Although the Summer Travel Season is Drawing to a Close, A Worldwide Caution is Still in Effect From the State Department; Hong Kong Update

State Department Travel Advisory, August 14, 2019

Hong Kong – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution; Exercise increased caution in Hong Kong due to civil unrest. 

Hong Kong unrest in June, 2019; Wikimedia Commons

Since June 2019, several large scale and smaller political demonstrations have taken place in various areas of Hong Kong, including at Hong Kong International Airport. Most have been peaceful, but some have turned confrontational or resulted in violent clashes. Police have used a variety of crowd control measures, including the deployment of tear gas. The protests and confrontations have spilled over into neighborhoods other than those where the police have permitted marches or rallies. These demonstrations, which can take place with little or no notice, are likely to continue.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page. If you decide to travel to Hong Kong:

• Monitor local media for updates.
• Avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
• Exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Review your flight status with your airlines or at the Hong Kong International Airport website.
• Follow US Consulate General Hong Kong on Facebook and Twitter.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Hong Kong.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: The Travel Advisory was updated to Level 2 due to civil unrest.