Security Briefing: Security Assessment

Normal Travel Precautions

Elevated Risk

High Risk

Normal travel precautions should be sufficient when visiting China. However, Western governments advise you to exercise a high degree of caution if traveling to Tibet Autonomous Region. See High Risk Regions below.

Participating in unauthorized political activities or protests against Chinese policy in China may result in lengthy detentions and may impact your eligibility for future visas to visit China. You should avoid any protests or large gatherings.

Security personnel carefully watch foreign visitors and may place you under surveillance. Personal possessions in hotel rooms, including computers, may be searched without your consent or knowledge.

Earthquakes, flooding, and typhoons are all hazards in China. Monitor local weather reports if you are traveling during the flooding and typhoon season (May to November), and follow evacuation orders.

Cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) type H7N9 were reported in eastern China (including Shanghai), Henan Province and Beijing in March - April 2013.

Air pollution is a significant problem in many cities and regions in China. Pollutants such as particle pollution and ozone are linked to a number of significant health effects, and those effects are likely to be more severe for sensitive populations, including people with heart or lung disease, children, and older adults.

Petty theft remains the most prevalent type of crime encountered. Pickpockets target tourists at sightseeing destinations, airports, crowded subways, markets, and stores.

Border regions can be dangerous as they are poorly policed. Be cautious when traveling along the border with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) as you are subject to North Korean law if you cross the border into North Korea, even inadvertently.

In Yunnan Province, drug smuggling and other crimes are increasing. There is a risk of attack from armed bandits in remote areas.

Driving in China can be dangerous. Pedestrians should be especially cautious, as the right of way goes to motorized vehicles. Traffic is chaotic and traffic laws are rarely enforced.

High-Risk Regions

Do not travel to Tibet unless you have the appropriate permits from the Chinese authorities.

Ethnic tensions in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region also make travel to that area quite risky.

Primary Sources: The US Department of State's "International Travel" website (travel.state.gov/travel/), the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's "Smartraveller" website (www.smartraveller.gov.au), and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's "Foreign Travel Advice" website (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/)