American Consulate, Hong Kong
From time to time, it may be necessary for you to visit the American Consulate in Hong Kong. This may involve renewing an about-to-expire passport, adding pages to a nearly-full passport, or other services. Remember, you may choose to go to either Hong Kong or Guangzhou for these services.
Registration with the Consulate:
In addition to visiting the consulate, it's a good idea to register your residence (if you live here) or itinerary (if you're visiting). As explained on one State Department website:
Registration at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate ... makes your presence and whereabouts known, in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary. But they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are.
Americans visiting or residing in Shenzhen can register in both Hong Kong and Guangzhou to keep up with issues on both sides of the river. Start here; at the next screen, you'll create a User ID, and can then go on to register at both consulates.
The Hong Kong Consulate, American Citizen Services (ACS):
"Please note that all of our services are by appointment only." Visit the home page for information on making an appointment.
Address:
26 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Phone:
+852 2841-2211, 2841-2323, 2841-2225
Fax:
+852 2845-4845
Website:
Email:
After Hours Emergency number:
+852 2841-2230
(This number is "For deaths, arrests, hospitalizations or other emergencies involving U.S. citizens..." When you call, "ask to be connected with the Consulate General's Duty Officer.")
How to get to Hong Kong:
There are numerous ways to reach the Central area of Hong Kong:
- You can take the KCR from Luohu (Lowu) or Futian (Lok Ma Chau) crossing, then transfer to the MTR at Kowloon Tong, and transfer again at Mong Kok.
- Or you can take the KCR as above, continue to East Tsim Sha Tsui, and transfer to Tsim Sha Tsui on the MTR.
- You may also take a bus from Huanggang to Prince Edward (Taizi) and transfer to the MTR.
- Or, take the bus from Huanggang to Wan Chai and go back a couple of stops by MTR.
In any case, your ultimate goal is to arrive at Central Station on the MTR. You can see a guide to Hong Kong's train system here and a map of the system here.
How to get to the Consulate:
From the Consulate homepage:
By taxi:
Ask to be dropped off at the St. John's Building, 33 Garden Road. The Consulate is across the street and up the hill.
By MTR/Train:
Use Exit J or K from Central station. Follow signs to the Peak Tram Station. The Consulate is across the street and up the hill from the Peak Tram Station.
By bus:
Take routes 3B, 12, 12A. 12S, 15C, 23, 23B, or 40. Get off at St. John's Cathedral on Garden Road. The Consulate is up the hill two blocks and on the right.
Once you are here
...Please do not bring bundles or bags with you when you come to the Consulate. Please also be aware that food and cell phones are not permitted inside the building.The American Citizens Services located on the First Floor: All of our services are by appointment only.
In fact you will undergo a rather strict security check; it's best not to bring anything valuable. ALL electronics (including cameras and telephones) must be left with the security guards at the front.
Map: (see the consulate's map here)
Disclaimer: All information was retrieved February 10, 2008, from the U.S. Department of State homepage for Hong Kong, found at:
http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov/acs.html
You are urged to check there for the most up-to-date information. If you find errors on this page, please note them in the comments below and we will correct them as quickly as possible.
If you are a citizen of another country, The Buzz would appreciate receiving similar information for your consulate or embassy. Write to us at shenzhenbuzz [at] gmail [dot] com
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