Featuring iconic landmarks, diverse cuisines, and exciting theme parks, Hong Kong is among the world’s top tourist destinations. Many people, including Filipinos, include the city on their travel bucket lists!
Philippine passport holders are entitled to a 14-day, visa-free travel in Hong Kong. Thousands of Filipino tourists visit the city every day; enjoying the sights, sounds, and attractions. To ensure their trip goes well, the Consulate General reminds tourists to abide by the city’s rules.
List of Prohibited Acts by Tourists
On 1st September 2026, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong released an advisory, warning Filipino tourists about prohibited acts, and reminding them that their visit is for tourism and leisure purposes only.
The advisory cited regulation 2(1) of the Immigration Regulations (Chapter 115A) of Hong Kong, which states that a tourist should not:
- Take any job, whether paid unpaid;
- Establish or join in any business; and
- Become a student in a school, university, or other educational institution.
Examples of prohibited acts include: being a paid photographer in tourist areas; opening business establishments; buying commercial interest in any business; and selling condominiums, time shares, investments, or insurance policies. Applying for a Hong Kong driver’s license, with the intention of getting a job as a driver, is also prohibited.
Meanwhile, in a previous advisory, the Philippine Consulate General issued a warning against Filipino tourists who attempt to prolong their stay by traveling between Hong Kong and Macau multiple times. This is considered “inconsistent” with their 14-day visa-free privilege, and so the Hong Kong Immigration Department may refuse their entry.
In accordance with Section 41 of the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance, committing prohibited acts may be considered as a breach of a tourist’s condition of stay. Hence, the guilty party, upon conviction, may face the maximum penalty of HK$ 50,000 and/or imprisonment for two years.
Other Acts and Penalties
Furthermore, tourists should also be aware of other acts that may result in serious penalties, as mentioned by the Hong Kong Tourism Board:
- Littering or Spitting. The city enforces strict rules for maintaining environmental cleanliness; there’s a fixed penalty of HK$ 3,000 for littering or spitting.
- Smoking. Smoking is not allowed in restaurants, public transport, buildings, escalators, public beaches, swimming pools, and other areas. Those who are caught smoking or carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, or pipe in a no-smoking area may face a fixed penalty of HK$ 3,000.
- Vaping or E-Cigarettes. Likewise, using or carrying vapes or e-cigarettes could lead to a HK$ 3,000 – HK$ 50,000 fine and six months in prison, depending on the amount in possession.
- Eating or Drinking on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Eating or drinking while riding a train is not allowed; it could lead to a fine of HK$ 2,000.
- Jaywalking. Crossing while the pedestrian light is red, and/or not using designated crossings, could cost you a HK$ 2,000 fine.
- Feeding Feral Pigeons and Wild Animals. Feeding pigeons or other wild animals could lead to a fine of HK$ 5,000.
- Flying Drones. Flying an unlicensed drone over a restricted area could result in a hefty fine of HK$ 100,000 and two years imprisonment.
As tourists, let us keep in mind that there are rules to be followed, wherever we go. By being aware of these acts, and their corresponding penalties, we can be extra careful whenever we visit Hong Kong!
As long as you follow the rules, your trip should go smoothly and hassle-free. While in Hong Kong, take time to visit these top 10 tourist spots.