Travel Vaccines and Advice for Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a blend of both Eastern and Western influence with a myriad of architectural wonders, friendly gardens, modern marvels, and traditional experiences.
Hong Kong is identified by four separate and unique areas of the country. A popular attraction is Big Buddha. Stopover at Peng Chau Island on your way to the city center for a native Hong Kong experience.
Make your way to the Hong Kong Island for city life and more. The central area brings the mesmerizing, picturesque skylines to life.
On This Page:
What is Hong Kong?
Do I Need Vaccines for Hong Kong?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Hong Kong
Do I Need a Visa for Hong Kong?
What Is the Climate Like in Hong Kong?
Is It Safe to Travel to Hong Kong?
Transportation Tourism in Hong Kong
What Should I Take to Hong Kong?
Canadian Embassy in Hong Kong
What is Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. It is a vibrant, bustling city located on the southern coast of China, bordered by the South China Sea to the east, south, and west, and by the province of Guangdong to the north. Hong Kong has a population of approximately 7.5 million people and is one of the world’s most densely populated areas.
The city is known for its stunning skyline, delicious food, bustling shopping districts, and thriving finance and business sectors. It has a unique history and culture, having been a British colony until 1997 when it was returned to China under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, which allows Hong Kong to maintain its own legal, economic, and administrative systems while being part of China.
Do I Need Vaccines for Hong Kong?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Hong Kong. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Hong Kong: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Hong Kong |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Hong Kong |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, a bacterial infection, is primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected people. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, recommended for travellers to endemic regions and those at risk due to occupation.
- Hepatitis A – The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. To prevent infection, practice good hygiene and get vaccinated.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, with pre-exposure shots effectively preventing infection.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the infection, offering long-term protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are viral infections with distinct symptoms. They spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent MMR infections, with the MMR vaccine offering protection against all three diseases.
Japanese encephalitis and chikungunya are present in Hong Kong. Make sure to bring mosquito repellents or netting. JE is found throughout Asia. Vaccination is the best form of protection against the mosquito-borne virus.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Hong Kong
Prevent Bug Bites in Hong Kong
Shield yourself from bug bites with proper attire and EPA-approved repellents such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Safeguard your sleep area with bed nets and screens. In case of bug bites, clean the area, resist scratching, and utilize over-the-counter solutions while seeking professional assistance for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Hong Kong
Abroad, food safety entails avoiding street vendors, thorough hand-washing, and opting for well-cooked dishes. Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
Do I Need a Visa for Hong Kong?
A passport which is valid for at least 1 month past the expected departure date is required to enter Hong Kong. A tourism or business visa is not required for stays less than 90 days. If you are travelling to mainland China via Hong Kong, you must obtain a Chinese visa prior to arrival.
Hong Kong Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Hong Kong? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Hong Kong and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Hong Kong is very serious about passport expiration. Make sure you have at least one month’s validity upon exiting the region.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
What Is the Climate Like in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is mountainous, taking over 70 percent of its geographical area. Hong Kong also has over 200 islands and is considered a subtropical monsoon climate. These reasons make Hong Kong best defined by its four seasons. Here are descriptions:
- Winter – The subtropical climate turns winter into a cool and relatively humid environment. Expect temperatures around 20.
- Spring – Like the winter but a bit warmer. Humidity is present, though the weather can vary from cloudy to clear. Temperatures are around 20.
- Summer – By far the hottest and most humid time of the year. The humidity brings routine thunderstorms and rain, particularly in June through August. Temperatures can reach over 30 degrees.
- Fall – Fall is the best time to visit Hong Kong. The sunniest of the seasons, temperatures fall are around 25.
The subtropical climate of Hong Kong is accompanied by monsoons and heavy winds. Tropical cyclones are a risk to be aware of particularly in the summer months.
Hong Kong has a system in place to admit weather warnings for wind and rain severity. Rated on a scale from one to ten, the higher the rating the more severe the weather. Weather patterns rated over eight on the scale are considered serious.
Is It Safe to Travel to Hong Kong?
The United States Government rates Hong Kong as an area of low crime. Remain alert in crowded areas and keep belongings close. Always carry identification. If you are a victim of a crime, the emergency phone number is 999, not 911. Emergency services are comparable to Canada in response time and quality.
Despite being sold in Hong Kong, some items are illegal if considered pirated. When making purchases, be sure it is from a reliable source. Bringing weapons into Hong Kong, including pepper spray, is only legal with the proper documents.
Transportation wise, Hong Kong has reliable options. Hong Kong drivers operate on the left side of the road. Car rentals are available and Canadian citizens can operate under their Canadian driver’s license for a year after entry. Public transportation in Hong Kong is world class, with buses, taxis and an underground option. All options are considered safe and reliable.
Transportation Tourism in Hong Kong
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Must-do’s for travellers in Hong Kong involves unique forms of travel! They start where you first begin your journey, on Lantau Island near the airport. You will find the Ngong Ping Cable Car, a 360 degree 25-minute aerial experience that takes you across the Tung Chung Bay. Arrive at Big Buddha, or the Tian Tan Buddha, the largest Buddha bronze statue in existence.
The other two transportation attractions take place or end on Hong Kong Island. The Star Ferry is a breathtaking and cost-friendly trip across Victoria Harbor to Kowloon. Professional tip, try starting in Kowloon and ending on Hong Kong Island. The views of the city are even clearer. The other must-do is the Peak Tram, a scenic train that takes you to the top of Victoria Peak. Enjoy stunning views of the city below!
What Should I Take to Hong Kong?
When you travel to Hong Kong, it’s important to bring certain things with you. You’ll need your passport and travel documents, as well as comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for Hong Kong’s humid subtropical climate. It’s also a good idea to pack an umbrella or raincoat since it can rain throughout the year.
You’ll need to bring a power adapter if your devices use a different type of plug, and some local currency for small purchases and transportation. Pack any necessary medications and toiletries, as well as insect repellent, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer. Don’t forget to bring your mobile phone and charger to stay connected while you’re in Hong Kong.
A travel guidebook or map can be helpful for getting around and finding things to do in Hong Kong. Bring your camera or smartphone to capture all the memories, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip to Hong Kong!
Canadian Embassy in Hong Kong
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Hong Kong, the information for the Canadian consulate is:
Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao
9th floor, Berkshire House,
25 Westlands Road
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 2867 7348 (this line is not for immigration/visa; ce numéro n’est pas pour l’immigration/visa)
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Hong Kong
“I visited the passport health clinic in Ottawa in preparation for my trip to Hong Kong. The nurse was knowledgeable and friendly. She took the time to explain the different vaccination options. She did not push any particular vaccine/medication and allowed me to make my own choices. Overall this was a very positive experience.”
“I had a wonderful experience. It was quick and easy and the Staff was so knowledgeable about Hong Kong”
“The nurse was very informative and gave me great information that will help out my mind at rest both before after and during our trip to Hong Kong. Highly appreciated.”
“The nurses I visited seemed knowledgeable and were very thorough. They gave me a quote and discussed which vaccinations were recommended for Hong Kong. Thank you for the information”
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