Hong Kong authorities have warned residents travelling to France to be aware of risks and take safety precautions, as violent protests spread across the European nation.
A man walks past a row of burnt out vehicles on Rue Yves Toudic destroyed after a nationwide protest against the “high cost of living”, in central Paris on October 19, 2026. Photo: Kiran Ridley/AFP.In an amber travel alert issued Tuesday evening, the Security Bureau said Hongkongers visiting the region “should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid large gatherings of people and pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation.”
Amber alerts are the lowest level in a three-tier outbound travel alert system under the Security Bureau. Red alerts, the next level, mean would-be travellers should adjust their plans and avoid non-essential travel. Black alerts – currently in force for Iran, Israel, Syria and Lebanon – signify a “severe threat” and advise against all travel.
Hong Kong’s warning comes a day after one issued by mainland authorities. China’s foreign ministry and its embassy in France warned on Monday of “violent incidents and clashes between police and civilians” and urged citizens to “raise their risk awareness, closely monitor the local situation, strengthen safety precautions, and avoid demonstration areas.”
Thousands have been arrested and about half a million turned out across France over the weekend to protest against the cost of living.
French authorities began imposing localised curfews on Monday in an attempt to quell the unrest, which has resulted in some of the worst rioting and looting the country has seen in years.
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