China Is Keeping a Closer Eye on Citizens Traveling to Hong Kong
- Multiple cities now require in-person applications to travel
- Beijing already tightly controls information on protests
Demonstrators sit in the arrival hall at Hong Kong International Airport on Aug. 14.
Photographer: Paul Yeung/BloombergChina is taking steps to insulate the mainland from the dramatic protests that have gripped Hong Kong. On top of tightly controlling local media coverage of the demonstrations, authorities this month started keeping closer tabs on citizens who travel there.
Cities across the country barred travel agents and couriers from helping individuals apply for the permits that Chinese citizens need to travel to Hong Kong. People now have to appear in person so their identities can be verified. At least seven cities or counties, including Beijing and Shanghai, said in online notices or through their customs offices that the changes have been implemented from as early as August 1.