​In view of the continued deterioration of the situation in the Middle East regions, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (March 23) raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Iran and Israel to black, and issued amber OTA for the following Middle East countries, include Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (the UAE).

     A Government spokesman said, "The black OTA signifies severe threat. Due to the highly unpredictable security situation in Iran and Israel, the HKSAR Government advises Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Iran and Israel. Those already there should attend to personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately. In addition, Hong Kong residents who intend to visit Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE or are already there should exercise caution, attend to personal safety, pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation and notices on consular services from the local Chinese Embassies / Consulates-General."

     Moreover, while Kuwait is currently not covered by the OTA System, the Security Bureau has updated the OTA webpage regarding supplementary information for Kuwait with a view to reminding residents to exercise caution and attend to personal safety.
      
     The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation of the relevant Middle East countries. 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 outside Hong Kong 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 message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline, send message to the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit the Online Assistance Request Form, or contact the local Chinese Embassies.
      
     Hong Kong residents 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 when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, in a timely manner when necessary.

Ends/Monday, March 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:15

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