Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Hong Kong
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 18:03:00 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Hong Kong
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Hong Kong - Consular Information Sheet
 November 13, 1992

Consulate Location:  The American Consulate General is located at 
26 Garden Road in Hong Kong.  The mailing address is; Box 30, FPO AP 
96522-0002; tel (852) 523-9011.

Country Description:  Hong Kong, a British Crown Colony, is made up 
of three geographic areas:  The New Territories, Kowloon peninsula 
and Hong Kong island.  It is a cosmopolitan, and highly developed 
state.  It will revert to China on July 1, 1997.  Tourist facilities 
and services are widely available.

Entry Requirements:  Passports and onward/return transportation by 
sea/air are required.  A visa is not required for tourist visits of 
up to 30 days; the period of time may be extended.  A departure tax 
of $19 must be paid at the airport.  Visas are required to work or 
study.  For other types of travel, the visitor can consult the 
British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 
20008, (202)462-1340, or British Consulates in Los Angeles, Atlanta, 
Chicago, Boston, New York or Cleveland.

Medical Facilities:  Good medical facilities are available and 
there are many western-trained physicians.  Information on health 
matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's 
international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.  Doctors 
and hospitals may not accept credit cards but require immediate cash 
payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always 
valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance 
with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.

Information on Crime:  Major crime is not a problem for most 
travelers in Hong Kong.  Petty crime such as pickpocketing is 
common.  Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting 
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the 
Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad".  It is available 
>from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy 
jail sentences and fines.

Quarantine for Pets:  Hong Kong has strict regulations on the 
importation of animals into the colony.  Dogs and cats must spend a 
minimum of six months in quarantine before admittance.

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Consulate General 
can obtain updated information on travel and security within the 
area.

 No. 92-098