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

Due to the highly unpredictable security situation in Iran and Israel, the Hong Kong SAR Government advises Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Iran and Israel. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately.

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 their 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.

Any updates will be issued through the media, the bureau's mobile app and the OTA webpage.

Hong Kong residents who need assistance can call the 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department's mobile application.

They can also message the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, submit the online assistance request form or contact the local Chinese Embassies.

The information provided allows the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means when necessary.