Hong Kong and Macao tighten travel alerts for Middle East amidst escalating tensions

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Both SAR Governments urge residents currently in affected Middle Eastern countries to stay vigilant and follow updates issued by local Chinese Embassies and Consulates-General.

Amidst the continued deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, both the Hong Kong and Macao SAR Governments have updated their travel alerts for the region.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has raised its Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Iran and Israel to black, the highest alert level. Similarly, the Macao Government Tourism Office has issued a Level 3 travel alert for both countries, also the highest tier in its system.

Under these alerts, residents are strongly advised to avoid all travel to Iran and Israel. Those currently in either country should prioritise personal safety, and leave or relocate to safer areas immediately.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Amber OTA and Macao’s Level 1 travel alert have been issued for the following Middle Eastern countries:

• Bahrain
• Jordan
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Kuwait, which is currently not covered under Hong Kong’s OTA system, has been included in a supplementary update on the Security Bureau’s OTA webpage, reminding residents to exercise caution and remain alert.

Both SAR Governments advise residents in the affected regions to stay vigilant, monitor the evolving situation closely, and pay attention to the latest notices from the local Chinese Embassies / Consulates-General.

Residents requiring assistance may contact the following hotlines:

• Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department (ImmD) 24-hour hotline of the Assistance: +852 1868
• Hong Kong ImmD Online Assistance Request Form
• Macao 24-hour tourism hotline: +853 2833 3000
• Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hotline: +86 10 12308
• Chinese Embassy in Iran for consular protection and assistance: +98 9122176035
• Chinese Embassy in Israel for consular protection and assistance: +972 3-5459520

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