After terrorist attacks, officials warn travelers to avoid “non-essential” trips to Paris and Ile de France area

The warning alert is a moderate one, the lowest of three risk degrees and is also the first to be issued in the last seven years. Even if China registered no casualties in the terrifying acts last week, the government urged Hongkongers to exercise caution to personal safety and pay attention to the French authorities announcements and updates.

Despite deadly attacks in Paris, flight schedules of airlines' services between Paris and Hong Kong will remain unaffected and tour group trips will continue to operate.

Regarding this matter, Joseph Tung Yao-chung, Travel Industry Council executive director, added that any Hong Kong residents who have already planned visits in the French capital can re-schedule their trips if desired. Chinese travel companies will not cancel trips to France, unless the government issues a travel alert.

The Security Bureau stated about travelers' security in the area: "Residents who plan to visit France or are already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid traveling to places of large gatherings of people and pay attention to advice of the local authorities. Hong Kong residents should avoid non-essential travel to Paris and the Ile de France area."

Kuoni Travel, Hong Thai Travel Services and Miramar Travel are for the moment fully operational for France tours. Cathay Pacific Airways, which operates frequent flights to Charles de Gaulle airport, also still operates, according to standard procedure for security or disaster events. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the city of Paris. Flights between HK & Paris remain normal", the company tweeted.

Air France announced that will keep its normal flight schedule between Hong Kong and Paris, with extra security checks for all passengers.

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying condemned the killings and expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. "While the level of terrorist threat in Hong Kong remains moderate, the Government will stay vigilant and well prepared to protect the lives and property of our public in view of the fast-changing international and regional security landscapes", he added.

Hong Kong residents in need of assistance while traveling to France can call the 24-hour Immigration Department hot-line of AHU at +(852) 1868 or contact the Chinese Embassy at consular protection hot-line: +(33) 615742537.