VisitorsCoverage logo
Travel Tips and Safety

How to Reduce Risk on Your Hong Kong Trip in 2019

How to Reduce Risk on Your Hong Kong Trip in 2019

Civil unrest in Hong Kong has caused the U.S. and a number of other countries to issue travel advisories. On August 12 and 13, protesters advocating for democracy in China occupied the Hong Kong Airport, causing authorities to cancel all departures and delay arriving planes.

View Post

The United States government advises citizens to be on high-alert if they choose to travel to Hong Kong at this time. This follows similar statements from other countries including South Korea, Australia and The United Kingdom. Taiwan went further, advising travelers to cancel any unnecessary travel to Hong Kong. All of the advisories and news coverage agree that the protests so far have been largely peaceful, but have the potential to turn violent very quickly. The current airport protest in particular has seen several violent outbreaks.

The protests in Hong Kong began on June 9, in response to a bill that would give mainland China the right to extradite criminals from Hong Kong to be tried by mainland courts which are controlled by the Communist Party of China. Hong Kong was a British territory until 1997 when it became a “special administrative region” of China. Due in part to this legacy, the citizens of Hong Kong hold a pro-democracy protest annually in July. This event was incorporated into the ongoing protests this year. Opponents of the bill worry that it will allow mainland China to detain and extradite political dissenters as well as internationally wanted criminals. 

On August 12, 2019, protesters occupied the Hong Kong International Airport, grounding flights and sparking conflict with police. Riot police officers were called and violence has broken out more than once. 

If you travel to Hong Kong in the near future, your plans are likely to be changed by circumstances beyond your control. Travel insurance, in particular trip insurance, is a good way to protect yourself from worries and fees if you are forced to change your travel plans quickly. Trip insurance gives you options if your trip is delayed or interrupted, you can also purchase “cancel for any reason” coverage in case you simply do not feel safe traveling at this time.

 


Related Articles

Should US Visitors Choose Urgent Care or The ER

If you’re visiting the United States, it’s important for you to know that our emergency…

Infographics: Traveler’s Checklist

In the chaos of planning a trip or getting ready to leave for the airport,…

Infographics: Travel Tips for Travelers with Diabetes

Travelers with diabetes shouldn’t let their condition keep them from traveling. Taking a few extra…

Infographics: Things Not To Carry While Traveling

As many travelers may already know, tourists are easy targets for pickpockets. Unfamiliar with their…

Infographics: What to Carry in your Carry-on Luggage

Life can be unpredictable, especially while traveling, so it’s best to prepare for the unexpected…

How to Travel During The Pandemic

During the pandemic, an unprecedented number of people have been forced to stay home or…

10 Tips For a Safer Thanksgiving Holiday If You Travel

Thanksgiving will look a little different this year. Amid the surge of COVID-19 cases in…

Essential Spring Break Travel Safety Tips

If you’re thinking about traveling for spring break this year, you may be a little…

Traveling to Europe this Summer? Here’s What You Need to Know.

During any normal summer, millions of people flock to both Europe and the United Kingdom…

This Valentine’s Day, Give the Gift of Travel

A dozen roses. A box of chocolates. A heart-shaped locket. When it comes to Valentine’s…

National Parks Travel Safety Tips

As we approach the summer months you might be thinking about reacquainting yourself with Mother…

Destination Wedding Travel Tips

Wedding season is here! While some couples are planning to exchange vows close to home,…

Avoid the Chaos with Travel Tips from Flight Attendants

If you’ve ever put in your earbuds and turned on music to drown out a…

9 Tips for Traveling on a Budget

Traveling can be an amazing experience. Unfortunately, it can also be an expensive one. However,…

Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with Pets

Max. Snowball. Mittens. Spot. Whatever name they go by, our pets mean the world to…

Disclaimer

Plan features listed here are high level, provided for your convenience and information purpose only. Please review the Evidence of Coverage and Plan Contract (Policy) for a detailed description of Coverage Benefits, Limitations and Exclusions. Must read the Policy Brochure and Plan Details for complete and accurate details. Only the Terms and Conditions of Coverage Benefits listed in the policy are binding.