Hong Kong travel advice (is it safe to travel to Hong Kong?)
Hong Kong travel: What is the advice?
Last updated: 16th August, 2019
For foreign nationals currently within Hong Kong, as well as those with existing plans to travel to the country, this page will help you understand the latest travel advice.
What is the situation?
In the last few weeks, several large-scale political demonstrations have taken place on Hong Kong Island. Clashes have taken place between the police and protesters, following what has been an otherwise peaceful protest. Recent activity has included significant violence, with reports suggesting that these protests are likely to continue. Protests have been causing significant disruption to airport operations.
On Monday the 12th August 2019, protests at Hong Kong International Airport caused the airport to cancel all flights scheduled to depart that day. Operations have slowly been resuming throughout the week, with rescheduling implemented.
Update 16th August 2019
The airport is open and operational. Until further notice, only departure passengers with a valid travel document, air ticket, or boarding pass for a flight within 24 hours will be allowed to enter the terminal building. Hong Kong International Airport is reminding passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before their departure time.
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport (IATA: HKG) is the main commercial airport serving Hong Kong and is operated by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA). The airport is the primary hub for Cathay Pacific, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, as well as Cathay Dragon and Hong Kong Airlines.
The airport is one of the hubs of the Oneworld alliance and a focus city for many airlines, including China Airlines and China Eastern Airlines. Many other airlines use the airport as a stopover point, including Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Air India.
Flights scheduled to depart from Hong Kong International Airport
If you're meant to be flying from HKG, check your flight status on the Hong Kong International Airport website before travelling to the airport. If your flight is still scheduled to depart, allow plenty of time to travel to the airport. The airport is operational as of 16.08.19, but expect disruption to schedule times.
Flights scheduled to arrive at Hong Kong International Airport
Check with your airline before heading to your departure airport for updates. Further disruption is possible.
Alternative Airports
Planning on heading to Hong Kong? If you are worried about further disruption, the following major airports offer an alternative option:
1. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): Shenzhen International Airport provides international and domestic flights from Shenzhen, in China, which is about 38 km, 23 miles, from HKG.
2. Macau International Airport (MFM): Macau International Airport provides international flights from Macau, an autonomous region on the south coast of China, and is located just 39 km, 24 miles, from HKG.
Government Advice
Advice from the UK Government
UK citizens currently within Hong Kong should check their flight status on the Hong Kong International Airport website before heading to the airport.
Stay Travel Aware
The government advises citizens that they should be prepared, as the situation around protests and public gatherings can change quickly. If you are in and around areas where protests are taking place, you should follow the advice of local authorities and stay vigilant.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Advice from the US Government
The Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State, responsible for the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad. On the 7th August 2019 the CA raised the travel advisory alert in Hong Kong to a Level 2. This update remains current on 13/08/19. A Level 2 warning means that US nationals in Hong Kong are advised to exercise increased caution:
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Level 2: Exercise increased caution
Level 3: Reconsider travel
Level 4: Do not travel
Stay Travel Aware
For those already within Hong Kong, or planning on visiting Hong Kong, the CA has issued the following advice:
Monitor local media for updates.
Avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
Keep a low profile.
Enroll in the Smart Traveller 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.
Have you made a booking through Alternative Airlines?
FAQs
Is it safe for tourists to travel to Hong Kong?
The situation in Hong Kong is ongoing. Warnings by the US and UK goverments have been stepped up; athough the advice is that it is still safe to travel to Hong Kong, both goverments advice that extra precautions be taken. Foreign citizens within Hong Kong are advised to keep monitoring the situation for any changes.