The Philippine Embassy in Australia wishes to share the following advisory, “Warning to Travelers to Hong Kong” issued by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong:

“The Philippine Consulate General reiterates its warning to all Filipino travelers transiting or entering Hong Kong as visitors, workers, or as residents to refrain from bringing restricted items, particularly stunning devices, in their hand-carried or checked-in luggage.

Stun guns, pepper spray and other devices such as tear gas, bullets, extendible batons, flick knives and knuckledusters are considered “arms” and therefore are restricted under Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance of Hong Kong.

Upon conviction, the unlicensed possession of these restricted items is punishable by a fine of HK$100,000 and maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment.

The Hong Kong authorities are strict with the enforcement of the said Ordinance. All hand-carried and checked-in luggage of passengers are subjected to security screening in the airport terminals.

A total of thirty (30) Filipinos, mostly transiting via HKIA, have been convicted in 2017 for possession of arms without license.”

The Embassy encourages Filipinos travelling to Hong Kong SAR to abide by this public advisory.