Hong Kong issues amber travel alert for France amid spreading social unrest

Hong Kong authorities have warned residents travelling to France to be aware of risks and take safety precautions, as violent protests spread across the European nation.

In an amber travel alert issued Tuesday evening, the Security Bureau said Hongkongers visiting the region “should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid large gatherings of people and pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation.”

Amber alerts are the lowest level in a three-tier outbound travel alert system under the Security Bureau. Red alerts, the next level, mean would-be travellers should adjust their plans and avoid non-essential travel. Black alerts – currently in force for Iran, Israel, Syria and Lebanon – signify a “severe threat” and advise against all travel.

Hong Kong’s warning comes a day after one issued by mainland authorities. China’s foreign ministry and its embassy in France warned on Monday of “violent incidents and clashes between police and civilians” and urged citizens to “raise their risk awareness, closely monitor the local situation, strengthen safety precautions, and avoid demonstration areas.”

Thousands have been arrested and about half a million turned out across France over the weekend to protest against the cost of living.

French authorities began imposing localised curfews on Monday in an attempt to quell the unrest, which has resulted in some of the worst rioting and looting the country has seen in years.

Safeguard press freedom; keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team

Support HKFP  |  Policies & Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact  |  Newsletter  | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps

Make a one-off donation.

Ryan Ho Kilpatrick is an award-winning journalist from Hong Kong. He was previously Managing Editor of the China Media Project and has reported from Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan for a variety of local and international media outlets, including The Washington Post, TIME, TaiwanPlus, The Guardian, Los Angeles Times, and many more. He holds a BA in Modern China Studies and a Master of Journalism degree from the University of Hong Kong.