more conservative than in Western countries.

Hong Kong national-security laws — the 2020 National Security Law and the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance — are applied broadly and can reach acts outside Hong Kong, including social-media posts; joining unauthorized protests or posting content authorities deem subversive can bring criminal charges, and some cases may be transferred to mainland China.

Up to life imprisonment; risk of transfer to mainland China for prosecution.