Hong Kong Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Hong Kong
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated November 27, 2024
Hong Kong recorded 0.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Hong Kong #185 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.8 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.4 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Hong Kong at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
0.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#11 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.8 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.4 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Hong Kong Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Hong Kong, the homicide rate for men is 1.4× higher than the rate for women — 0.5 vs 0.3 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Hong Kong:
Updated to reflect a shift to Level 2 "Exercise increased caution" for Mainland China. Summary: Exercise increased caution when traveling to Mainland China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans. Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Hong Kong
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 21, 2025).
Drug and Alcohol Enforcement
PRC law enforcement authorities have no tolerance for illegal drugs, including marijuana and products containing cannabidiol, also known as CBD . Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in the PRC and Hong Kong are severe, and convicted offenders face long jail sentences, heavy fines, or the death penalty. Hong Kong strictly prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol. Violations can lead to immediate criminal charges and/or detention.
Demonstrations
Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as violating Hong Kong law, including the National Security Law, could result in criminal charges. We strongly caution U.S. citizens to be aware of their surroundings and avoid demonstrations. If you decide to travel to Hong Kong: Monitor local media, local transportations sites and apps like MTR Mobile or CitybusNWFB , and the Hong Kong International Airport website for updates and traffic advisories. Avoid the areas of the demonstrations. Exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests. Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep a low profile. Hong Kong has a low crime rate.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at “999” and contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau at +(825) 2523-9011. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault may first wish to contact U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys. Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States . Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau and/or the Hong Kong police for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated, and best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage. Professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout Hong Kong. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. We encourage U.S. citizens to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on health insurance overseas .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Hong Kong Population & Demographics
Population of 7,524,100, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hong Kong safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Hong Kong at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has an intentional homicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #185 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Hong Kong compare to other countries?
Hong Kong's homicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Asia average of 2.0.