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.
What is Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a special administrative region or SAR for short.
While it was a British colony for over 100 years, Hong Kong became a SAR under China in 1997. The region operates completely separately from China in politics and financials.
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 |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Hong Kong? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
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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.
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: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - 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. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - 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. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Hong Kong |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| 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. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Hong Kong |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| 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. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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.
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”
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 18 degrees.
- Spring – Like the winter but a bit warmer. Humidity is present, though the weather can vary from cloudy to clear. Temperature are in the low 20s.
- 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 29 degrees.
- Fall – Fall is the best time to visit Hong Kong. The sunniest of the seasons, temperatures fall are in the high-20’s.
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.
How Safe is Hong Kong?
The Canadian 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 the U.S. 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 Canadians can operate under their U.S. 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
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?
Here are recommended items to bring along with you to Hong Kong:
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Sunscreen and bug spray are must for Hong Kong. Make sure to use 30+ SPF sunscreen and bug sprays that contain DEET.
- Electronics and Personal Belonging – If you cannot replace it, do not bring it. The risk of theft is low in Hong Kong but it can happen. The less you bring, the better for both travel and replacement purposes.
- Clothing – Proper rain gear is highly recommended for the varying weather and winds. Also, nights can be cold in Hong Kong, particularly during the winter months. Consider packing a heavier jacket. Sturdy shoes are a great idea for exploring.
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
8th floor, Berkshire House,
25 Westlands Road
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 3719-4700
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
What is Hong Kong?
Do I Need a Visa for Hong Kong?
Do I Need Vaccines For Hong Kong?
What is the Climate Like in Hong Kong?
How Safe is Hong Kong?
Transportation Tourism in Hong Kong
What Should I Take To Hong Kong?
Canadian Embassy in Hong Kong
