Security Briefing on Travel to Hong Kong
Date: August, 2019
Resource: International SOS
Western’s student mobility programs in Hong Kong are continuing to operate as normal with the support of our partner institutions/organizations.
Assessment:
Our current advice is that whilst travel to Hong Kong can continue, it requires situational awareness amidst a volatile political situation and flexible itineraries. If there can be no flexibility in the itinerary – for instance if travellers are there only for a few days, will have to move to different parts of the city, and are unable to reschedule meetings – it might not be best for them to travel at this point in time.
HONG KONG SECURITY BRIEF
Western Travellers in Hong Kong should plan journeys avoiding all protests opposing a controversial extradition bill and expressing dissatisfaction with the Hong Kong and mainland governments. Enhanced situational awareness is required as protests are becoming increasingly unpredictable and often result in short-notice transport disruption. The Admiralty, Causeway Bay, Central, Wan Chai (all Hong Kong island), Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui (both Kowloon), Kwai Chung, Tin Shui Wai and Yuen Long(all New Territories) areas have often seen unruly protests. Clashes are increasingly likely around police stations and government buildings.
While protests currently do not seriously impact business operations, the situation is fluid. Given the heightened tensions, there is potential for additional well-observed strikes accompanied by disruptive demonstrations; these could take place on weekdays in business districts. The largest protests will likely be announced at least a few days in advance, typically taking place on weekends and/or flashpoint dates (below).
In the medium term, tensions are expected to be higher around the following flashpoint dates:
- 31 August: Anniversary of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress’ approval of the election procedures of the Chief Executive and the LegCo (the approval triggered protests in 2014).
- 25 September: Sentencing date for 44 activists charged with rioting.
- 28 September: Anniversary of Occupy Central protests.
- 1 October: Chinese National Day.
- October: Resumption of LegCo meetings (2019-2020).
AIRPORT CLOSURES
Western travellers due to arrive in the coming hours should avoid Hong Kong International Airport due to ongoing clashes between protesters and the police. Those due to arrive in or transit the airport should not leave the immigration/transit area until the authorities have confirmed it is safe to do so. All check-in procedures were suspended on 13 August due to still-ongoing protests. Some inbound flights have also been cancelled. The airport authorities have advised that those without confirmed onwards arrangements should leave the terminal buildings as soon as possible. It is unclear when flights will fully resume.
MORE DETAIL
Thousands of demonstrators protesting a controversial extradition bill gathered in Hong Kong airport on 13 August, causing the airport authorities to suspend departing flights for a second day in a row. Airport operations were previously suspended from 15:30 on 12 August to 06:00 on 13 August amid a sit-in protest with around 5,000 participants; all passengers were requested to leave the terminal buildings.
Large, albeit peaceful rallies have been taking place at Hong Kong airport on a daily basis since 9 August, with participation numbering in the low thousands. The size of the sit-in on 12 August increased following the serious injury of a female protester the night before in Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon). Well-attended protests at the airport in the coming days may again cause intermittent disruption to airport operations and flight schedules, should the local authorities attempt to disperse protesters.
ADVICE
- Travel to Hong Kong can continue with enhanced situational awareness and flexible itineraries. Be prepared to arrange alternative transport and to reschedule the location/time of appointments if these are in affected areas. Avoid flashpoint locations on Hong Kong island and Kowloon wherever feasible (see map below), as well as other sensitive locations such as police stations and government buildings. Maintain close communications with local contacts to reconfirm the status of routes and transport infrastructure before setting out; avoid areas known to be affected by protests due to the potential for clashes.
- Proactively adopt precautions: avoid wearing black or white T-shirts due to their associations with protesters; be respectful when dealing with security force personnel, follow all official directives and avoid making provocative actions; and carry relevant travel documents, such as your passport, flight bookings and hotel bookings/keycard, to ease your passage through checkpoints.
- Do not approach or photograph gatherings and do not attempt to cross roadblocks erected by protesters, as this can be considered as provocative. In the event of unrest, move to a secure location, such as your accommodation or office, and remain there until the situation has stabilised.
- Do due diligence in the selection of accommodation: where possible, choose hotels closer to your work location to minimise travel time and exposure to violence; avoid choosing hotels near police stations and key government buildings; be prepared to minimise movement at short notice if your hotel is in the Admiralty, Causeway Bay, Central, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Sai Wan or Sheung Wan areas due to possible unruly protests; and only undertake movement to/from your hotel after confirming that routes are clear.
- Monitor our alerts for further updates, including for planned major protests and flashpoint dates. Contact your nearest Assistance Centre for itinerary-specific advice.
- Defer journeys to Hong Kong airport in the coming hours
- If arriving at the airport from an inbound flight, adhere to all official directives. Do not leave the immigration/transit area until you have confirmed with the airport authorities that it is safe to do so. Maintain heightened situational awareness and move to a nearby, secure area immediately if the police and/or protesters begin to gather.
- Follow all official directives. Members who have already checked-in should promptly proceed through immigration. Those without confirmed onwards arrangements should calmly leave the airport terminal buildings as soon as possible.
- If you are travelling via Hong Kong airport on 14 August or in the leads proceeding, reconfirm flight schedules with your airline. In the even of cancellations, your travel agent should be able to assist with alternative arrangements.
HONG KONG PROTESTS MAP
If students are planning to travel to Hong Kong on university-sanctioned activities, they must complete the Safety Abroad Steps for Students, in particular the Travel Registry (step 3) and registration with the Government of Canada (step 5). For questions or further assistance, please contact travelregistry@uwo.ca.
