Hong Kong Travel Guide

Hong Kong is a compact, easy-to-navigate city of skyscrapers, harbor views, hiking trails and some of the best food in Asia. It is also a popular starting point for trips into mainland China. This guide covers what US travelers need to know, including the difference between Hong Kong and mainland China visa rules.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Hong Kong?

No. US citizens can visit Hong Kong without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business visits. You need a US passport valid for at least one month beyond your stay (six months is safer if you plan to continue to other countries).

Hong Kong has its own immigration system, separate from mainland China. Entry to Hong Kong does not let you enter mainland China. If you plan to cross into Shenzhen, Guangzhou or anywhere else on the mainland, you need a Chinese visa, unless you qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit (for example, flying from Hong Kong into mainland China and then on to a third country).

Visa Express can arrange your China visa before you leave the US, with processing in as little as 6–8 business days.

Getting From the Airport to the City

• Airport Express train: The fastest option. About 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station (Central) and about 20 minutes to Kowloon. Free shuttle buses connect the Kowloon and Hong Kong stations with major hotels.
• Airport buses: Cheaper but slower, with routes to most districts. Look for the “A” routes.
• Taxis: Red taxis serve Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Expect roughly 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Fares change, so check the MTR or airport website before you travel.

Top Things to Do in Hong Kong

• Victoria Peak: Ride the Peak Tram for the city’s best skyline view. Go before sunset and stay for the lights.
• Star Ferry: A cheap, classic harbor crossing between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central.
• Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront: The Avenue of Stars and the nightly Symphony of Lights show.
• Lantau Island: The Ngong Ping cable car, the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
• Markets: Temple Street Night Market and the Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok.
• Hiking: The Dragon’s Back trail offers coastal views less than an hour from downtown.
• Dim sum: Hong Kong is one of the best places in the world for Cantonese food, from street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Getting Around Hong Kong

• MTR (metro): Clean, fast and fully signed in English. You can tap a contactless credit card at the gates or buy an Octopus card.
• Octopus card: A stored-value card for the MTR, buses, ferries, trams and many shops. You can also add a digital Octopus to Apple Wallet.
• Trams and ferries: The “Ding Ding” trams on Hong Kong Island and the Star Ferry are cheap and scenic.
• Taxis: Metered and reasonably priced. Many drivers speak some English, but having your destination in Chinese helps.

Going From Hong Kong to Mainland China

• High-speed train: From West Kowloon Station, trains reach Shenzhen in under 20 minutes and Guangzhou South in about 50 minutes. Hong Kong and mainland immigration are both done at West Kowloon before you board.
• MTR to the border: The East Rail Line runs to Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau, where you walk across into Shenzhen.
• Ferries and buses: Ferries run to Shenzhen and Guangzhou, and cross-border buses go to cities across Guangdong.

Remember: you need a valid Chinese visa (or a qualifying 240-hour transit) to cross into the mainland.

Practical Tips for US Travelers

• Money: Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Credit cards are widely accepted, and Apple Pay and Google Pay work in many places.
• Internet: Unlike mainland China, Google, WhatsApp and other Western apps work normally in Hong Kong.
• Power: Hong Kong uses 220V and UK-style three-pin plugs (Type G). Bring an adapter.
• Water: Tap water is generally considered safe, though many people drink bottled or filtered water.
• Emergencies: Call 999 for police, fire or ambulance.
• Best time to visit: October to December has the most comfortable weather. Summers are hot and humid, and typhoons are possible from June to September.

Get Your China Visa With Visa Express

Planning to visit mainland China from Hong Kong? Visa Express prepares and submits China visa applications for US citizens in all 50 states. See our China visa requirements, fees and processing times, or read our Guangzhou travel guide for a popular next stop.