Hong Kong’s security and legal environment has undergone significant transformation since 2020, with material implications for international travelers; including faculty, staff, students, and research affiliates. Recent March 2026 enforcement amendments substantially expand government authority over digital devices, personal data, and traveler conduct, even for those transiting through Hong Kong International Airport. For higher education institutions (where travel often involves research data, intellectual property, and international collaboration) these changes introduce heightened legal, compliance, and data security risks that require proactive policy alignment and traveler education.