Updated 26 September 2019
US Department of State and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel
Warnings: As of 26 September 2019, there are travel warnings to Hong Kong.
Both the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau and FCO warnings regarding
planned protests this weekend, including possible delays caused at Hong Kong
International Airport and MTR stations and possible large events planned for the public
holiday October 1.
Situation:
Hong Kong moves into its 17th consecutive weekend of protests with several
demonstrations and events planned for this coming weekend and into next week:
28 September 2019:
5th anniversary of the "Umbrella Revolution” pro-democracy protests in 2014 that occupied the city for 79 days. Rally expected to gather in evening in Tamar Park in Admiralty at 7 pm.
Stress test on Hong Kong International Airport starting at 1 pm
September 2019: Rally planned for Causeway Bay district.
1 October 2019: Hong Kong government plans to hold a low-key ceremony for 70th
anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China with heavy security. Protesters are
expected to rally (no specific location mentioned at time of report) dressed in their usual
black.
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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