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You Can Still Travel to Hong Kong Without Fear, Despite Escalating Protests

July 01, 2019
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2 min read
Mass Protests Lead To Postponement Of Hong Kong Legislature's Extradition Law Meeting
You Can Still Travel to Hong Kong Without Fear, Despite Escalating Protests
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Last month, TPG reported on mounting civil unrest in Hong Kong as the autonomous city's legislature mulled a bill that would allow for accused criminals to be extradited to the Chinese mainland for trial.

The New York Times said that on Monday night, hundreds of protestors in Hong Kong gained access to the legislative offices as riot police backed away from a potential conflict. Although the officers had threatened to use force against the demonstrators, when it became apparent that the crowd was poised to enter the legislative complex, the police largely disbanded. According to the paper, protesters were defacing parts of the building, but the rest of the protest was peaceful.

For travelers though, the demonstrations should not cause too many issues beyond possible congestion and increased transit times in their immediate vicinity.

The US State Department has no travel warnings listed for Hong Kong, but it does advise travelers to "exercise normal precaution."

The protests have been going on since mid-June and are regarded as the largest demonstrations in the city since the British government handed control of the territory back to Beijing in 1997. At that time, the Chinese government officially became responsible for governing Hong Kong, but agreed to let the city maintain separate laws and an independent judicial system for another 50 years.

Locals viewed the legislature's proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China as a step toward eroding the city's special legal status, and one that could strengthen Beijing's influence in its governmental affairs.

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Travelers with plans to visit Hong Kong in the near future shouldn't be concerned at this time, but it's important to closely monitor the developing situation. Hong Kong International Airport has a notice to passengers that ground transportation may be delayed.

Featured image by Bloomberg via Getty Images

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.