U.S. citizens traveling to Hong Kong have been warned that refusing to hand over passwords or provide access to personal electronic devices can now be treated as a criminal offense under newly updated national security rules.
The warning was issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macao after the Hong Kong government amended the implementation rules of its National Security Law earlier this week, expanding police powers to access digital devices.
Why It Matters
The change significantly raises the stakes for travelers carrying smartphones, laptops, or other electronic devices, including those merely transiting through Hong Kong’s international airport.
According to the U.S. Consulate, the updated rules apply to everyone in Hong Kong—residents, visitors, and travelers passing through the airport—and make it illegal to refuse police requests for passwords or decryption assistance.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ar-AA1ZwfSE
The 14 countries FCDO advises against all travel TO
Afghanistan
Belarus
Burkina Faso
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Mali
Niger
Palestine
Russia
South Sudan
Syria
Yemen
The 38 countries where the FCDO advises against travel to certain areas
Algeria
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Benin
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Congo
Côte d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Georgia
India
Indonesia
Jordan
Kenya
Lebanon
Libya
Mauritania
Moldova
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nigeria
Pakistan
Philippines
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
Sudan
Togo
Tunisia
Turkey
Ukraine
Venezuela
Western Sahara
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2187570/foreign-office-issues-do-not-travel-wanring-52-countries