Travel Guide: Hong Kong To Uk Journey Explained

Hong Kong and the UK are separated by thousands of miles, but travelling between the two is possible. Travellers can either opt for a long-haul flight or choose a more adventurous route by land and sea. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of travelling from Hong Kong to the UK, exploring the different modes of transportation and the time and costs involved.

Travel requirements for UK citizens entering Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China and has its own immigration controls. UK citizens can visit Hong Kong for up to six months without a visa. However, there are several requirements that must be met before and upon arrival in Hong Kong.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your passport is valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong. It is also recommended to check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet all the necessary requirements.

There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Hong Kong. However, you may have to undergo a temperature check upon arrival. If you are arriving at Hong Kong International Airport from a country other than mainland China, Macao, or Taiwan, you will need to quarantine for 14 days at a designated hotel and provide confirmation of your hotel reservation.

In addition, Hong Kong has strict rules regarding prohibited items. It is illegal to bring certain items into the country, including objects with sharp points or edges (such as samurai swords), martial arts equipment (e.g. knuckledusters), and electronic cigarettes. There are also restrictions on the amount of powdered baby formula that can be taken out of Hong Kong.

When entering Hong Kong, you must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. This includes restricted items, as well as foreign currency, which must be declared but can be imported without limit. It is important to note that the import of national currency is strictly prohibited.

For stays longer than six months, or if you plan to work or study in Hong Kong, you must obtain a visa. You can contact the nearest Chinese mission with visa-issuing facilities or the Hong Kong Immigration Department for more information.

Finally, if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk, you must provide a certificate of yellow fever vaccination to enter Hong Kong.

Travel requirements for Hong Kong citizens entering the UK

As of May 2023, Hong Kong has dropped all of its COVID-19-related entry restrictions. This means that there are no testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Hong Kong from the UK. Travellers are also no longer required to wear masks in public spaces or on public transport. However, it is still mandatory to wear a mask in medical facilities.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China and has its own immigration controls. UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong for up to six months. However, your passport must be valid for at least one month after your planned departure date. If you plan to stay longer or travel for work or study, you will need to obtain a visa from the Chinese mission or the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Upon arrival in Hong Kong, all travellers will undergo a temperature check. If you have a fever, you will be referred to the Department of Health for further handling. The Hong Kong government recommends (but does not require) that inbound travellers take daily rapid antigen tests for the first five days after arrival. If you test positive, you do not need to self-isolate.

It is important to note that Hong Kong does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both British and Chinese nationality, the local authorities may treat you as a Chinese citizen, even if you enter on a full "British citizen" passport. In this case, the British Consulate-General may not be able to offer consular assistance. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, it is recommended to carry evidence of this.

The cost of travelling from Hong Kong to the UK

Flight Costs:

On average, a flight from Hong Kong to the UK costs around £784 round trip. However, prices can vary depending on the specific route and time of booking. For example, flights from London to Hong Kong tend to be cheaper, with prices as low as £163 one-way and £252 return. In contrast, flights from Manchester can be more expensive, with average prices of around £909 round trip.

It is recommended to book flights about one week in advance to find lower prices. Additionally, travelling during off-peak seasons, such as January, can also result in cheaper airfare. Direct flights are available from London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN) airports, with Cathay Pacific and British Airways being the most popular airlines for this route.

Accommodation Costs:

Accommodation costs in Hong Kong can vary depending on your budget and preferences. For those on a tight budget, hostels are a great option, with prices starting from around HK$599 (approximately £77) per night. Mid-range hotels can range from $30-$70 (£25-£58) per night, while luxury hotels can cost upwards of $150 (£124) per night. It is important to book accommodation in advance, as prices tend to increase during peak seasons.

Transportation Costs:

Hong Kong has an efficient and well-developed transportation system. An Octopus Card is a convenient way to pay for public transportation, including the MTR (subway), buses, ferries, and trams. The card can be purchased at airport and MTR customer service centres, with a refundable deposit of HK$50 and an initial stored value of HK$150. Taxis are also readily available, with fares starting at HK$24 (£3) and varying based on distance and area.

Food Costs:

Hong Kong is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. A typical meal at a restaurant can range from HK$10-HK$126 (£1-£16) per person, while street food and local noodle joints offer more affordable options. Dim sum and hot pot are popular choices, with prices ranging from HK$31-HK$46 (£4-£6) per dish. On average, travellers can expect to spend around HK$200 (£25) per day on food.

Activity Costs:

Hong Kong offers a variety of attractions and activities to suit different budgets. Here are some popular options:

• Return tram ride to Victoria Peak: HK$52 (£6)
• Sky Terrace 428 at Victoria Peak: HK$52 (£6)
• Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery: Free entry
• Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha): Free entry
• Dragon's Back Hike: Free
• Disneyland Park: HK$639 (£79)

Other Costs:

Other costs to consider when travelling from Hong Kong to the UK include travel insurance, local SIM cards, and airport expenses. Travel insurance can provide valuable coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on the provider and the level of coverage, but it is generally recommended to have some form of coverage when travelling internationally.

In summary, the cost of travelling from Hong Kong to the UK can vary significantly depending on your travel style, budget, and preferences. By considering the various costs outlined above, you can plan your trip accordingly and make informed decisions to stay within your budget.

The best airlines to travel from Hong Kong to the UK

There are a number of airlines that fly direct from Hong Kong to the UK, with the most popular being British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic. These all fly from London Heathrow, while Cathay Pacific also offers a route from London Gatwick.

British Airways

British Airways offers direct flights from Hong Kong to London Heathrow. The average price for this route is around £581 for a return flight, and the airline has been rated 7.7 out of 10 by KAYAK users.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is the second most popular choice for this route and also flies direct from Hong Kong to London Heathrow. The airline has been rated 8.1 out of 10 by KAYAK users and return flights can be found for as little as £501.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is another option for direct flights from Hong Kong to London Heathrow. The airline has been rated 7.4 out of 10 by KAYAK users, although it is not clear what the average price is for this route.

Other options

Although these are the most popular and well-rated options, other airlines that fly direct from Hong Kong to London include Iberia and Emirates. If you are happy to take a flight with a stopover, other airlines that fly this route include China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, SWISS and Lufthansa.

The best time to travel from Hong Kong to the UK

September to May is the primary season for theatre, opera, ballet and classical music in the UK capital, so this could be the best time to visit if you're interested in cultural events. If you prefer warmer weather, summer is the best time to visit, as there are many free outdoor music and theatre festivals.

If you're looking for the cheapest time to fly, October is usually the least expensive month, while July is the most expensive. The cheapest days to fly are typically in October, with prices ranging from $435 to $720. The fastest way to get from Hong Kong to the UK is by plane, which takes around 16 hours.

Frequently asked questions