Safety

The general security situation is good.

Risk areas: none
Areas of caution: no
Safe areas: there are areas with situations of greater risk than that normally encountered in major European cities. Have occurred in the past robberies against tourists and hikers in the national parks, also near the residential area of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong. To those who carry out hiking, it is recommended to travel in groups, not to abandon the paths and to avoid carry credit cards or large sums of cash.

WARNINGS
There are incidents of pickpocketing on the island of Hong Kong (particularly in the district of Wan Chai) and the Kowloon Peninsula (particularly in Mongkok). It 'good to pay attention in busy areas, public spaces and shopping malls. Please keep your passport in a safe place and turn in a photocopy.
In the district of Tsim Tsa tshu of Kowloon, where there are numerous shops of cameras, watches, hi fi etc.. Are frequent incidents of deceit against the tourists. Purchases should be made in shops that show at the certification of "quality and fairness" of the Hong Kong Tourist Association.
In Hong Kong, despite a major commitment by the authorities in combating the smuggling and sale of counterfeit items is common in street sales of counterfeit goods and items of major brands. Please note that the sale and purchase of such products are illegal and that their importation into the European Union can cause problems.
E 'widespread prostitution that can be connected incidents of crime. Have increased cases of solicitation against foreign tourists, who are drugged and robbed. In two cases involving U.S. citizens, the drugs were administered lethal.

During the rainy season (April to October) there may be typhoons of various entities with major disruption to the population and disruption of services and connections, as occurred on 6 August with the passage of cyclone Kammuri and 22 August with the storm Nuri . It is recommended, therefore, the compatriots in the area to take the utmost caution, keeping constantly informed about weather conditions in the media and their travel agent, adhering strictly to the instructions issued by local authorities such as inviting people to stay in their homes during the passage of cyclones.
Legislation planned for use or distribution of drugs: the local law provides for heavy prison sentences for possession of drugs (heroin, cocaine, "ice", opium, cannabis, etc.). Ranging from a minimum of two years (for possession of up to 10 gr. of heroin or cocaine) to a maximum of 20 years or longer for quantities exceeding 600 gr heroin and cocaine. For cannabis are no prison sentences ranging from a minimum of four months (quantities exceeding 600 gr.) For 4 years and over (number above 6000 gr.).

Legislation scheduled for sexual abuse or violence against children: Regarding mistreatment and abuse of children through the following sentences: one year for assault, three years for injuries, and seven years for assault for sexual purposes; l ' relationships and life in prison for rapes of minors below 13 years of age.
It should be remembered that those who commit crimes abroad against children (sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution) are being prosecuted on their return based on the laws in force in our country.
Relationships with the local police were marked on transparency, fairness and legal cooperation. The local police is used to notify within 24 hours of any arrests or detentions of nationals at the consulate there.

Health situation

In case of medical emergency you can use the services offered by private clinics that offer a standard of performance than the local public facilities but appear to be very expensive. We suggest, therefore, to conclude, before undertaking the journey, a 'health insurance, to include, in addition to covering medical expenses, including any air ambulance repatriation or transfer to another country.

The antibiotic medicines must be accompanied by a prescription and can be imported only for personal use.

Hepatitis type A and B are endemic. From time to time are reported cases of cholera. They are recommended after consultation with doctors, their vaccinations. It is recommended, therefore, not to consume fish, seafood, meat and vegetables raw or lightly cooked.

Until now there have been no human cases in Hong Kong of avian influenza virus (H5N1) already registered in some countries in the Far East and the region of Guangdong, are rather frequently found birds infected with the virus. The Hong Kong authorities have taken the necessary measures to prevent the disease. For warnings about the disease, see the brochure entitled "Avian influenza: risk, information and preventive measures" listed on the home page of this site under "Focus". More information can also be found at the site http://www.who.int/csr/don.
The high rate of pollution has led to an increase in respiratory diseases, particularly in the elderly and children. The phenomenon of pollution is strongest in the districts of Central, on Hong Kong, and Tsimtsashui and the Kowloon Peninsula. Pollution is also due to the stagnation of industrial smoke coming from the neighboring Chinese province of Guandong. In areas adjacent to areas of higher traffic or highly polluted should avoid making excessive and prolonged physical effort and attention should be paid to the information provided daily by local media for levels of air pollution.
There has been during the summer sporadic cases of fever, "dengue. We recommend that you take some precautions during their stay such as: places to stay in air-conditioned or equipped with screens, use repellent against insect bites and to wear clothes that cover most of the body (long sleeves and pants).
In the presence of febrile symptoms consult a doctor or visit a hospital before taking aspirin or products, as contraindicated in cases of dengue. Mosquitoes also transmit, in limited cases, the dangerous Japanese encephalitis.
Been distributed in Hong Kong food of various kinds imported from mainland China and contaminated with toxic agents. We suggest that you consult the website of the authorities' Local Food safety for updates: http://www.cfs.gov.hk/eindex.html.
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), completed in 2005, had resulted in Hong Kong about three hundred victims in the first six months of 2003. Health authorities have managed to develop an effective antiviral treatment in about 90% of cases. In the prevention continues the measuring temperature by means of "scanner" to passengers arriving, departing and transit.

WARNINGS
If you were to reintroduce the problem of SARS, and in order to limit the possibility of infection, local authorities suggested to take great care with hygiene standards - health below:
• avoid in times of crisis, especially crowded places that favor the spread of infectious respiratory diseases;
• Wash hands frequently;
• do not use napkins and towels strangers;
• ventilate the premises and frequently encourage the exchange of air in enclosed places;
• Consult a doctor or go to a local hospital, if during their stay in Hong Kong will have symptoms that can be linked to SARS.
How to return to Italy from Hong Kong, were within the first 10 days, symptoms of high fever, cough and breathing difficulties, you should consult a doctor or visit a hospital, warning that it comes from an Asian country concerned SARS.

Hospitals in Hong Kong

Public hospitals:
• Queen Mary Hospital
Pok Fu Lam Road, Pok Fu Lam
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 / 2855 3838
• Queen Elisabeth Hospital
30, Gascoigne Road
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 / 2958 8888

Private Hospitals:
• Matilda International Hospital
41, Mount Kelled Road, The Peak
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 / 2849 0111
• Adventis Hospital
40, Stubbs Road, Happy Valley
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 / 2574 6211