The Australian government has updated travel guidance, urging caution for travelers to Hong Kong due to Hong Kong’s broad national security laws and enforcement practices.

Overall advisory emphasizes heightened caution for Australians visiting or transiting Hong Kong, highlighting legal risks, broad interpretations of security laws, and new smoking bans that travellers should be aware of.

An urgent travel advisory warns Australian citizens traveling through Hong Kong about the expanded National Security Law, the authority to seize personal devices, and potential detention for non‑compliance.

Health guidance recommends Australians wash hands frequently due to common regional illnesses, including hand, foot and mouth disease.

Smartraveller notes that security laws can be broadly interpreted and may apply to actions taken overseas, with a maximum penalty potentially reaching life imprisonment under the security regime.

Travel data show Australians visiting Hong Kong in record numbers, with 469,000 arrivals in 2025—a 27% rise from 2024—driven by direct flights, events, and Hong Kong’s role as a stopover hub.

Australians are traveling to Hong Kong in record numbers, with 469,000 Australian visitors in 2025, a 27% increase from 2024, fueled by direct flights, events, and the city’s appeal as a stopover destination.

Practical travel tips include preparing for possible device searches, avoiding prohibited smoking products, staying informed via Smartraveller, and knowing rights about potential device seizures.

Hong Kong is generally considered moderately safe for Australians, but travelers should prepare for high humidity and pollution, especially from May to October.

Authorities in Hong Kong can seize phones, tablets, and laptops at transit points, demand data and passwords, and may detain individuals for up to 16 days without charge under the National Security Law.

Smartraveller emphasizes that security laws may be applied broadly and warns of serious consequences for foreigners under Hong Kong’s security regime.

Under the national security framework, refusing to disclose device passwords can be punished, and the law’s broad interpretation can apply to activities outside Hong Kong, including social media posts.