Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to China. 

 

Crime

 

Foreigners can be targeted for passports, laptops, mobile phones, purses and handbags. Major tourist sites and areas frequented by foreigners attract thieves and pickpockets. Take extra care at major tourist sites, street markets, Beijing International Airport, major international events and conferences and popular bar areas after dark. If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the nearest police station or Public Security Bureau, who will issue a ‘confirmation of loss’ report. Don’t resist any attempted robbery.

 

Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but incidents do occur. There have been incidents of sexual assault and robbery of foreigners, particularly when travelling alone in a taxi late at night in major cities. Where possible, take an ‘official’ taxi, make sure someone knows where you are and try to take a note of the taxi’s number.

 

There are occasional incidents with taxi and pedicab drivers who insist the passenger misunderstood the fare. Avoid travelling in unmarked or unmetered ‘taxis’ and insist on paying only the meter fare. Ask the driver for a receipt (fapiao), on which the taxi number should be printed. You can take this to the police to lodge a complaint.

 

Counterfeit bank notes (especially RMB100) are increasingly common. They are generally crumpled to avoid detection. Unscrupulous traders may try to switch your genuine bank notes for counterfeits. Check carefully before accepting notes. It is quite normal to do so.

 

Beware of scams particularly in popular tourist areas. A regular example is the ‘tea tasting’ scam. Scams usually involve a foreign national being invited to visit a bar, shop or cafe – for example to practice English or meet a girl - but results in demands for an exorbitant fee, often payable by credit card. This can result in threats of violence or credit card fraud.

 

Don’t trek alone in isolated areas, including those that follow parts of the Great Wall. If you do, leave your itinerary, mobile number and expected time of return at your hotel or with a third party.

 

Areas bordering on Siberia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Laos and Burma are poorly policed. In Yunnan Province, drug smuggling and other crimes are increasing. There is a risk of attack from armed bandits in remote areas.

 

Terrorism

 

There is a general threat from terrorism.

 

This reflects both the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and the possibility of terrorist attacks by groups opposed to the Chinese government. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Recent incidents have targeted railway stations. Be vigilant and take extra care when transiting public transport hubs.

 

Fire precautions 

 

Fire protection standards in Chinese accommodation are not always the same as in the UK. Check fire precautions including access to fire exits.

 

Commercial disputes

 

Commercial disputes in China are rarely handled through the civil law courts. Incidents of British nationals being detained against their will for extorting money or intimidation for other gains have increased. It is rare for violence to be used, but the threat of violence is a recurring theme and can be stressful. You should report any threats of violence to the Chinese police.

 

Anyone entering into a contract in China should take legal advice, both in the United Kingdom and in China. Contracts entered into in the United Kingdom are not always enforced by Chinese courts. If you become the subject of a business and/or civil dispute, the Chinese authorities may prohibit you from leaving China until the matter is resolved. Contract fraud is treated as a crime in China and the defendant may also be placed in custody until the dispute is resolved. For more detailed advice on business risks and commercial disputes, see our guide on commercial disputes in China.

 

Tibet and the Tibet Autonomous Region

 

You will need a permit to travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region. Applications for Tibet Entry Permits can only be made through specialised travel agents based in China and travel can only be undertaken through organised tours. The Chinese authorities sometimes suspend issuing Tibet Entry Permits to foreign nationals, and may also restrict travel to Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures in neighbouring Provinces by those who have already obtained a permit. These restrictions can happen at any time, but in particular during sensitive periods or major religious festivals - especially around February and March, coinciding with the Tibetan new year festival and the anniversary of certain uprisings in Tibet. Travellers to all Tibet areas should check with tour operators or travel agents and monitor this travel advice and other media for information about travel to Tibet.

 

Ongoing political and ethnic tensions can lead to unrest and violent protest in Tibet. While foreigners are not normally targeted during unrest, you should be alert to the possibility of being caught up in any unexpected demonstrations or outbreaks of violence. Security measures are tight around any large public gathering and unauthorised gatherings may be dispersed by force. There have been a large number of self-immolations since 2011, including in Tibetan areas outside of the Tibetan Autonomous Region itself. The Chinese authorities tend to react quickly to these incidents and will increase the security presence in the area. Avoid becoming involved in any protests or calls for Tibetan independence. Don’t film or photograph any such activities.

 

Local authorities will react negatively if you are found carrying letters or packages from Tibetan nationals to be posted in other countries.

 

Photography in Buddhist monasteries requires permission. You will need to pay a fee, which is normally negotiated in advance.

 

Local travel - Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

 

The security situation in Xinjiang remains fragile, and conditions locally can deteriorate rapidly at short notice. On 30 April a bomb and knife attack occurred at Urumqi’s South railway station killing 3 people and injuring 79. There have been several instances of violent unrest in western and southern Xinjiang over the past year. Be vigilant and take extra care when travelling in the region.

 

Whilst outbreaks of ethnic violence remain sporadic and foreigners are not normally targeted during unrest, you should be alert to the possibility of being caught up in any unexpected demonstrations or outbreaks of violence. The Chinese authorities tend to react quickly to these incidents and will increase the security presence in the area. Avoid becoming involved in any protests and avoid large crowds. Don’t film or photograph any such activities or anything of a military nature.

 

Public transport

 

Public transport is popular, inexpensive and widely available, though can be crowded especially at holiday/festival times like Chinese New Year. At busy times, trains and flights are often fully booked weeks in advance.

 

Road travel

 

Visitors and tourists are not allowed to drive in China. Only foreign nationals with a valid residence permit may drive in China. You will have to pass a driving test and get a Chinese driving licence. An International Driving Permit is not sufficient.  You must have valid insurance.

 

There are harsh penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

The poor quality of roads and generally low driving standards lead to many accidents. If you are involved in a serious accident, you may be prevented from leaving the country or detained until the case is resolved. Traffic accidents generally attract a large crowd of bystanders, some of whom may take sides (usually against the foreigner). If you are involved in an accident, call the police.  You should leave vehicles in position until the police arrive. If there are no injuries and damage is minimal, the parties involved often come to an agreement on the spot. It is customary in China that the larger vehicle carries liability. In cases where there are injuries, you may be held liable for medical costs. You will also be held liable if you run over a pedestrian.

 

Sea travel

 

There are areas of disputed territory between China and other countries in the South China sea. There have been attacks of piracy in the South China Sea, most recently in 2009. Mariners should be vigilant and avoid disputed areas.

 

Rail travel

 

Only cash payments are accepted for tickets, including on high speed services. You will need to show your passport to buy a ticket and may need to show it before boarding.

 

Trans-Mongolian express trains (Beijing-Moscow via Ulaanbaatar) are noted for smuggling. Search your compartment and secure the cabin door before departure. Petty theft from overnight trains is also common.

 

Political situation

 

China is a one-party state. Though China is very open to foreign visitors, you should be aware of political and cultural sensitivities in conversation with Chinese people.

 

Territorial disputes between China and neighbouring countries during 2012 have caused high regional tension. There have been a number of anti-Japan demonstrations. These protests have generally taken place outside diplomatic missions, but some have targeted other Japanese interests.

 

Avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. The Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly and you may face arrest, deportation or detention. Foreign journalists have been intimidated, assaulted or detained for trying to report demonstrations. You may also risk becoming a target yourself when general anti-foreign sentiment runs high. Keep yourself informed of developments and follow the advice of the local authorities. During periods of tension, some news reporting, access to text-messaging, the internet and to international telephone lines may be blocked.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Medical care is generally good in major cities, though some hospitals can be very crowded. Outside major cities, the standard of healthcare is variable. Healthcare is not provided free of charge in China and medical bills can be high. Medical evacuation from China is very expensive. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering healthcare for the duration of your stay.

 

The high levels of air pollution in major urban and industrialised areas in China may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. You can check the pollution index levels for many cities on the aqicn.info website.

 

It is not unusual for guests to consume large quantities of strong alcohol served at business dinners in China. On rare occasions this has led to severe illness or even death. Fake alcohol is also sometimes sold in bars; this can be more damaging to the health than genuine products.

 

Tap water in China is generally not safe to drink. You should drink only bottled water.

 

The extreme altitude (over 3,000m) in some mountainous areas of China, including Tibet, parts of Xinjiang-Uighur Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, may cause altitude sickness.

 

The Chinese authorities react quickly to any outbreaks of any infectious disease, including enforcing quarantine for those showing symptoms. There are occasional incidents of influenza transmitted to humans from animals, notably birds and pigs. Outbreaks are usually confined to rural areas and infection is believed to arise from close contact with infected birds or animals. 

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 120 and ask for an ambulance. Ambulances can be slow to arrive and may not have trained responders. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

 

China remains largely a cash economy. Outside major cities, credit cards are not always accepted and the availability of ATMs is limited.

 

Local laws and customs

The Chinese criminal justice system differs greatly from Western Europe. Police have the power to arrest, detain or withhold your passport if you are suspected of a crime. Suspects may be detained for weeks or months before charges are laid or given a travel ban preventing them from leaving China. Courts don’t generally grant foreigners bail. Travel bans can also be imposed on people involved in private or business disputes.

 

Some lawyers may be reluctant to accept cases involving foreigners. Contact your nation's Embassy or Consulate if you experience such difficulties.

 

There are severe penalties in China for drugs offences including the death penalty. A British national was executed in China for a drugs offence in December 2009. Other foreign nationals have been sentenced to death in China for drugs offences since then.

On 1 January 2014, Khat (or Qat) was classified as an illegal drug in China and now carries the same penalties as other illegal drugs.

 

China doesn’t recognise dual nationality. If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, you may not be able to get consular assistance. Any person born in China to a Chinese national parent will be considered by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality. Travellers holding another p anothe who also hold Chinese citizenship may be regarded by the Chinese authorities as a Chinese citizen, even if you travel to China on a foreign  passport. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so.

 

Foreign nationals over 16 years of age must carry their passport with them at all times. Police carry out random checks, especially during periods of heightened security and major sporting or political events. Failure to produce your ID can lead to a fine or detention. If you renew your passport while you’re in China, you must register your new passport with the authorities promptly or face a fine.

 

The Chinese authorities maintain controls on internet access. Websites like Facebook, Youtube and Twitter are blocked. Other websites or e-mail services (especially Google and Gmail) are blocked from time to time.  

 

Gambling is illegal in mainland China.

 

There are restrictions on certain religious activities, including preaching and distributing religious materials. The Falun Gong movement is banned in China.

 

Homosexuality is not illegal although there are no specific laws in place to protect the rights of LGBT people. 

 

Visas

 

EU nationals need a visa to enter mainland China, but not Hong Kong or Macao. For mainland China, you must get a visa prior to arrival, including for Hainan Island. For details of entry requirements to China contact the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in good time before your proposed trip.

 

Check your visa validity carefully. Don’t overstay your visa or work illegally. The authorities conduct regular checks and you may be fined or detained for not complying with the conditions of your visa or work permit. If you remain in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a Residence Permit.

 

Travelling to Hong Kong

 

If you visit Hong Kong from the mainland of China and wish to return to the mainland, you will need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China.

 

Transiting China

 

If you are transiting either Beijing Capital International airport, Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao), Chengdu or Guangzhou and travelling on to a third country, you can enter China visa-free under a 72-hour visa waiver. You must remain in the city municipality (or within Guangdong province in the case of Guangzhou) and have evidence of your onward journey. This policy is applicable to nationals of 45 countries. Check with the Chinese Embassy in London or visa application centre for further details.

 

In all other circumstances, if your stopover requires you to leave the airport terminal you will need a transit visa for both the outward and return journeys. If you’re staying within the airport for up to 24 hours, you don’t need a transit visa.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your visa application. If you have less than 6 months’ validity on your passport, but have a valid visa, you should be able to enter China for the duration of that visa.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Earthquakes

 

China is located in an active seismic zone and can experience major earthquakes. 

 

An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck parts of Xinjiang on 12 February 2014. Take care and follow the advice of the local authorities.

 

To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the  US Federal Emergency Management Agency website

 

Latest tsunami warnings can be found on the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre website

 

Flooding

 

Flooding is common during the wet season (May to November). Large areas of central, southern and western China, particularly those bordering the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) experienced severe flooding in June 2011. Gansu Province experienced major flooding in May 2012. Heavy rains also triggered landslides in Zhejiang and Hubei provinces. In July 2012, Guizhou Province and Beijing were similarly affected. Monitor local weather reports and follow any evacuation orders.

 

Typhoons

 

The typhoon season in China normally runs from May to November, affecting in particular the southern and eastern coastal regions of China. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the Japan Meteorological Agency and the China Meteorological Administration websites.

 

Avoid visiting isolated or rural areas if a typhoon system is forecast. There are sometimes large-scale evacuations, particularly in the coastal regions of southern China. You should follow the advice of the local authorities. Air travel and other forms of transport can be affected. Check with your airline or travel operator for further details and try to keep in touch with family and friends.

 

See the Genvisec's Tropical Cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a typhoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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