US State Dept warning on travel to or transiting Hong Kong

[tomlee1986]

Yes, it could but the possible consequences are a bit different wouldn’t you think? Hence the warning.

Most people still seem to believe this law is over reaction as it is the same in Australian airports, but as I kept saying - it is on the streets of HK, not about airports AND without warrant from a judge, and if refuse, you can end up in jail for 1 year in HK!!

 

[HMcM]

But the reality is the average visitor is fine. No different to visiting mainland China.

The thing is though that people still think of Hong Kong as different than mainland China. I know a whole lot of people who would transit through HKG but would not under any conditions step foot onto mainland China. Those people are getting a well needed wake up call from this.

 

[tomlee1986]

The thing is though that people still think of Hong Kong as different than mainland China. I know a whole lot of people who would transit through HKG but would not under any conditions step foot onto mainland China. Those people are getting a well needed wake up call from this.

Sadly you are correct , now HK & mainland China is one and same, that one country and 2 systems are eroding… hence the warnings from both USA and now Australia government

 

[OATEK]

HKG was my most common Asian connection to Europe for the 15 years or so up to Covid. As a couple in our 70s, we have made a risk assessment of the consequences of tripping over the HK Security Law, and decided against resuming flights through HKG. SIN has become our transit/stopover point since Covid.

 

[kamchatsky]

The stats suggest otherwise.

27% increase in Australians going to HKG. Yes, that would include expats but that would not account for the huge increase.

Published only a few days ago.

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/australia-hong-kong-tourism

Both can be true. Yes it has 27% increase in Aussies visiting HK from 2024. Then again, HK numbers was only just recovered from very low numbers from the Covid times. Most people i know who go to HKG are ex HKers (who are also Aussie citizens) plus their Aussie kids, who haven’t been back to HK since Covid times, or mainland Chinese who decided to stopover at HK before heading to China.

Since 2019, I don’t know anyone who are not Chinese deliberately go to HKG as destination for holiday. At most they would stopover at HKG before going to other places like Europe, or Japan etc.

Given the Gulf War i think HK visiting numbers would increase this year, because at least it is seen as a “safer” option as stopover point.

 

[LionKing]

One difference between the 2… the Australian situation is ONLY RESTRICTED at airport, but the HK one is on the streets in the city by police WITHOUT warrants!!

Actually this law applies to ANYONE… foreigners are worse!! Remember 2 Michaels detained in China without reason for years?? Hence I am repeating my statement NOT GO unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!!

I actually wondering how likely will you get searched on the streets in Hong Kong?
I think unless you are a YouTuber who constantly broadcast anti-China propoganda in Hong Kong, or you get drunk after HK Sevens and commit a crime. Otherwise, I can pay for your lawyers fees if you get searched on the streets of HK and ask for phone data.

The stats suggest otherwise.

27% increase in Australians going to HKG. Yes, that would include expats but that would not account for the huge increase.

Published only a few days ago.

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/australia-hong-kong-tourism

27% increase in Australians going to HK could be because of the China visa free policy to Australians, where those Chinese nationals who previously were Australian PR are now becoming Australian citizens and therefore visiting China using Australian passport to avoid visa fees.

I have heard a lot of my colleagues from China who have now became Australian and go to China to visit family instead of being a China national.

HKG was my most common Asian connection to Europe for the 15 years or so up to Covid. As a couple in our 70s, we have made a risk assessment of the consequences of tripping over the HK Security Law, and decided against resuming flights through HKG. SIN has become our transit/stopover point since Covid.

I can understand and from the amount of European destinations and the offering of premium cabins in Singapore than Hong Kong, you can see there's a shift in travel pattern.

EK has since struggled to launch its 4x Daily from HKG to DXB which is to major disadvantage to Qantas Frequent Flyers.

 

[clifford]

I have no problems transitting HKG. I've nothing to hide (as my phone confirms) and it's a heck of a lot better than transitting thought the USA.

If you do have something to hide, beware (hide it well)

 

[SYD]

Since 2019, I don’t know anyone who are not Chinese deliberately go to HKG as destination for holiday. At most they would stopover at HKG before going to other places like Europe, or Japan etc.

We went to HKG last November. First time for a few years but enjoyed ourselves and very happy to return (besides transiting again later this year).

Given the Gulf War i think HK visiting numbers would increase this year, because at least it is seen as a “safer” option as stopover point.

We also went to mainland China last year. Ticked a few boxes (Beijing, Xi’na, Shanghai). Glad we went but TBH, not rushing back. But would go back to HKG at the drop of a hat.

 

[LionKing]

We also went to mainland China last year. Ticked a few boxes (Beijing, Xi’na, Shanghai). Glad we went but TBH, not rushing back. But would go back to HKG at the drop of a hat.

I think what annoys me most in Mainland China is those e-Bike delivery people and lack of courtesy of others on the road than everything else. I love visiting China, just don't used to their street culture.

 

[Aeryn]

I think what annoys me most in Mainland China is those e-Bike delivery people

Those same e-bike pests exist in Australia, a constant danger to pedistrians.

 

[SYD]

Those same e-bike pests exist in Australia, a constant danger to pedistrians.

OT, but everyone is on e-bikes in China know and to conserve battery power, they don’t turn their lights on at night…silent AND deadly…

 

[Aeryn]

Ive never seen an e-bike delivery driver here with a light on at night either - bloody menance.

 

[Franky]

Those same e-bike pests exist in Australia, a constant danger to pedistrians.

Agree - stepped out of my portico onto the footpath when one of them went past at high speed. As he went past I felt either his elbow or handle bar just brush my chest. Had I stepped out split second later I would have been flat out on the footpath with a fractured skull. This was on a Friday around 1000 so he and his mate were wagging school…..