US State Dept warning on travel to or transiting Hong Kong

[RooFlyer]

From View from the Wing:

Even If You’re Just Transiting Hong Kong, Refusing To Unlock Your Devices Is Now A Crime

Even if you’re just transiting Hong Kong airport, as of this week it’s now a crime not to give authorities passwords and other assistance to access your devices. The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning. I would beware travel on Cathay Pacific, even to destinations beyond Hong Kong.

* “It is now a criminal offense to refuse to give the Hong Kong police the passwords or decryption assistance to access all personal electronic devices including cellphones and laptops.”

* “This legal change applies to everyone, including U.S. citizens, in Hong Kong, arriving or just transiting Hong Kong International Airport.”

* “In addition, the Hong Kong government also has more authority to take and keep any personal devices…”

etc.

 

[SYD]

From View from the Wing:

Even If You’re Just Transiting Hong Kong, Refusing To Unlock Your Devices Is Now A Crime



etc.

Ironically, the US can and will ask you to unlock your phone if they have reason to do so.

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices

In reality, the probability for the average Joe is close to zero - both USA and HKG.

 

[Happy Trails]

Similar to the UK.
Three months for refusing to comply.

 

[clifford]

In reality, the probability for the average Joe is close to zero - both USA and HKG.

I would think the probability in the US is much higher. Transiting HKG (as I often do) causes me no anxiety at all.

 

[SYD]

I would think the probability in the US is much higher. Transiting HKG (as I often do) causes me no anxiety at all.

Concur with HKG - we had about 8 transits in the last 12mths.

Similarly, zero issues entering the US. The MPC has made them even less painful.

Much of these reports are a total beat up.

 

[RooFlyer]

Concur with HKG - we had about 8 transits in the last 12mths.

Similarly, zero issues entering the US. The MPC has made them even less painful.

Much of these reports are a total beat up.

Well, as the saying goes, everything's fine, until its not. Millions can go back and forth without issue - but you wouldn't want to be the one arrested or detained in China for any reason and these new laws give the authorities much more scope to cause a problem for travellers. Its worth being alerted to.