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Securely Travel recommends that non-essential travel to Hong Kong be deferred at this time, due to ongoing protests, some of which turn violent.
This past weekend saw an escalation of violence within Hong Kong between the government and pro-autonomy protesters who have been protesting now for six months.
The level of violence culminated in a full-on battle at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University throughout the evening of 17 November and continues into today, 18 November.
The battle at the Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Apple Daily began live streaming on 16 November via their YouTube channel of protests throughout Hong Kong, including the assault on the Polytechnic University. Hong Kong time is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time zone of the United States.
The police breached the protester’s defenses during the evening hours of 17 November, with the violent engagement continuing into 18 November. Over 5000 have been arrested. Those arrested were put on MTR trains and moved to an undisclosed location.
Media reports and images confirmed reporting we provided in our 15 November Securely Travel Alert of protesters within the Polytechnic University using Molotov cocktails and bows & arrows to fend off the Hong Kong police.
Hong Kong police had threatened the use of “live ammunition” during the clearing operation. The Global Times, a pro-Beijing mouthpiece, through its editor noted the restraint of the police, which continuing the “live rounds” narrative.
Hong Kong Transportation
Cathay Pacific has reduced their capacity and flights due to the decrease in demand. While protesters have occupied Hong Kong airport in the past, this past weekend didn’t see protesters at the airport. However, travelers did report being pelleted with stones while driving on the highway heading to the airport.
The tollbooths for the Hong Kong government owned and administered Cross-Harbor Tunnel has been set afire multiple times, effectively stopping vehicular traffic. Multiple Hong Kong MTR (metro) stations have been the scene of protests and violence.
Travel Advice
Therefore, we recommend that non-essential travel to Hong Kong be deferred at this time due to personal safety concerns. For those who do travel, ensure you have requisite area knowledge to move about the city autonomously.
The UK FCO guidance on Hong Kong
The US State Department guidance on Hong Kong
The Australian government guidance on Hong Kong
The Canadian government guidance on Hong Kong
