Canadian Government Issues Travel Warning Amid Protests In Hong Kong

The Canadian government has issued a travel warning that advises all Canadians who are travelling to Hong Kong to exercise a high degree of caution due to ongoing large-scale demonstrations. 

Since June 9, several large-scale political demonstrations have taken place on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and in various suburbs in the New Territories.

Many protest sites are made public in advance; however, authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. According to the government, protests can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists. 

People travelling to the country should expect road closures and disruptions to traffic in affected areas. During recent protests, bus routes, MTR stations, the Airport Express and the Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal have temporarily suspended operations without warning.

The government also states that businesses may also close suddenly.

During large gatherings, people can expect acts of violence, especially at night, which have resulted in serious injuries. 

The government warns that clashes between security forces and demonstrators have taken place. Local authorities have used tear gas and other crowd control measures as police have often reacted more swiftly and severely to unauthorized protests. There have also been random attacks on demonstrators by their opponents.

Canadians should monitor local media for information and advice on upcoming demonstrations, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and follow the instructions of local authorities if travelling to Hong Kong.