Overview
- Smartraveller updated its Hong Kong advice on Wednesday, citing broad security powers that can extend beyond the city and urging a high degree of caution.
- Police can demand access to phones and passwords from anyone in Hong Kong, including transit passengers, and refusing now carries a maximum HK$100,000 fine.
- Authorities can hold people without charge for up to 16 days and can delay access to a lawyer for up to 48 hours.
- From Thursday, importing or carrying vapes and other alternative smoking products in public places, including inside the airport, is illegal.
- The security law allows life sentences and has been used on foreign nationals, a concern as 469,000 Australians visited in 2025.