U.S. State Department: Hong Kong at Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution'

The U.S. Department of State rates Hong Kong SAR as Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Laws passed by Hong Kong authorities limit civil liberties and apply to anyone in Hong Kong, including foreigners, and arrest warrants have been issued for individuals outside Hong Kong, including U.S. citizens. On March 23, 2026, the Hong Kong government changed the implementing rules of the National Security Law, making it a criminal offense in national security cases to refuse to give police passwords or assist in decryption to allow full access to personal electronic devices, including phones and laptops; this applies to everyone in Hong Kong, on arrival,…