US consulate in Hong Kong to continue services despite government shutdown

The US consulate in Hong Kong has said it will continue its passport and visa services in the city despite a funding freeze across the US government that shut down most of the country’s federal operations.

But the consulate said on Wednesday its website updates would remain “limited” until full operations resumed, while its Instagram and Facebook accounts would not be updated regularly.

“We will not update this account until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information,” a spokesman wrote on Instagram.

The announcement came as the United States federal government shut down at 12.01pm (Hong Kong time) on Wednesday, which was just after midnight in Washington, due to the failure of congressional members to pass a funding bill.

A consulate spokeswoman said passport and visa services would continue, including new appointments.

“Consular operations domestically and abroad will remain operational,” she said. “This includes passports, visas and assisting US citizens abroad.”