Updated 31 October 2019
US Department of State and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel
Warnings: As of 31 October 2019, there are travel warnings to Hong Kong.
The FCO has warnings that reports suggest that protests may take place on the evening of
31 October between Victoria Park and Lan Kwai Fong on Hong Kong Island, and at Prince
Edward MTR station in Kowloon.
Situation:
Hong Kong continues towards its 22nd consecutive weekend of protests with several
demonstrations and events planned as reported by media. This does not mean that they
have been approved by authorities. It is becoming more common for authorities to not
approve demonstrations, which makes any events illegal and easier to charge any
individuals arrested.
MTR stations continue to experience delays and changes to regular schedules due to
protests and the need for repairs from damage from past protests. See LINK for up-to-date
station operation announcements.
Thursday, October 31-
7:30 pm at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, gathering to march starting at 8 pm to Lan Kwai Fong party district in Central. Dress: masks and red clothing for Halloween.
7 pm at Prince Edward – sit-in planned in remembrance of police attack at Prince Edward MTR Station
Saturday, November 2-
3 pm at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay – large rally expected
Sunday, November 3 –
3 pm at Edinburgh Place in Central – rally to commemorate fall of Berlin Wall.
This list is not necessarily exhaustive; protests at other times and locations may also occur.
** Any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal.
Possible Effects:
Likelihood of escalations in actions, protests and demonstrations from both protesters and law enforcement
Disrupted modes of transportation
Increased presence of law enforcement personnel and an increased willingness to use force against protesters
Increases in traffic, especially near protest sites
Roads blocked by protestors with little to no notice
Blockades placed by police beforehand
Protests which have the possibility of turning violent, especially after dark
Increased risk of violence breaking out between opposing protest groups
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent
Avoid discussing political topics in public or on social media
Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
If you are caught in a blockade:
Remain calm
Do not exit your vehicle
Call the authorities
Emergency Services (police, fire, and medical): 999
British Consulate-General at +(825) 2901 3000
Allow extra time for travel
Monitor local and social media for updates
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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