American Citizens Services

Warden Message from the U.S. Consulate Hong Kong on International Labor Day and Olympic torch relays

The American Consulate General advises American citizens in Hong Kong and Macau to exercise caution with respect to three upcoming events. All three events will result in the closure of numerous streets, leading to transportation disruptions. Protests can escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers' personal safety. American citizens should also monitor news reports regarding the location of any disturbances that may occur.

On Thursday, May 1, 2008, the annual International Labor Day march will take place in Macau. This event has been marked by violence in the past.

On Friday, May 2, 2008, the Olympic torch relay will take place in Hong Kong. Information about torch relay activities in Hong Kong can be found at http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/TorchRelay/en/index.php. Local officials have said that demonstrations are planned and that there may also be spontaneous protests along the relay route.

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, the Olympic torch relay will take place in Macau. Information about torch relay activities in Macau can be found at http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/pdf/olympic/route_en_20080303.pdf. Local officials have said that demonstrations are planned and that there may also be spontaneous protests along the relay route.

For U.S. Citizens needing immediate consular assistance, please contact the American Citizens Services Unit at [852] 2841-2211, 2841-2225 or 2841-2323 during regular business hours (8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday-Friday). For deaths, arrests, hospitalizations or other emergencies involving U.S. citizens outside of these hours, please call 2523-9011, press 2 for English and 1 for emergencies to be connected to our after-hours duty officer.

Americans living or traveling in Hong Kong and Macau are encouraged to register and update their contact information at the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong. Registration may be done on line, and can be done in advance of travel. Information on registering can be found at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m/ Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

 

---

This warden message was published by the American Citizens Services Unit, U.S. Consulate General, Hong Kong, tel: 2841-2211, 2841-2323, 2841-2225; fax: 2845-4845; e-mail: questions@hongkongacs.com; website: http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov; All services by online appointment only.

---

Last modified: April 23, 2008