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Government adjusts Outbound Travel Alert for Israel and Iran
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     In view of the latest developments in Israel and Iran, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (August 18) adjusted the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Israel and Iran to red.
      
     A Government spokesman said, "The red OTA signifies a significant threat. The HKSAR Government advises Hong Kong residents who intend to visit Israel and Iran to adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel. In view of the situation in Israel, Hong Kong residents should avoid all travel to Gaza and nearby areas, as well as areas along the border with Syria and Lebanon. As for Iran, Hong Kong residents should also avoid all travel to areas near the Isfahan, Qom, Markazi and Bushehr provinces."
      
     The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation there. Any updates will be issued through the media, the Bureau's mobile app and the OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).
      
     Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran should attend to personal safety and pay attention to announcements made by local authorities and the Chinese Embassies there. Hong Kong residents there who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department (ImmD) at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD Mobile Application, send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, submit the Online Assistance Request Form, or contact the local Chinese Embassies (consular protection hotline of Chinese Embassy in Israel: (972) 3-5459520; consular protection hotline of Chinese Embassy in Iran: (98) 912-2176035.
      
     Hong Kong residents, when outside Hong Kong, are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) of the ImmD to register their contact details and itinerary. The information provided allows the ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, when necessary.
 
Ends/Monday, August 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:05
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