The outbound travel alert system which aims to help Hong Kong residents better understand the risks to their personal safety in travelling overseas came into effect today.

The Security Bureau said the system, using amber, red and black to differentiate between different levels of risk, will cover 60 countries which are the more popular travel destinations for Hong Kong people.

An amber alert will be issued to remind people to exercise caution when there are signs of threat in a place that may affect personal safety. Amber alers have been issued for Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand and Turkey.

A red alert means there is a significant threat, and travellers should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to the place. When there is a severe threat, a black alert will be issued and people are urged to avoid all travel to that place. No red or black alert is now in force.

"Outbound travel is a personal decision, but the Government encourages Hong Kong residents to make reference to the system before firming up their travel plans," the bureau added.

People may refer to the databases compiled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the National Tourism Administration, or by foreign authorities such as the Australian, British and Canadian governments to check the travel risk for places other than the 60 covered by the system.

Click here to access the system website which also provides hyperlinks to other relevant websites.