Here's the most recent update from our travel advisory service.
China: Hong Kong: Avoid vicinity of ongoing protests, expect travel disruption in affected areas
Members in Hong Kong should expect increased security measures and localised disruption in the coming hours, due to ongoing pro-democracy protests in the city. Local reports indicate that protesters continued to block a number of major roads early on 29 September in the city's Central district. In addition, related protests are also reportedly ongoing in the Mong Kok area (Yau Tsim Mong district), where hundreds of protesters are holding a demonstration at the intersection of Nathan Road and Argyle Street. Meanwhile, protests also spread overnight on 28-29 September to Causeway Bay shopping district.
In response, the police have blocked several further roads in the city's financial district and increased numbers of security personnel have been deployed. The MTR service was reporting operating normally early on 29 September and trains are stopping at all stations; however, MTR has said that some entrances at the Mong Kok, Admiralty and Causeway Bay MTR stations remain closed. A large number of bus services have also been re-routed or suspended; tram services between Victoria Park, Western Market, and Happy Valley have also been suspended. Access between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and the CBD, including on the airport express train, is unaffected; although in Central, taxi availability for onward travel is limited.
The police late on 28 September used tear gas to disperse demonstrators, including at Edinburgh Square in the Central district. Reports indicate that at least 34 people were injured. Earlier on the day, the police had used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters who had gathered on Harcourt Road outside the government headquarters complex (Admiralty). The violence occurred after thousands of protesters converged at the site and blocked routes, including Gloucester Road.
Travel Advice
Avoid the vicinity of protest locations to mitigate the risk of incidental exposure to violence. Travellers in the vicinity of affected areas must allow additional time to account for significant disruption on the roads and for over-crowding on the MTR.
Managers with offices in the vicinity of protest locations are advised to conduct an assessment of the protest's impact on access to the office and to initiate instructions for staff to work from home where required; staff with appointments in affected areas should re-schedule these.
Monitor our travel security alerts on China for further updates.
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