The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Hong Kong, issuing a specific warning to UK citizens who also hold Chinese nationality. In the notice, published on 13 December 2025, the FCDO reminds travellers that the Hong Kong SAR does not recognise dual nationality. As a result, individuals entering the city on a British citizen passport or a British National (Overseas) passport (BNO) may still be regarded by local authorities as Chinese citizens if they possess, or are deemed to possess, Chinese nationality.
The advisory stresses that UK consular staff may be unable to provide assistance should such travellers face immigration difficulties, detention or other legal issues in Hong Kong. The update follows several high-profile consular cases in which dual-national Hongkongers were denied foreign consular access after arrest. Travellers are urged to carry any documentary proof that they have formally renounced Chinese nationality if applicable, and to ensure their travel insurance remains valid even if the Hong Kong authorities consider them Chinese.
![UK Foreign Office warns dual-national travellers that BNO holders may be treated as Chinese citizens on entry to Hong Kong]()
For corporates moving staff through Hong Kong, the announcement is a timely reminder to review employee nationality status and contingency plans. Mobility managers should brief dual-national assignees on the potential limitations of diplomatic help and confirm that emergency protocols (legal counsel, local insurance and crisis reporting lines) are in place. The FCDO’s language also signals continuing UK concern about the application of the National Security Law and the shrinking space for foreign diplomatic protection in the territory.
Practically, dual-national business travellers should travel on one passport only, keep both passports separate when transiting mainland China and Macao, and consider applying for HKSAR travel documents if they wish to rely on Chinese consular protection. Companies should update risk assessments for Hong Kong rotations accordingly and record employees’ consent to these measures. Although the new guidance does not alter entry rules, it adds a layer of legal complexity that could complicate emergency evacuations or medical repatriations.
The advisory stresses that UK consular staff may be unable to provide assistance should such travellers face immigration difficulties, detention or other legal issues in Hong Kong. The update follows several high-profile consular cases in which dual-national Hongkongers were denied foreign consular access after arrest. Travellers are urged to carry any documentary proof that they have formally renounced Chinese nationality if applicable, and to ensure their travel insurance remains valid even if the Hong Kong authorities consider them Chinese.
For corporates moving staff through Hong Kong, the announcement is a timely reminder to review employee nationality status and contingency plans. Mobility managers should brief dual-national assignees on the potential limitations of diplomatic help and confirm that emergency protocols (legal counsel, local insurance and crisis reporting lines) are in place. The FCDO’s language also signals continuing UK concern about the application of the National Security Law and the shrinking space for foreign diplomatic protection in the territory.
Practically, dual-national business travellers should travel on one passport only, keep both passports separate when transiting mainland China and Macao, and consider applying for HKSAR travel documents if they wish to rely on Chinese consular protection. Companies should update risk assessments for Hong Kong rotations accordingly and record employees’ consent to these measures. Although the new guidance does not alter entry rules, it adds a layer of legal complexity that could complicate emergency evacuations or medical repatriations.
Source: HK01
