Canada has joined the U.S., U.K., Australia and other countries in raising the level of its travel advisories for Hong Kong.
Global Affairs Canada had previously advised visitors and Canadians living in Hong Kong to take “normal security precautions,” but on Thursday said it is recommending travellers “exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Hong Kong due to ongoing large-scale demonstrations and potential violence.”
“Canadians in Hong Kong 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.”
Mass protests have gripped the streets of Hong Kong since mid-June. Most have been peaceful, but more recently, some have been marked by the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, batons and pepper spray. Also, the timing and location of protests have been harder to predict as police and protesters escalate actions.
In the last two weeks, as the question “is Hong Kong still safe to visit” became popular on travel websites, more than 20 countries raised their travel advisories for Hong Kong, with the U.S., U.K. and Australia joining earlier this week.
“The situation is of particular concern for Canada in light of the 300,000 Canadians living in Hong Kong,” said Global Affairs spokesperson Guillaume Berube in a statement.
Canadians are encouraged to register at travel.gc.ca to receive the latest advice. For emergency consular assistance, they can contact the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong at 852-3719-4700.
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