Assistance to Hong Kong Residents in the United States
Hong Kong Residents in the US
Hong Kong residents in the US who need assistance can contact the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC by email at hketo@hketowashington.gov.hk or by phone at (202) 331-8947.
Emergency Assistance from Hong Kong
For Hong Kong residents who need further assistance, you may contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline + 852 1868. The hotline is operated by the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department. If you are unable to call the hotline due to the service settings of your telecommunication services operators or for other reasons, please add “0000” after entering “1868”.
Alternatively, you may ask your family, friends or the Chinese diplomatic and consular missions in the US to help you call the AHU. This will allow AHU officers to call you back and render all practicable help to you.
What to Note in Travelling Abroad
Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services
The Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (MFA) aims to provide timely and professional guidance and assistance to Chinese citizens in distress overseas. Its 24-hour hotline is +86 1012308 or +86 10-5991-3991.
With regards to actual situation and needs, the MFA emergency call center will refer requests for assistance from Hong Kong residents to the AHU of the Immigration Department for follow-up.
Hong Kong residents can learn about the scope of consular protection, the specifc services and assistance provided, what cannot be provided, and what to do in unexpected circumstances, etc here.
You may contact the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States, or the MFA emergency call center for assistance.
A list of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States and their jurisdiction can be found here
Topics of Interest
Information on Loss of Hong Kong Permanent Resident Status
The Hong Kong Immigration Department reiterated that the situation concerning the loss of Hong Kong permanent resident status for non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents has not changed since July 1, 1997. Learn more here.
Application for a Hong Kong SAR Passport: Outside Hong Kong
Detailed information on applying for, renewing or replacing a Hong Kong SAR passport while overseas is found on the Immigration Department’s dedicated website. The site includes information on eligibility, processing time, application forms, supporting documents, means of submitting applications, collection of approved passports, etc. Learn more here.
Eligible applicants should submit their applications through the nearest Chinese Diplomatic or Consular Mission or mail their applications direct to the Immigration Department in Hong Kong. Please note that the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the US cannot assist in receiving, handling or processing applications.
Applicants who are a Chinese citizen, and a permanent resident of the Hong Kong SAR holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card / Acknowledgement of application for a Hong Kong permanent identity card (ROP140/140A), may apply for a Hong Kong SAR passport through the Internet. Learn more here.
Application for Certificate of No Criminal Conviction
The issuance of Certificates of No Criminal Conviction is a paid service provided by the Hong Kong Police Force, which is solely in connection with a person’s application for various types of visa, such as visit, student or resident visa, or for adoption of children. Applications for the certificate for any other purposes will not be accepted. Learn more here.
Births, Deaths and Marriage Records
The Immigration Department provides services in searching for records and providing certificates with regard to births, deaths and marriages in Hong Kong. Learn more here.