Happy New Year 2026! As Hong Kong steps into a new chapter, the year brings not only fresh hopes and opportunities but also important policy updates that will shape daily life across the city. From public safety and health initiatives to broader social and economic measures, these reforms reflect a commitment to building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable Hong Kong. This post is designed to help and remind everyone — especially travelers — of the new policies so they can stay aware, follow the rules, and avoid unnecessary penalties. Here we highlight the key changes announced for 2026 and what they mean for residents and visitors alike.
1. Seat Belt Requirements
- Effective 25 January 2026, all passenger seats of buses, rear passenger seats of private light buses and goods vehicles, and all seats of special purpose vehicles must be fitted with seat belts.
- Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts if fitted.
- All student service vehicles must retrofit seat belts and safer seats on all passenger seats before 31 December 2028.
- Vehicles that fail to meet the retrofit requirement will no longer be permitted to provide student transport services after the effective date.
- Seat belts and anchorage points must comply with the relevant statutory requirements.
Offences & Penalties: Failure to fit or wear seat belts will result in penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment. If passengers under 15 are seated without seat belts in the rear of a goods vehicle or in any seat of a special purpose vehicle, the driver will face fines.
For more details, visit: https://www.td.gov.hk/en/road_safety/sb/index.html
2. Smoking Control Measures
- Statutory No Smoking Areas (NSAs) are extended to cover public spaces within three metres of entrances or exits used exclusively by child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals, and designated clinics or health centres.
- Smoking is prohibited while queuing — whether waiting to board public transport at designated locations, standing in marked boarding areas, queuing to enter specified premises, or queuing inside those premises.
- The fixed penalty for smoking offences has been raised from HK$1,500 to HK$3,000.
Enforcement: Tobacco and Alcohol Control Inspectors will take direct action against anyone found smoking in NSAs, without prior warning. Offenders will be subject to the fixed penalty of HK$3,000.
For more details, visit: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202512/29/P2025122900227.htm
3. Public Healthcare Fee Changes
As part of the Public Healthcare Fees and Charges Reform, updated fees for key public hospital services under the Hospital Authority (HA) have been effective since 1 January 2026. Below are the main charges for Accident & Emergency and inpatient services:
Eligible Persons:
- Accident & Emergency: HK$400 per attendance (patients triaged as critical or emergency are exempted)
- Inpatient (acute general beds): HK$300 per day
- Inpatient (convalescent / rehabilitation, infirmary & psychiatric beds): HK$200 per day
Non‑eligible Persons:
- Accident & Emergency: HK$2,100 per attendance
- Inpatient (general hospitals): HK$7,400 per day
- Inpatient (psychiatric hospitals): HK$3,100 per day
Patients in financial hardship may apply for a fee waiver, with a HK$10,000 annual cap to ease medical costs.
Eligibility for Public Healthcare Fees
Hospital Authority services are billed according to the Gazette under three categories of charges:
- Public charges – Eligible Persons
- Public charges – Non‑eligible Persons
- Non‑subsidised charges
Patients qualify as Eligible Persons if they meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card under the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Chapter 177), except where permission to stay in Hong Kong has expired or is no longer valid.
- Are children who are Hong Kong residents and under 11 years of age.
- Are individuals specifically approved by the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority.
Anyone who does not meet these criteria is considered a Non‑eligible Person.
For other charges and full details, visit:
https://www.ha.org.hk/visitor/ha_visitor_index.asp?Content_ID=10045&Lang=ENG
Whether you live in Hong Kong or are visiting, staying informed about these updates will help you avoid penalties and enjoy your time in the city. Have a great trip in Hong Kong!
