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Emergency Messages

New Hong Kong Rules on Electronic Devices

4/8/26

As of March 23, 2026, Hong Kong has updated how its National Security Law is enforced, giving authorities broader powers over personal electronic devices. It is now a criminal offense to refuse to give the Hong Kong police passwords or decryption assistance to access all personal electronic devices, including cell phones and laptops. These rules apply to everyone, including U.S. citizens, and even travelers passing through Hong Kong International Airport. For more information, refer to this  posted by the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau. 

  
+852 2841-2211 
+852 2523-9011 (after hours) 
ACSHK@state.gov 


Evacuation Coverage Suspended in Several Countries

3/6/26

Â鶹´«Ã½’s evacuation assistance provider has suspended coverage for the following countries until further notice: Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel and Palestine, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen. Community members (students, staff and faculty) are advised to postpone travel until this suspension is lifted. 

Travel to the Middle East and Gulf Nations

3/2/26

As of March 2, travel to the Middle East and Gulf Nations should be postponed until further notice due to widespread unrest and airport closures. Additionally, given the ongoing uncertainty and rapidly evolving conditions, Crisis24—Â鶹´«Ã½’s security assistance provider—has indicated that any upcoming travel to the region will not be eligible for coverage under the PEND (Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation) service until stability is restored. Â鶹´«Ã½ is in touch with the small number of students in the affected region and is providing services and support.


Expanded Travel Restrictions

12/19/25

On December 16, 2025, the  expanded the list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the country to include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. Citizens from 15 more countries face partial restrictions: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Exemptions apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories (such as athletes and diplomats) and “individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.” Â鶹´«Ã½ travelers from or transiting through affected countries should follow official sources such as the U.S Department of State’ s  and monitor Â鶹´«Ã½’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)’s Newsletters and Updates.