Asia · Updated
As of October 2026, Hong Kong scores 88/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. The U.S. State Department rates Hong Kong Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Hong Kong · Assessed 3 October 2026
88
/ 100
Safer than ~94% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Summary: Hong Kong SAR authorities have dramatically restricted civil liberties since the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposed the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR on June 30, 2020.”
Updated Wed, 27 Nov 2024
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“This travel advice covers the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). For mainland China, see travel advice for China and for Macao SAR, see Macao travel advice.”
Updated 2026-04-01T15:59:28Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Hong Kong: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:34.2418095-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery against visitors is statistically rare; incidents are uncommon and typically not targeted at tourists.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing occurs in crowded areas such as MTR trains during peak hours and markets like Ladies’ Market and Mong Kok.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
88/100
Travelers consistently report feeling safe walking alone at night and using public transport, citing low visible crime and strong police presence as key factors in their sense of security.
Yes. Hong Kong remains one of Asia's safest cities for travelers, with violent crime extremely rare and strong police presence.
Official data shows exceptionally low homicide and violent crime rates, though petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas. Travelers should exercise increased caution due to arbitrary enforcement of national security laws, which can affect freedom of expression. Day-to-day safety is high, but visitors must avoid political activities and stay alert for scams targeting tourists.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Hong Kong’s safety environment remains strong from a crime perspective, with violent incidents against visitors being extremely rare. The city’s dense urban layout, extensive CCTV coverage, and consistent police patrols contribute to a low risk of robbery or assault, even at night in areas like Mong Kok or Tsim Sha Tsui. However, the legal environment has tightened significantly since 2020, and travelers must avoid any appearance of participating in or supporting protests, as national security laws are applied broadly and arbitrarily. Recent arrests of activists and journalists over peaceful gatherings related to the 2019 protests demonstrate that expression can be prosecuted, so visitors should refrain from discussing politics openly or attending any public assemblies.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists, particularly in crowded settings such as the MTR during rush hour, Nathan Road electronics stores, and street markets like Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok. While not widespread, these incidents are opportunistic and increase in dense, distracted environments. Scams targeting visitors persist, including the tea ceremony trap where free invitations lead to exorbitant bills, fake monks soliciting donations, and counterfeit goods sold in tourist districts. Taxi overcharging also occurs, so using official ranks or ride-hailing apps is advised. Despite these risks, most travelers report feeling secure, citing the city’s cleanliness, order, and visible safety infrastructure as reassuring factors.
Natural hazards are limited to typhoon season between May and November, though October typically sees decreasing storm activity. Visitors should still monitor weather signals, especially if traveling remotely or planning outdoor activities. Medical facilities are excellent, with numerous hospitals nearby and English-speaking emergency operators available via 999. Overall, Hong Kong offers a high level of personal safety for those who respect local laws, avoid political engagement, and practice standard urban vigilance against petty crime and scams. The combination of low violent crime and strong public services makes it a secure destination when travelers stay informed and cautious.
06 · Questions
The U.S. State Department currently rates Hong Kong Level 2 of 4 — Exercise Increased Caution. On our composite index Hong Kong scores 88/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 3 October 2026.)
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.
