Aussie tourists have been warned about a new law at Hong Kong International Airport, as authorities can now go through a person’s mobile phone, which could determine whether they can enter the city.
The Australian government has now updated its travel advice to the popular Asian destination, warning Aussies to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting or travelling through the airport.
Any person who does not comply could be stung with a penalty of HK$100,000 ($18,000).
As of March, it is illegal to refuse to disclose your devices’ passwords to the Hong Kong police under the city’s broad National Security Law.
Why Hong Kong police may search your phone on arrival
Hong Kong authorities could search for content related to national security offences, including pro-democracy content, news reports, and encrypted apps.
The laws were designed to ensure that “activities endangering national security can be effectively prevented”.
Those who provide “false or misleading information” could face up to three years in jail, the BBC reported.
Additionally, from April 30, they will also impose a strict law regarding illegal imports of smoking products such as vapes and herbal cigarettes in public places, even while transiting through the airport.
What security procedures at Hong Kong Airport have you experienced? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com
Aussie tourists have been warned when entering Hong Kong International Airport, authorities can now go through a person’s mobile phone.
(Witthaya Prasongsin via Getty Images)
What are the new laws for entering Hong Kong?
The Australian government’s Smartraveller website provided an update on Hong Kong’s national security laws.
“We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Hong Kong,” the warning read.
“The laws could be applied to activities outside Hong Kong, including social media posts. Hong Kong authorities can request access to personal devices and passwords from anyone in Hong Kong.
“You could break the law without intending to.
“You may be at increased risk of detention. You could be detained without charge for up to 16 days and denied access to a lawyer for up to 48 hours.”
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According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, about 469,000 Australians visited the city during 2025. This was a huge 27 per cent increase on the previous year. Photo: Getty Images
(SCM Jeans via Getty Images)
469,000 Aussies visited Hong Kong last year
The laws were introduced by the Chinese government from 2020 following pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
“The maximum penalty under Hong Kong’s national security laws is life imprisonment,” the advice read.
“Citizens of other countries, including Australia, have been arrested, convicted and imprisoned under Hong Kong’s security laws.”
The warning comes amid a high number of Aussies flocking to Hong Kong for a holiday.
According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, about 469,000 Australians visited the city during 2025. This was a huge 27 per cent increase on the previous year.
The surge was attributed to several key factors from the increase in direct flights, drawcard events and the appeal to stop over in Hong Kong.
Yahoo News has reached out to the Australian Travel Industry Association for comment.
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