Germany’s Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) updated its travel and security advice for Hong Kong on 7 October 2026, adding detailed cautions on electronic surveillance and data-privacy risks under the expanded National Security Law. The notice emphasises that refusing to surrender device passwords during investigations is now a criminal offence and that online activities, even if conducted outside Hong Kong, may fall under extraterritorial jurisdiction. Although the advisory maintains Hong Kong’s visa-free status for 90-day stays, it urges German nationals travelling on business or assignment to carry only essential devices, use strong encryption and avoid discussing sensitive topics via unsecured channels. Companies are advised to implement ‘clean-laptop’ policies and store confidential data on EU-based servers when staff transit through the territory. The new language follows several high-profile arrests involving encrypted-messaging apps and comes ahead of the city’s busy autumn trade-fair season. German chambers of commerce estimate that some 1,500 German firms have regional headquarters or offices in Hong Kong; many depend on frequent executive travel. Failure to comply with investigative requests could expose employees to fines or detention, potentially disrupting critical projects. Insurance providers are also reassessing corporate-travel risk ratings for Hong Kong. One major European underwriter told the Handelsblatt newspaper that premiums for ‘kidnap, detention & extortion’ policies may rise by up to 8 % next renewal cycle. SMEs with limited compliance resources should review crisis-response protocols and ensure staff register with the Auswärtiges Amt’s ELEFAND crisis-preparation list before departure. While the advisory stops short of issuing a formal warning, it marks the third update this year and reflects growing European concern over the operational environment for foreign businesses. Other EU member states are expected to follow Berlin’s lead, so multinational mobility teams should monitor further announcements and adapt employee-briefing materials accordingly.
Source: Auswärtiges Amt (Germany)
