dangerous to travel to china

Is China Safe to Visit? — 2024 Traveler Safety Information

Generally speaking, China is a safe country to travel around, and most people you meet are friendly, honest, and trustworthy.

However, China is far from immune to crime, the weather can affect travel plans, there are some health risks that may be new to you, and accidents do happen.

China Travel General Information

China is conditionally open and can be visited. Cross-province tours are allowed in China (except for areas with medium or high risk).

For more information, please see China Travel Reopening: Live Updates on Restrictions.

Here is a simple table for a quick look at what you need to visit some of China's top destinations. This is for reference only. Feel free to contact us for more specific requirements.

Is China Safe NOW?

The big news in the past two years is COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic. Although China has now contained the outbreak well within its borders, there is the underlying risk of a resurgence, especially from imported infections. For this reason, there are many travel restrictions at present, and many preventative measures are policy in China. See section 5 below.

Recent natural disasters have been increasingly well managed and have caused no loss of life to foreign tourists. Warning systems and amelioration are constantly improving with China's heavy infrastructure investment. Similarly, there have been very few outbreaks of bird flu and swine flu in humans in recent years. These have been minor, contained, and all over now.

Expat travel is currently possible in China, but quarantine requirements make foreign inbound tourism impractical. Here is a recent example of the start of the tourism recovery in China...

An Encouraging Story: Guide's First Foreign Tourist in 4 Months

May 17th 2020 was a normal day to most people, but it was an unusual day for our tour guide Gerry, who has been working as an English-speaking tour guide in Hangzhou for years. That day, he served his first international guest since the outbreak of novel coronavirus in January 2020.

This was also a notable day to many people in the tourism business. After nearly four months of waiting, finally we have ushered in the dawn of post-COVID-19 tourism.

Below is some of tour guide Gerry's diary entry (translated and paraphrased):

After a brief introduction, we drove to Meijiawu Tea Village, where we did a half-day adaption of China Highlights' One-Day Dragon Well Tea Culture & West Lake Tour.

This itinerary couldn't be more common when compared to any before the epidemic. However, at such a special stage in China's tourism recovery, when everyone in the domestic tourism business is facing a huge challenge, today's work was so meaningful! It indicates that the sun is coming out after the storm!"

1. The Largest Safety Risks in China

The most likely causes of harm to you as a tourist in China come from more mundane causes: pre-existing health issues (from high blood pressure to allergies), road traffic accidents, accidents during other tourist activities, or getting ill through poor hygiene or not keeping warm/cool enough and well-hydrated.

Road Traffic Accidents

China is ranked around 90 in the world for road death, better than most developing countries, similar to India, and less than 20% worse than the United States. You are far safer statistically traveling with China Highlights private transport

Tourism Related Accidents

While touring follow your guide's advice and safety instructions. Though many of China's attractions, thoroughfares, and facilities are well-designed and risk-ameliorated, being a developing country there are still probably more dangers than in your home country. Watch where you tread. Take care against slips, trips, and falls. Mind your head, and be careful of sharp protrusions, loose objects, wires, etc.

More dangerous activities like rock-climbing, swimming, white-water rafting, mountaineering, etc. are done at your own risk. Make sure your travel insurance covers what you plan to do.

China Travel Insurance: To be on the safe side, we are affiliated with some of the best online travel insurance companies selling insurance for your China vacation.

Health Issues

The main risks to your health are ordinary things like eating something you shouldn't, inadequate clothing for the conditions (see our weather pages for the month/destinations you will be traveling in for what to bring), overexertion, and exposure to infection. (Also altitude sickness in areas over 2,500 meters, mainly applicable to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.)

Come prepared and take precautions. Remember to take any medicines you need.

This is no more important than in the current coronavirus situation.

2. Crime in China

By and large, China is a relatively low crime country, but petty crime is still an issue and tourists are particularly vulnerable. A basic knowledge of potential risks and common scams is useful to help you have a smooth and safe trip in China.

• Take precautions and use common sense, particularly around the tourist areas and in crowded places like markets.
• Be particularly careful at night. At all times try to stick to busy, well-lit places.
• Make sure that you take notice of advice from our local guides. If they tell you an area is unsafe, do not go there.

Theft in China

• Wallets, mobile phones, cameras, jewelry and laptops are tempting targets for thieves.
• Try not to carry large amounts of money or obvious symbols of wealth, and keep your wallet or purse out of sight (back pockets are a big no-no). Do not flash a wallet around when paying for purchases and carry some loose change for beggars.
• Pickpockets tend to operate in crowded areas, for example on public buses, on trains, at city center bus stops and big shopping streets, so you are advised to keep a watch of your belongings when in busy and crowded places.
• Don't get caught in a crowd with lots of valuables dangling from you: camera, purse, backpack, etc. You can't keep an eye on everything.
• Purse snatching is a risk. Keep valuables close to your person.
• When you get up from taxis, buses, trains, etc, check nothing has fallen out of your pockets. It may not be there five minutes later if you come back for it.
• If you fall asleep on transport, beware people leaning over or reaching round you to get at your possessions. Put your valuables well inside your bag, so that they are not accessible by someone quickly opening a zip, or reaching into a pocket.

Keep Your Valuables Safe

• Make sure that you protect your passport, tickets, visa documents, etc. by carrying them on your person, preferably underneath clothing in a pouch or money belt.
• Never leave valuables lying around your hotel room or in your car. Use a safe deposit at your hotel.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and other vital documents separately.

Be aware that local laws and penalties, even those which may seem harsh by your home country's standards, do apply to you. For example, there are strictly enforced laws that prohibit demonstrations unless they have prior approval from the government. Penalties for drug offenses are severe, and include the death penalty, as do certain other serious crimes.

As China celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and continues to feel the trade war with the United States, officials have tightened up their enforcement of visa laws. It is important to keep your visa up-to-date and stay within the visa guidelines. Immigration officials have become much more vigilant about foreigners overstaying their visas or working in China while under a tourist visa. However, workers are still welcome in China as long as they stay on the right visa, and tourists are still warmly welcomed by the government.

When Lost or in Difficulty

The police in China are generally very friendly, though they speak very little English except in Beijing, Shanghai or Shenzhen, where some police can generally speak simple fluent English. If you are lost then ask for directions as they will usually be happy to help.

For better communications, simple notes with common expressions both in Chinese and English are recommended. Also carry a card with your hotel's name and address in Chinese.

3. Natural Disasters and Adverse Weather

If a natural disaster occurs you should follow the advice of the local authorities.

Flooding and Landslides

The rainy season occurs between April and September. Rural areas near the Yangtze River, the Li, and other rivers may be subject to flooding during their respective rainy seasons, and this may affect tourist activities on or near rivers.

Landslides are more likely to happen in the monsoon season in China's mountainous areas, like Yunnan and Sichuan provinces and Tibet. They may block access in the summer, but equally snow and meltwater may cause problems in the winter and spring.

Earthquakes

Sichuan Province has experienced several sizable earthquakes in recent years. The 2013 quake caused some disruption to tourism around the Panda Research Base and Leshan, but no tourists were injured. The 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake devasted the area, stopped tourism for 2 years, and killed at least 8 tourists. Other quakes in remote areas haven't affected tourism.

Typhoons can occur during the wet season, usually from June to August, along the southern and eastern coasts. You should monitor weather reports if traveling in affected areas.

4. Other Possible Concerns

Travel in hong kong.

Recently, protests have sprung up in Hong Kong and have made international news. While these protests show no sign of ending soon and have disrupted Hong Kong local government, there is no indication that these protests or Hong Kong police response to them poses any threat to international visitors to Hong Kong. Caution should be exercised when traveling in Hong Kong, especially near areas of protest action, but Hong Kong remains relatively safe to the international traveler.

One final issue that have also arisen in the news media recently are the exit bans imposed by the Chinese government. Exit bans are used to restrict travel outside China and keep foreigners and Chinese nationals from leaving the country. As the US/China trade war continues, these are being used more frequently on international business travelers from the United States. However, the vast majority of exit bans are used on Chinese citizens trying to leave China, and not on American or other foreign travelers.

Again, China still encourages international tourists to come, and there have been no documented cases of an exit ban being used on an international traveler with a tourist visa.

5. COVID-19 Policy for Travelers

• To enter hotels and tourist attractions, you will need to show an ID card or passport with your Health Code (you will need to register on the Alipay health monitoring app, which only takes a few minutes).
• Double check which hotels can accept foreigners before you book (fewer can during the outbreak).
• All inbound visitors (including from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau) must be quarantined in specific places.
• If coming from "high-risk areas", you have to provide a nucleic acid test certificate and/or blood test certificatedated within 7 days. You can check with us if you want to learn more details about high-risk areas and testing.

Though more and more tourist attractions are reopening, there are strict safety procedures and requirements. If you are already in China and want to travel, our professional travel consultants are always ready to help!

With China Highlights Your Are in Safe Hands

With our on-the-ground long-term local experience, we can help you to have a trouble-free trip, from the moment you get through customs on your arrival, to the point where you go through customs to leave again after a pleasant time here packed with wonderful memories.

With our fully-customizable services, we can offer you as much — or as little — help as you need in making your arrangements to your own specifications. Why not contact us and see what we can do for you?

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US recommends Americans reconsider traveling to China due to arbitrary law enforcement and exit bans

Travelers walk along a concourse at Beijing West Railway Station in Beijing, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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BEIJING (AP) — The U.S. recommended Americans reconsider traveling to China because of arbitrary law enforcement and exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.

No specific cases were cited, but the advisory came after a 78-year-old U.S. citizen was sentenced to life in prison on spying charges in May.

It also followed the passage last week of a sweeping Foreign Relations Law that threatens countermeasures against those seen as harming China’s interests.

China also recently passed a broadly written counterespionage law that has sent a chill through the foreign business community, with offices being raided, as well as a law to sanction foreign critics.

“The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law,” the U.S. advisory said.

“U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime,” it warned.

The advisory also said that Chinese authorities “appear to have broad discretion to deem a wide range of documents, data, statistics, or materials as state secrets and to detain and prosecute foreign nationals for alleged espionage.”

It listed a wide range of potential offenses from taking part in demonstrations to sending electronic messages critical of Chinese policies or even simply conducting research into areas deemed sensitive.

Exit bans could be used to compel individuals to participate in Chinese government investigations, pressure family members to return from abroad, resolve civil disputes in favor of Chinese citizens and “gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments,” the advisory said.

Similar advisories were issued for the semi-autonomous Chinese regions of Hong Kong and Macao. They were dated Friday and emailed to journalists on Monday.

The U.S. had issued similar advisories to its citizens in the past, but those in recent years had mainly warned of the dangers of being caught in strict and lengthy lockdowns while China closed its borders for three years under its draconian “zero-COVID” policy.

China generally responds angrily to what it considers U.S. efforts to impugn its authoritarian Communist Party-led system. It has issued its own travel advisories concerning the U.S., warning of the dangers of crime, anti-Asian discrimination and the high cost of emergency medical assistance.

China had no immediate response to the travel advisory on Monday.

Details of the accusations against the accused spy John Shing-Wan Leung are not available, given China’s authoritarian political system and the ruling Communist Party’s absolute control over legal matters. Leung, who also holds permanent residency in Hong Kong, was detained in the southeastern city of Suzhou on April 15, 2021 — a time when China had closed its borders and tightly restricted movement of people domestically to control the spread of COVID-19.

The warnings come as U.S.-China relations are at their lowest in years , over trade, technology, Taiwan and human rights, although the sides are taking some steps to improve the situation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a long-delayed visit to Beijing last week and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is making a much-anticipated trip to Beijing this week. China also recently appointed a new ambassador to Washington, who presented his credentials in a meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House.

Other incidents, however, have also pointed to the testiness in the relationship. China formally protested last month after Biden called Chinese leader Xi Jinping a “dictator,” days after Blinken’s visit.

Biden brushed off the protest, saying his words would have no negative impact on U.S.-China relations and that he still expects to meet with Xi sometime soon. Biden has also drawn rebukes from Beijing by explicitly saying the U.S. would defend self-governing Taiwan if China, which claims the island as its own territory, were to attack it.

Biden said his blunt statements regarding China are “just not something I’m going to change very much.”

The administration is also under pressure from both parties to take a tough line on China, making it one of the few issues on which most Democrats and Republicans agree.

Along with several detained Americans, Two Chinese-Australians, Cheng Lei, who formerly worked for China’s state broadcaster, and writer Yang Jun, have been held since 2020 and 2019 respectively without word on their sentencing.

Perhaps the most notorious case of arbitrary detention involved two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who were detained in China in 2018, shortly after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei Technologies’ chief financial officer and the daughter of the tech powerhouse’s founder, on a U.S. extradition request.

They were charged with national security crimes that were never explained and released three years later after the U.S. settled fraud charges against Meng. Many countries labeled China’s action “hostage politics.”

US considers easing warnings for Americans traveling to China

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What the Changes to China's Travel Advisory Really Mean

By Katherine LaGrave

On Thursday, the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory to China , urging Americans to “exercise increased caution in China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws as well as special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese nationals." Specifically, the advisory references “exit bans,” which Chinese authorities use to bar a person from leaving the country. The travel advisory is actually nothing new—in fact, it's a renewal of a similar warning issued on January 22 of last year, reports The New York Times . But why has it been updated, and what does this mean for travelers? We dive in.

First things first: How does this affect my travel to the country?

It shouldn't, really, though you'll want to take more precautions where suggested. The level of the advisory hasn't changed, just the details in it. As always, take steps to prepare for your trip by reading up on your destination and filling out a traveler checklist before you take off.

You mentioned a "level" of travel advisory. So, what is China's?

For a year, it's been at a Level 2 out of 4, which states travelers should "exercise increased caution" when in the country. For perspective, the U.S. has also given Level 2 warnings to the United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands, citing the risk of terrorism for those rankings. Antarctica even has a Level 2 "due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather." China's Level 2, meanwhile, stems from fears that it may arbitrarily enforce local laws and detain U.S. citizens—more on that later.

The next, more serious warnings, are Level 3 (which suggests U.S. citizens "Reconsider travel" to the country) and Level 4, which stipulates "Do not travel." (Note: China's updated travel advisory does not apply to the autonomous territory of Hong Kong , which has a Level 1 warning , suggesting travelers "exercise normal precautions.") You can read more about the travel advisory system here .

What do travel specialists say about this?

"I read the travel advisory in detail, and don’t think it’s anything for our guests to worry about," says WildChina founder and CEO Mei Zhang. "First of all, we have not heard a single case of trouble exiting China among all WildChina clients, as well as clients of my counterparts in the travel trade. Secondly, the travel warning seems to be specifically targeting those with deep business and political ties with China."

I'd like to know more about what's changed in the travel advisory. What can you tell me?

The travel advisory now notes that exit bans are used "to lure individuals back to China from abroad," something that was not mentioned when the warning was issued in 2018, reports CNBC . (This appears to reference the case of an American family barred from leaving China because of their ties to a businessman accused of participation in a fraud case; more information can be found here .) The advisory also follows high-profile December cases in which two Canadian businessmen, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, were detained for unspecified reasons, reports Reuters . Both Kovrig and Spavor remain in detention in China and are awaiting trial, with the U.S. and Canada calling for their release .

The updated advisory also warns of increased police presence in certain regions, stating, "Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence, are common in the Xinjiang Uighur and Tibet Autonomous Regions. Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice." The Xinjiang Uighur region in northwest China is home to the Turkic-speaking Muslim Uighur minority, and though they disputed an August 2018 report from the UN that they were holding people in counter-extremism centers, China has acknowledged that it has resettled some of its "religious extremist" Uighurs, reports the BBC . And in April 2018, the U.S. State Department noted China's “severe” repression in Tibet, including arbitrary detention, censorship, and travel restrictions, reports Bloomberg .

You can read the full travel advisory here .

What does China say about all of this?

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Friday that the advisory “cannot stand up to scrutiny,” telling the Associated Press that 2.3 million Americans visited China between January and November 2018. “I think this figure speaks volumes for the security condition in China,” Lu said.

Lu did not comment on the detainees in China, but in December, said regarding Kovrig and Spavor, “I can tell you that their legitimate rights and interests have been safeguarded," reports the Washington Post .

I have a trip to China planned. How should I prepare?

According to the State Department, you should:

• Enter China on your U.S. passport with a valid Chinese visa and keep it with you.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulate immediately. ( Here's the page for the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and for the U.S. consulate in Shanghai .)
• If you plan to enter North Korea, read the North Korea travel advisory . (For reference, North Korea's travel advisory is at a Level 4—"Do not travel.")
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. (We've got a handy guide to signing up here .)
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter . Follow the U.S. Embassy on Twitter , WeChat , and Weibo .
• Before and during travel, review and stay up to date on the the Crime and Safety Reports for China.
• Have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

This is a developing story. Please continue to check back for more information.

With additional reporting by Bridget Hallinan.

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Is it safe to travel to China?

China is generally a safe country to travel to, as long as you know where you’re going and stay alert. China is visited by travellers from all around the world, and is of no danger to any person who understands local cultures and obeys local laws.

In saying this, China’s government does keep quite a tight lid on foreign influences, such as websites and news coverage, with internet censorship and public surveillance a common occurrence all over the country. Demonstrations and protests are prohibited in public places in China, and if you find yourself in one, or you take a photo or video of the event, this could land you in trouble.

Here are few other things to take note of when visiting China.

For the most part, China is a safe place to visit, and crowds in public places should not cause any worry. Of course, small risks are still present, including petty theft and pickpocketing in tourist areas, as well as at train stations and on sleeper buses and trains. As you have to carry your passport to purchase many things in China (SIM cards, train tickets, etc), be super vigilant, and always have photocopies and/or digital copies.

If you do find yourself haggling and bargaining in markets, be sure you have correct change and keep confident when negotiating with the stall holder. Paying for unmarked or unpriced goods may get you caught paying a whole load more, and if you’re not equipped with any Chinese phrases to use in the transaction, the language barrier will work against you.

Other scams you might encounter include being invited into a local’s home for a tea ceremony, and at the end, presenting you with an inflated bill of around RMB 1000 (USD 156). Always go with a reputable provider, or agree on a price beforehand.

As with many Asian countries, crossing the road safely does pose a higher risk than usual due to lax road rules, especially in smaller cities with less traffic lights. Even if you are crossing on a green pedestrian light, ensure you look both ways and cross safely, as there have been instances of tourists being seriously injured by late-coming vehicles.

Taxis are something to be wary of, too. When arriving in a city, always hail a taxi from the marked taxi rank and ensure the meter is on. Some taxis do not have seatbelts and are notoriously manic drivers, so if you do feel uncomfortable, request one with belts.

China has had widespread problems with environmental deterioration for years with the rise of industry. Air pollution is a problem in major cities around the country, so keep an eye out for air quality indexes each day, especially in hotter seasons, and if air quality is poor, limit your outdoor sightseeing.

Typhoons and monsoons are quite common around China, particularly in the south and southeast coastal areas between April and October. Low-lying areas around the Yangzi and Li rivers are also prone to flooding during this time. If you are travelling around then, keep constantly updated with weather forecasts.

Exercise normal safety precautions if you are visiting as a solo or female traveller. Stay to well-lit areas at night, keep your valuables (especially your passport) safe and travel in groups if you can.

• Keep your valuables safe in crowded places and on public transport
• Be extra careful when crossing the road, even on a green light
• Have your accommodation address written down in Chinese, and carry it with you at all times
• Do not get involved or go near protests or demonstrations of any kind

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

China travel advice

Latest updates: Health – Travel health notice for mpox removed.

Last updated: April 16, 2024 10:27 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, china - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

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Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Local authorities have put in place invasive security measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Chinese authorities are increasingly detaining ethnic and Muslim minorities in the region without due process. There are reports of extrajudicial internment and forced labour camps. Family members of Canadian citizens with Chinese citizenship have been detained. You may be at risk of arbitrary detention if you have familial or ethnic ties to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

The situation in the region is tense and accurate information is hard to obtain. Authorities may impose curfews and restrictions on short notice.

• Avoid gatherings and demonstrations
• Always carry ID
• Expect a heightened security presence and frequent security checks
• Expect significant travel delays
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Tibet and Tibetan autonomous prefectures

You must obtain a permit and be taking part in an organized tour to travel to Tibet. Chinese authorities occasionally suspend issuing permits to foreigners and can arbitrarily deny tourist entry to certain districts and communes of the Tibetan autonomous prefectures in Sichuan and Qinghai, despite not having proactively published notification of these changes. If you enter a restricted area without the requisite permit, you could be fined, taken into custody, and deported for illegal entry.  Local authorities may also impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice, even if you have a permit.

Where possible, make full payment for travel conditional upon a travel permit being secured while noting that changes in Tibet's security situation can affect travel and related government policies at any time.

In these regions, expect:

• increased security measures and police presence
• surveillance measures
• that unauthorised gatherings may be dispersed by force
• that some places of worship or cultural sites of interest may be off-limits to foreigners

If you travel to these regions despite the risks:

• contact a reputable travel agency and the Chinese Embassy or a consulate before you leave to learn about entry requirements 
• be aware of your surroundings
• exercise caution due to increased scrutiny on foreigners
• follow the instructions of security forces if you are stopped
• if you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the Canadian Embassy or the nearest consulate immediately
• don’t film or photograph unauthorised gatherings or outbreaks of violence

Our ability to provide consular support in the Tibet Autonomous Region is limited.

Check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to know about the specific entry requirements for Tibet and other restricted areas.

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of mobile phones and other electronic devices occurs, even during the day. Criminals target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

• Be vigilant in all crowded locations
• Don’t carry large sums of money
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Petty crime and sexual harassment can occur on buses and overnight trains.

• Ensure that the train compartment contains packages belonging only to you and other occupants
• Store personal belongings in a safe place, and don’t leave the compartment unattended
• You should securely lock the doors

Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but incidents do occur.

There is a risk of armed bandit attacks in remote parts of China.

Police presence may be poor around border areas.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Counterfeit currency

Counterfeit currency is a significant problem in China. Counterfeit bills are widely distributed in local stores, restaurants and taxis. If you use cash, avoid moneychangers on the street and use small bills or exact change.

Exercise caution in popular tourist areas (particularly in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and Shanghai’s the Bund, East Nanjing Road and People’s Square), where scammers target foreigners.

Scammers may invite you to a nearby establishment for a drink (usually tea or alcohol), a massage or other services. They will then ask you to pay an exorbitant bill (up to thousands of dollars), sometimes under threat of injury. In some cases, foreigners were harmed.

Be cautious of unsolicited requests from strangers to “practice English” or to accompany them to an art gallery, teahouse or an unknown location.

If you’ve been scammed:

• get to a safe location immediately
• take note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; this information is required by police to identify the persons involved and issue a report
• notify the police and obtain a report
• call your credit card company to report the scam; they will likely request a copy of the police report to cancel the transaction

Telephone scams

Foreigners have received calls from scammers claiming to be the police. The caller says that local authorities are investigating them for identity theft or money-laundering operation and requests a fund transfer to resolve the issue.

Don’t send any money in this type of situation.

Since most Chinese use their mobile device as payment method, digital and mobile phone scams are a common issue. You should be vigilant if you use your smartphone to scan, transfer funds or make payments.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Internet censorship and cyber security

China blocks access to several websites, social media, search engines and online services within its territory.

You shouldn’t expect internet privacy. Your communications may be monitored at any time, and authorities may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices.

Cyber security while travelling.

Journalism and research

Foreign journalists and other media workers in China face considerable restrictions in the context of their work. The Chinese government may employ measures such as:

• movement controls
• physical and electronic surveillance
• public smear campaigns
• delaying or refusing renewals of press cards and visas
• intimidation and harassment.

There are cases of foreign journalist arrests on national security violations.

You should be particularly vigilant if researching or reporting on subjects critical of or sensitive to the government and in areas such as Tibet or Xinjiang.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are illegal without prior approval from the Chinese government. Authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists.

If you participate in or are witness to a demonstration, you may be subject to scrutiny and severe legal action. Foreign journalists have experienced intimidation and detention for reporting on demonstrations.

The security situation around large gatherings could change quickly. Be vigilant about your safety.

You should be particularly vigilant in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

• Don’t film or take pictures of demonstrations
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Drivers often don’t respect the rules of the road, and traffic laws are not consistently enforced.

Be cautious when crossing streets, as drivers don’t always give pedestrians and cyclists the right of way.

Public transportation

China has an extensive passenger train system, including high-speed trains. You must present a passport to purchase a ticket and to board the train.

Taxis are available in major cities and are easier to obtain at hotels or taxi stands. Self-drive (rental), chauffeur-driven cars and ride-sharing services are also available in major cities.

Most taxi drivers don’t speak English nor French and will sometimes avoid picking up foreigners to avoid the inconvenience of clients who don’t speak Chinese. You should arrange for a person to write out your destination in Chinese characters before you go.

Taxi, motorcycle and pedicab drivers sometimes overcharge clients, especially at airports. They may also attempt to give you counterfeit currency.

To minimize the risk of being overcharged:

• use only reputable taxis
• avoid unlicensed “black taxis”
• do not agree to multiple passengers
• negotiate fares before entering the taxi, and/or request that the taxi driver use the meter
• request that the driver provides you with a receipt or “fapiao”
• request that the driver removes your luggage from the trunk before paying the fare

Marine transportation

Ferry accidents have occurred in China.

• Exercise caution when using marine transportation
• Always use available safety equipment, such as life jackets and seatbelts
• Don’t board ferries that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

If you intend on engaging in trekking activities:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, and in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Tensions on Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice, and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly.

Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border.

Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that you register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists.If you participate in or are witness to a demonstration, you may be subject to scrutiny and severe legal action. Foreign journalists have also been intimidated and detained for reporting on demonstrations.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Chinese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry into China.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required  Student visa: required  Working visa: required

Ensure that you apply for the proper type of visa for the specific purpose of your trip.

Thoroughly review all information available regarding the visa-issuance process.

Pay particular attention to the length of stay permitted after each entry on your Chinese visa. Overstaying can lead to fines and administrative detention.

Transit without visa and visa-free stays

While you may be eligible for a visa on arrival, there is no guarantee that it will be granted. You should obtain a visa before travelling to China.

You may be eligible for a visa on arrival if you are:

• transiting between two international destinations
• visiting certain areas for short periods
• visiting certain areas as part of an organized tour or travelling in a group

Contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular office for more information on visa exemptions.

Visa application outside of Canada

If you apply for a visa outside of Canada, check with the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you to make sure that it issues visas to Canadians.

If you are already travelling or living in China, contact the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) for visa information.

Visiting Hong Kong and Macao

Obtain a visa allowing multiple entries if you plan to travel between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China.

Applying for visas for mainland China in Hong Kong - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong

Proof of onward travel

Be prepared to show proof of onward travel, including all of the documents you need to enter your next destination.

Fingerprints

Chinese immigration officials will take and retain the fingerprints of Canadians between 14 and 70 years old upon their entry into the country. Some exceptions may apply.

Screening of digital devices

Border officials may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices, particularly at border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Residency registration

All foreigners (tourists, visitors and long-term residents) must register their place of residence with the local public security bureau within 24 hours of arrival.

If you’re staying in a hotel, registration is normally done as part of the check-in process. Those staying with family or friends in a private home must register themselves. Failure to do so can result in fines and or detention. Carry proof of your registration.

Foreigners holding Z, X or J-1 visas must also apply for a residence permit, within 30 days of entry, from the Exit and Entry Department of the local public security bureau.

Health entry requirements

Medical tests, including a test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, might be required to register and renew residency permits for stays of more than 6 months. Local authorities may not approve your work/residence permit application if you obtain an HIV-positive test result. You may also be subject to termination of employment and deportation.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Chinese authorities may place an exit ban on specific individuals to prevent them from leaving the country. An exit ban can relate to investigations into an individual, their family or an employer, and in criminal and civil matters, including business disputes.

You may not be aware that authorities have placed an exit ban on you until you try to leave the country. It is difficult to obtain information on bans from Chinese authorities.

If you’re unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Avian influenza - 20 December, 2023
• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical care is widely available in urban areas but not in remote areas. Ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment. Medical care in clinics offering international standard services to foreigners is much more expensive. Payment is expected at the time of service.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Altitude sickness

Tibet, Qinghai, western Sichuan and parts of Xinjiang are situated at altitudes exceeding 3,000 metres. Acute mountain sickness may occur at high altitudes.

Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Criminal proceedings

If you are suspected of a crime, Chinese authorities can prevent you from leaving China (by withholding your passport or applying an exit ban) or may detain you for up to 37 days without charges.

Detention during the investigative period before charges are laid is common and can be lengthy. Some defence lawyers may be reluctant to accept cases involving foreigners.

Consult a Canadian government office in China if you experience such difficulty.

Consult our Arrest and detention page and our Overview of the criminal law system in China for more information.

Death penalty

Chinese authorities apply, sometimes arbitrarily, the death penalty for both violent and non-violent crimes, including for serious drug offences.

Penalties for possession, use, production or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, jail sentences or the death penalty. These laws are strictly enforced and apply to persons 14 years and older. Penalties can be assigned arbitrarily.

Local authorities conduct random drug tests (urine or hair). Police have raided nightclubs and bars and subjected patrons to on-the-spot drug testing.

Based on positive drug test results, authorities can prosecute drugs crimes regardless of where or when drugs were consumed. This applies to drugs consumed legally in a foreign country before entering China.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Police carry out random checks, and failure to produce proper identification could potentially lead to fines or detention.

• Carry adequate identification, such as a passport and valid visa or residence permit, at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of its loss or seizure

If your passport is lost or stolen, visit the nearest police station or Public Security Bureau to report the incident and obtain information on the visa replacement process.

If you renew your passport while you are in China, you must register your new passport with the authorities promptly. If you fail to do so, you may be fined.

National security, social order, and public interest

Chinese authorities may define certain behaviours and activities as “endangering national security,” upsetting social order, or damaging the public interest, that would not be considered as such in Canada. This could include activities that occurred outside of China. National security, and "state secrets", are broadly defined and interpreted. "State secrets" could be interpreted to include documents, data, materials, or other items. If you are suspected of endangering national security, upsetting social order, or damaging the public interest you will be subject to questioning.

Chinese authorities may detain you for up to 6 months before you are formally arrested. Note that access to legal representation is frequently denied in the initial stages of a national security case, and trials often take place in closed court.

If you are detained, you should immediately request access to a lawyer and request notification of the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission. Canadian diplomatic missions can provide you or your family with a list of lawyers.

If you previously occupied a position that was in any way affiliated with the government of China and left your position without receiving authorization or without following formal procedures, you may be considered a defector by Chinese authorities.

This can be the case regardless of the seniority of the position you occupied, even if you left this position a long time ago and you did not handle sensitive or classified materials. Authorities may detain you even if you have previously travelled to or resided in China without issue.

Consult a Chinese criminal lawyer to understand how this may apply to you.

Bans and Sanctions

The Chinese government may ban or sanction entities or individuals for actions, including oral or written statements, and associations with entities that are critical of:

• the Communist Party of China
• the Chinese government
• Chinese leaders and policies

The Government of the People's Republic of China does not publicize a list of banned or sanctioned entities or individuals, and the implementation of bans or sanctions remains vague. The effect on individuals associated with banned or sanctioned entities is unknown.

It could include:

• a ban on travel to Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau
• freezing of assets
• prohibition of business or association with Chinese citizens and organizations

If you believe you may be subject of a ban or sanctions, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

Consult entry and exit requirements for information on exit bans

Political activities

China has imposed severe restrictions on political activities, including advocating for causes, participating in public protests or sending private electronic messages critical of the government.

Chinese authorities may detain you if you participate in political activities and restrict your future travel to China.

Non-Governmental Organization activities

Activities conducted by foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are strictly regulated and scrutinized in China.

If you plan to work or volunteer for an NGO in China, ensure the organization is properly registered and that you possess the right visa for the activities you plan to perform.

Religious activities

There are restrictions on certain religious activities, such as preaching, distributing literature and associating with unapproved religious groups, including some Christian, Buddhist and Muslim organizations.

Chinese law also prohibits overseas non-governmental organizations from engaging in or sponsoring religious activities.

The Falun Gong movement is banned in China. Participants in Falun Gong activities or Falun Gong-related demonstrations are subject to legal action that may include detention, arrest, imprisonment and deportation.

Be cautious about visiting certain places of worship, which may have been, explicitly or not, declared off-limits to foreigners by local authorities. If you are not prompted to buy a ticket to visit the site, it could be an indication that the site is off-limits to foreigners.

Facial recognition and use of video surveillance (CCTV)

Law enforcement agencies in China widely rely on facial recognition technology and video surveillance to police, monitor and control illegal or restricted activities, including participation in demonstrations.

Privacy rights may differ substantially from Canadian standards. You should assume that local authorities have access to your biometrics as soon as you enter the country.

Military installations

Travel near military installations is restricted. Photography of military installations or government buildings is prohibited, and offenders may be detained, arrested and imprisoned.

Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

Gambling and the promotion of gambling activities are illegal in mainland China.

Commercial surrogacy is illegal in China, and surrogacy arrangements are not legally recognized.

If you're planning to visit China for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek specialist legal advice on Chinese and Canadian laws prior to making any arrangements.

The Embassy of Canada to China can't provide recommendations on surrogacy arrangements.

Prohibited or controlled items

There are absolute prohibitions against the importation of arms, drugs and plant or animal products that could carry disease or pests. There are also restrictions on the entry of printed material, film, photos, videotapes, and CDs considered detrimental to China's interests.

Importation and use of drones are subject to strict regulation. Contact the Civil Aviation Administration of China to consult the rules regarding registration and use of drones.

Importing pets

If you intend to reside in China, be advised that you can only import one pet (dog or cat) per person.

A Canadian animal health inspection certificate and vaccination certificate should be stamped by your local Animal Health Office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Animals without the proper documentation will be held in quarantine at the port of arrival and could be euthanized if the proper documentation is not provided.

Animal Health Office - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Getting married in China

Marriages that are legally performed in China are usually valid in Canada. Chinese civil authorities don't perform marriages between two foreigners. If you plan to get married in China, you should contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic representative in Canada to confirm the requirements.

Marriage overseas

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Chinese law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, some prejudice still exists against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and authorities sometimes censor social media content on 2SLGBTQI+ related topics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Canadian and international driving licences are not recognized in China. You must hold a foreigner residence permit and meet local requirements to obtain a Chinese driver's licence.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02%. If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If you're convicted, you can expect heavy fines and jail.

Foreign drivers involved in an accident face harsh penalties. If you're suspected of being responsible for road accidents, police officers can detain you until their case is closed, which can take years.

Carefully consider the implications of driving in China.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in China.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of China, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the Chinese government will usually not permit the Embassy of Canada to provide you with consular assistance.

If you're a Canadian of Chinese origin travelling to China, you may be asked to provide your Chinese name by border authorities. Ensure that you are well informed about Chinese law and practices relating to the determination and loss of Chinese citizenship, including cancelling a household register (hukou) and applying to renounce Chinese citizenship. Contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular office for more details.

Canadian children born to at least one parent who is a Chinese citizen may be deemed Chinese citizens under China's Nationality Law. Chinese authorities may not recognize the child's Canadian citizenship, and the family may be subject to family planning regulations.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and China.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in China by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in China to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Doing business in China

Canadian business travellers have been detained and had their passport confiscated as a result of business disputes with their Chinese counterparts.

Seek legal advice from professionals in China, as well as in Canada, before proceeding with business agreements or arrangements. Ensure that all documents are translated so that conditions, terms and limitations are understood. Disputes are often costly and prolonged, and you may be subject to a travel ban restricting you from leaving the country until the matter is resolved.

There have been incidents involving foreigners being held against their will at their workplace. These incidents, which can be accompanied by threats of violence, are often the result of other companies or disgruntled employees attempting to resolve business and employment disputes.

There are many teaching opportunities in China. However, make sure you are well informed before signing a contract. Ensure that the contract specifies the maximum number of classroom hours per day and per week, maximum workdays per week, and vacation periods.

Canadians teaching in China, particularly at newly established private secondary schools and private English training centres, have often found their employers unable or unwilling to honour contract terms or assist in obtaining Chinese employment visas and other permits required for foreigners to teach lawfully in China.

If you're travelling to China to work or study, you may be required to possess medical insurance (coverage of 400,000 renminbi). Verify this stipulation with the school or employer before arriving in China.

It is illegal to work on a tourist (L) visa or a working (Z) visa linked to a company other than your employer. Canadian citizens have been detained and forced to leave the country for working illegally.

Learn about studying abroad if you plan to study or conduct research in China.

Studying abroad

The currency is the renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of currency is the yuan.

Counterfeit renminbi are relatively common. It is illegal to use foreign currency. Exchange foreign currency at officially approved facilities only.

Generally, only international hotels and some larger shops accept international credit cards. Some Chinese banks will provide cash advances using credit card accounts, but they may charge for the service. It is possible to use bank cards to draw on your Canadian bank account at an increasing number of ATMs, especially in urban areas. Credit cards are not always accepted, and the availability of ATMs is limited outside major cities.

Upon entering or leaving China, you must make a declaration to customs if you travel with or more than USD 5 000, 20 000 RMB or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques or any other convertible assets.

A permit issued by a local bank may also be required to exit China with sums superior to USD 5 000. Make sure you comply with cash control regulations.

Typhoons and monsoons

The typhoon and monsoon (rainy) season extends from April to October. Typhoons usually occur along the southern and eastern coasts. During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major typhoons.

Flooding is common in central, western and southern China, particularly areas bordering the Yangtze River. Seasonal flooding and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

If you decide to travel to China during the typhoon and monsoon season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• China Meteorological Administration
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Air pollution

Air pollution can be severe across much of China.

Some cities maintain air pollution alert systems. During periods of severe air pollution, expect school closures, outdoor event cancellations, car usage limitations and transportation disruptions.

Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly.

During periods of high pollution:

• limit your activities outdoors
• monitor local media
• follow the instructions of local authorities.

Air pollution in China  – World Air Quality Index

Seismic activity

China is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes.

Familiarize yourself with the security measures in place at your accommodations while in China. In the event of an earthquake, pay careful attention to all official warnings and follow evacuation orders issued by the Government of China. Aftershocks could occur.

What to do during an earthquake

Avalanches and landslides

In mountainous regions, avalanches and landslides present a risk and have resulted in fatalities.

The Karakoram and Khunjerab Pass routes in Xinjiang can be hazardous due to landslides.

Monitor local media and weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 110
• medical assistance: 120
• firefighters: 119
• roadside assistance: 112

Consular assistance

Beijing, Tianjin, Gansu, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Xizang (Tibet), Henan and Hebei.

Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou.

Guangdong, Guangxi, Guangzhou, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan and Hainan.

Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hubei and the city of Shanghai.

For emergency consular assistance, call the nearest Canadian government office and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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• Section 10 - Cambodia
• Section 10 - India

CDC Yellow Book 2024

Author(s): Sarah Borwein, Kate Gaynor

Destination Overview

Infectious disease risks, environmental hazards & risks, safety & security, availability & quality of medical care.

China, the world’s most populous country (>1.4 billion people), is the fourth largest geographically, behind Russia, Canada, and the United States. Divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 Special Administrative Regions ( Map 10-12 ), China is home to diverse customs, languages, and topographies. The climate varies from tropical in the south to subarctic in the north, with wide variations between regions and seasons.

The long history and varied natural beauty of China can be traced through its 56 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, the terracotta warriors of Xi’an, and the spectacular mountainous sanctuaries of the west. Recent additions include Quanzhou; Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan; Mount Fanjing in southwest China; the archeological ruins of Liangzhu City in the Yangtze River Delta; the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of the Bohai Gulf; the Tusi tribal domains in western China; and the Grand Canal, the oldest (dating back to 468 bce) and longest (1,115 miles; 1,794 km) man-made canal in the world.

In 2019, >145 million people visited China, and the number of outbound travelers reached nearly 155 million, 3 times more than in 2010. Tourism in China has grown at an extraordinary pace over the past decade, although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that began in 2020 has, as everywhere, drastically reduced both inbound and outbound travel. By early 2022, China’s borders remained effectively closed to international tourism; domestic travel, however, had rebounded sharply, reaching (or even exceeding) 2019 levels. Domestic travelers have been flocking to the usual tourist destinations, including sightseeing in Beijing and the Great Wall, touring Shanghai, cruising the Yangtze River, and visiting the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) site in Anhui Province (see  Box 10-02 for a list of other popular tourist destinations).

Aside from tourism, increasing numbers of people travel to China to visit friends and relatives, to study, to adopt children, or to do humanitarian aid work. These non-tourist travelers might be at greater risk of becoming ill because they underestimate health hazards, are less likely to seek pretravel advice, and are more likely to stay in local or rural accommodations. People traveling to China to adopt often worry about the health of the child (see Sec. 7, Ch. 5, International Adoption ), sometimes neglecting their own health.

China has the world’s second largest economy and more billionaires (658) than any other country in the world. At the same time, per capita income is still below the world average, with wide disparity in wealth and development between the more urban east and the rural west. Health risks vary accordingly.

Map 10-12 China

View Larger Figure

Box 10-02 Popular tourist destinations in China

• GUILIN: uniquely shaped limestone karst mountains, featured in paintings
• HAINAN ISLAND: tropical beaches, luxury resorts
• HARBIN: spectacular annual winter ice festival
• HONG KONG: futuristic architecture, East-meets-West mystique
• MACAU: giant modern casinos contrast with a fascinating Portuguese heritage
• SICHUAN PROVINCE: home to China’s iconic symbol, the giant panda (for more details, see Box 10-03 )
• TIBET: accessible by the world’s highest railroad (maximum elevation 5,072 m; ≈16,600 ft)
• YUNNAN PROVINCE: attractions include the Stone Forest outside Kunming, the historic cobblestone city of Lijiang, the Shangri-La valley, and the Tiger Leaping Gorge
• ZHANGJIAJIE NATIONAL FOREST PARK (HUNAN PROVINCE): dizzying glass-bottomed canyon bridge, the tallest and longest glass bridge in the world; mountains inspired the setting for the movie Avatar

Travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccine. Travelers also should be current on vaccines against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella, and varicella. China began a massive measles vaccination campaign in September 2010 that has decreased the number of reported measles cases; a brief resurgence occurred during 2013–2015, but high measles vaccination coverage has resulted in historically low numbers of measles cases since 2017. Nonetheless, a few travelers made news headlines by triggering outbreaks in their home countries after returning from China. The reported incidence of rubella has fallen, but availability of data is patchy. Cases of pertussis and varicella occur regularly.

Vaccine Quality & Availability in China

China is making considerable advances in vaccine production, working with established pharmaceutical companies in a joint venture approach or by developing and manufacturing vaccines locally. One example is the recent introduction of the Sinovac-CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine produced by Sinovac Biotech Ltd., a Chinese biopharmaceutical company based in Beijing.

In the past, counterfeit and improperly stored vaccines were a major issue, but China has waged a robust response to recent vaccine scandals and these issues are now rare, at least in major urban areas. Vaccine shortages are, however, frequent. For example, meningococcal vaccines were in short supply in parts of China during 2017–2018, and as of late 2021, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for adults was not available anywhere on the mainland. Travelers should not assume they can complete an unfinished vaccination series once in China; thus, ensure that all travelers going to China are up to date with routine vaccination series before travel. By contrast, circumstances in Hong Kong are different; international vaccines are in use there and are generally available.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Hepatitis b.

Hepatitis B infection is endemic to China (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 8, Hepatitis B ). Nearly one-third of the 350 million people worldwide infected with the hepatitis B virus reside in China. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends hepatitis B vaccine for all US adults aged 19–59 years; hepatitis B vaccine should be considered for nonimmune travelers to China.

Enteric Infections & Diseases

Brucellosis.

Brucellosis occurs in pastoral areas of China, particularly the northwest. Travelers should strictly avoid raw or unpasteurized milk products and undercooked meat products (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 3, Brucellosis ).

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is highly endemic in China and can be acquired by drinking untreated water, eating undercooked meats, or staying in areas with poor sanitation (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 10, Hepatitis E ). Pregnant people in their third trimester are at particular risk for severe disease. Because no routine vaccine is available, advise travelers to practice good hand hygiene and to adhere to safe food and water precautions (see Sec. 2, Ch. 8, Food & Water Precautions ).

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region borders Pakistan, a polio-endemic country. Adults traveling to this region who will be working in health care facilities, humanitarian aid settings, or refugee camps should be vaccinated against polio, including a single lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine as an adult (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 17, Poliomyelitis ).

Travelers’ Diarrhea

The risk for travelers’ diarrhea (see Sec. 2, Ch. 6, Travelers’ Diarrhea ) appears to be low in so-called “luxury” accommodations in China but moderate elsewhere. Travelers should adhere to safe food and water precautions, and strictly avoid undercooked fish and shellfish and (as noted previously) unpasteurized milk (see Sec. 2, Ch. 8, Food & Water Precautions ).

Other than in Hong Kong, tap water is not safe to drink, even in major cities. Most hotels provide boiled or bottled water, and bottled water is readily available.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is not a significant risk in China’s major urban areas. Consider vaccinating travelers planning visits to rural areas, adventure travelers, and travelers visiting friends and relatives. Advise them to adhere to safe food and water precautions.

Respiratory Infections & Diseases

Coronavirus disease 2019.

Located in central China at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze rivers, Wuhan is a city of 11 million people and a major travel hub accessible by air, land, and water. On December 31, 2019, Chinese officials reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) an outbreak of unusual pneumonia cases linked to a seafood market there. The outbreak spread globally, and on March 11, 2020, WHO officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

In response to the outbreak, officials in China combined a swift and stringent lockdown of Wuhan and Hubei Province, with public health messaging, widespread testing, contact tracing, and isolation of all cases and quarantine of contacts. They also built several brand new, full-service COVID-19 hospitals within a matter of days, and established a network of fangcang (makeshift) hospitals in public venues (e.g., convention centers, sports stadiums).

Patients with mild illness were isolated in these newly established facilities, thereby reducing the risk of infecting household members. Confirmed or suspected cases were required to be seen at a small number of government- designated fever clinics. Indoor mask-wearing was strictly enforced. Tracking mobile phone applications assigned users a color-coded QR code based on their risk for infection. A green QR code became mandatory for entry into many facilities including stores, restaurants, and public transportation.

All travelers going to China should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines .

Tuberculosis

China remains moderately endemic for tuberculosis (TB). Travelers can become infected through exposure to a person with active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Consuming unpasteurized milk products poses a risk for infection with Mycobacterium bovis , another mycobacterium that can cause TB disease in people. For long-term travelers or travelers whose itineraries place them at increased risk for exposure, consider predeparture TB testing with retesting upon their return home. For more details, see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 22, Tuberculosis , and Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 23, . . . perspectives: Testing Travelers for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection .

Sexually Transmitted Infections & HIV

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis, are a growing problem in China, particularly along the booming eastern seaboard. Drug-resistant gonorrhea is increasingly prevalent. Make travelers aware of STI risks and the importance of using condoms when having sex with anyone whose HIV or STI status is unknown. As previously noted, travelers also should receive hepatitis B vaccination before travel.

Soil- & Waterborne Infections

Schistosomias & leptospirosis.

Although eradication programs have been quite successful, schistosomiasis (see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 20, Schistosomiasis ), primarily due to Schistosoma japonicum , continues to be reported in various areas, including the Yangtze and Mekong River basins. Advise travelers to avoid freshwater swimming, which also decreases their risk of contracting the bacterial illness, leptospirosis (Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 10).

Vectorborne Diseases

Chikungunya & dengue.

Chikungunya has been reported in China, but the level of risk is not well quantified. Dengue, however, is known to be a more significant health risk (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 4, Dengue ). In 2014, China experienced its worst dengue outbreak in decades; Guangdong province reported >40,000 cases in just 2 months. Dengue epidemics occur in China every 4–6 years, mostly in the southern provinces. Travelers should practice insect bite precautions during the summer months (see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods ).

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) occurs in all regions of China except Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Xizang (Tibet) (see Table 5-13). China has successfully reduced the incidence of JE through vaccination and, as of 2008, included JE in its expanded national immunization program; JE remains a potential threat to unvaccinated travelers, however.

Although JE season varies by region, most cases occur in local residents during June–October. In addition to season of travel, the risk to travelers depends on their activities, destination, and duration of stay. JE vaccine is recommended for travelers planning to spend ≥1 month in endemic (mainly rural) areas during June–October, when risk for transmission is greatest.

Consider vaccinating shorter-term travelers (<1 month) who plan to visit rural areas, and travelers at increased risk for JE virus exposure based on anticipated activities or itineraries (e.g., those spending substantial time outdoors or staying in accommodations without air conditioning, mosquito nets, or window screens). Sporadic JE cases have occurred on an unpredictable basis in short-term travelers, including in peri-urban Beijing and Shanghai. See Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 13, Japanese Encephalitis , for more detailed information.

In the 1940s, China reported >30 million cases of malaria per year. A 70-year eradication campaign progressively reduced numbers, and in 2021, WHO declared China malaria-free. Travelers should still follow insect bite precautions, however, because of the risk for infection with other vectorborne diseases (see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods ).

Plague outbreaks occur sporadically in the northern and southwestern areas of the country (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 15, Plague ). Plague is rarely seen in tourists but is a risk to campers, hikers, hunters, spelunkers, and others exposed to wild rodents or flea-infested cats and dogs.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is present in northeastern parts of China and is a risk during March–November. Consider recommending TBE vaccination for travelers engaging in outdoor activities (e.g., camping, hiking) in endemic areas (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 23, Tick-Borne Encephalitis ). Even among vaccinated travelers, reinforce the importance of taking preventive measures (e.g., wearing long pants tucked into socks, using insect repellent, regularly checking for ticks).

Box 10-03 Visiting a giant panda reserve in Sichuan Province: health considerations for travelers

The giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) is China’s national emblem and one of its most iconic images. Native to south central China, the giant panda’s natural habitat has been greatly encroached upon and only a small number of these animals now exist in the wild, in remote areas where seeing them is almost impossible. In response, the Chinese government established over 60 giant panda reserves across southwestern China. Travel to Sichuan province to visit one or more of these habitats and to see the stunning scenery has become increasingly popular. In some locations, especially during the hot summer months, giant pandas spend much time inside, viewable only through glass. The Sichuan giant panda reserves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Located just 10 km (≈6 mi) north of the city of Chengdu, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a well-developed park.

In some reserves (including the Chengdu Research Base), visitors can get closer to the animals by joining a Panda Volunteer program. Participation in these programs is generally available only to adults and must be arranged and paid for in advance. Programs can vary from one day to one month in length and some might require participants to provide certification of good health. Opportunities to photograph the wildlife can be limited.

Animal bites

Sichuan Province has a large population of free-roaming dogs. Consider any dog bite a rabies risk. Because of the distance from definitive medical care, including postexposure prophylaxis, encourage travelers planning to visit Sichuan to consider rabies preexposure prophylaxis.

Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, giant pandas are wild animals with a very powerful bite. They can also be infected with rabies. Travelers should avoid any temptation to get close to giant pandas for a “selfie” or a hug.

Elevation & Terrain of Giant Panda Reserves

The terrain harboring the giant panda reserves is often rugged and at elevations ranging from 1,100 m (≈3,600 ft) to 4,400 m (≈14,400 ft). Advise tourists visiting reserves at high elevation to acclimatize slowly, and to consider carrying acetazolamide.

The region has many smaller reserves, some of which are peri-urban, others of which can be quite remote and require considerable travel or trekking, making them inaccessible to physically challenged or less physically fit travelers.

Road travel risks apply to these more remote reserves.

Travelers to less urban reserves should be prepared for remoteness and travel with a well-stocked travel health kit.

Food & Water Precautions and Sanitation

Travelers to Sichuan Province should follow safe food and water precautions.

Flush toilets are unlikely to be available.

Air Pollution

Rapid economic expansion and industrialization since 1978 has resulted in serious air pollution issues, along with water and soil contamination, that peaked in 2013. Regional haze triggered public anxiety and official concern, leading to the Air Pollution and Control Plan, which was implemented in 2013; subsequently a series of other initiatives to control soil, water, and plastic waste pollution began.

To tackle air pollution, China introduced several policies and measures targeted at reducing emissions and promoting alternative energy production. Increased use of natural gas and restrictions against burning coal are key to these plans. Other measures included closing highly polluting factories, moving factories farther away from population centers, afforestation projects (planting trees in areas where there had been no trees before), and promoting the use of electric vehicles. These measures have resulted in a dramatic reduction in air pollution, particularly in fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Once renowned for its toxic haze, Beijing is no longer among the 10 most polluted cities in the world. Nonetheless, pollution remains a problem in many parts of the country; and China still accounts for over half of the world’s 200 most polluted cities. In the spring of 2021, several large sandstorms originating in southern Mongolia blanketed eastern China in hazardous dust. These sandstorms are unpredictable and are likely to continue. Travelers can check 5-day air quality forecasts .

Short-term exposure to the levels of air pollution in China’s megacities can irritate the eyes and throat. Travelers with underlying cardiorespiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or congestive heart failure, might find their condition exacerbated. In addition, exposure to high levels of air pollution significantly increases the risk for upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including otitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Children and older people are most vulnerable.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical- style facemasks were fashionable in China’s large cities, especially Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai; facemasks provide wearers no protection from air pollution, however. Properly fitted N95 masks can filter out particulates and might be advisable for people determined to engage in outdoor exercise at times when air quality is very poor (see Sec. 4, Ch. 3, Air Quality & Ionizing Radiation ). Many facilities, particularly schools, have installed sophisticated central air-filtering devices and constructed enclosed sports venues.

Altitude Illness

Western China is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world. Some popular destinations are Xining (2,295 m; ≈7,500 ft), Lijiang (2,418 m; ≈7,900 ft), Shangri-La (3,280 m; ≈11,000 ft), and Lhasa (3,658 m; ≈12,000 ft). Preparation and gradual ascent to acclimatize are the mainstays travelers should follow to prevent the onset of altitude illness (see Sec. 4, Ch. 5, High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness ).

Visitors planning high elevation travel whose itineraries do not permit gradual acclimatization— or people otherwise known to be at risk for developing acute mountain sickness (AMS)—should carry their own supply of acetazolamide, because it is not reliably available in China. Dexamethasone, used to both prevent and treat AMS and high-altitude cerebral edema, and to potentially prevent high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), reportedly is available in China. Similarly, nifedipine (as a prevention and treatment for HAPE) reportedly is available. The quality and ready availability of either of these drugs is unknown; thus, as with acetazolamide, travelers should carry a personal supply in a travel health kit.

Animal Bites & Rabies

An analysis of data collected by the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network showed that dog bites are surprisingly common among tourists to China. In addition, in China (as in much of Asia) rabies remains a serious problem. Animal rabies is endemic in China and might even be increasing, especially in the dog population. Thus, travelers should consider any dog or other mammal bite received anywhere in China, including urban areas, a high risk for rabies infection (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 18, Rabies ).

Because international-standard rabies immune globulin is often unavailable, animal bites can be trip-enders, requiring evacuation to Bangkok, Hong Kong, or home, to receive appropriate postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Rabies is a particular risk for younger children, who are more likely to approach animals and less likely to report bites or scratches. Incorporate a discussion of rabies risk and prevention during pretravel consultations, and develop a strategy with travelers for dealing with possible exposures, including purchasing medical evacuation insurance coverage (see Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ). Consider providing long-term travelers and expatriates going to live in China with the rabies preexposure vaccination series.

Human rabies deaths in China peaked at 3,300 cases in 2007 and decreased to 290 cases in 2019; the decline in human rabies deaths is mainly attributable to widespread use of PEP and public PEP awareness.

Natural Disasters

Five of the 10 deadliest natural disasters in history have occurred in China. In the last few decades, almost every type of major hazard except volcanic eruption has hit China, including cold waves, droughts, earthquakes, forest and grassland fires, hailstorms, heat waves, red tides, sandstorms, and torrential rains resulting in debris flows and landslides. Typhoons and storm surges occur regularly along the southern and eastern seaboards.

Earthquakes cause significant death and destruction. For instance, devastating earthquakes struck the western provinces of Qinghai in 2010 and Sichuan in 2019. Advise US citizen travelers to enroll with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP; https://step.state.gov/step); STEP will provide travelers with information and alerts from local US embassies or consulates about disasters, safety, and security issues at their destination.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is a major issue in the northern provinces of China, where (despite the progress in reducing air pollution noted previously) smog blocks out sunlight, leading to inadequate vitamin D absorption even during the summer months. To decrease the risk of osteomalacia and osteoporosis in travelers spending >6 months in China, prescribe vitamin D supplementation.

Wet Markets

So-called “wet markets” are common throughout China, south Asia, and southeast Asia. The term wet market is a generic one, encompassing many types of marketplaces selling perishable goods; some sell only fruit and vegetables, but others sell live animals that are slaughtered on-site after purchase. Most do not sell wild or exotic animals, and the tendency to lump all wet markets together has fueled Sinophobia related to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exotic animal trade has been banned in China, but smuggling of animals (e.g., pangolins) is highly profitable and difficult to control. A coordinated international response will be required to curb the exotic animal trade. Travelers should avoid visiting markets selling live animals because these have been linked with many zoonotic outbreaks, including monkeypox and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Avian influenza transmission is another reason for travelers to avoid live animal markets.

Rates of violent crime are low in China, but minor theft, pickpocketing, and various forms of scams and fraud do occur, especially in densely populated and more heavily touristed areas. Scams targeting foreign businesses also have been reported. Travelers should remain vigilant about their personal belongings, and avoid responding to emails from, or giving out sensitive information to, unknown sources.

Political Unrest

Travelers should be aware of and avoid involvement in protests and flare-ups of unrest in places as diverse as Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang Province. Travelers also should avoid public criticism of the Communist Party or the government. The internet is censored, and many widely used social media sites might be unavailable.

Traffic-Related Injuries

Traffic in China is often chaotic. The rate of traffic crashes, including fatal ones, is among the highest in the world (see Sec. 8, Ch. 5, Road & Traffic Safety ). Traffic crashes, even minor ones, can create major traffic jams and sometimes turn into violent altercations, particularly when foreign travelers are involved (see Sec. 4, Ch. 11, Safety & Security Overseas ).

China has not signed the convention that created the International Driving Permit and requires travelers to have a Chinese license to drive. Recent regulations have allowed foreign travelers to obtain a temporary (≤3 months) driver’s license, if they have a valid overseas driver’s license and a notarized copy translated into Chinese; in addition, travelers are required to attend lessons on Chinese road safety regulations.

Driving is on the right side of the road in mainland China and Taiwan, but on the left in Hong Kong and Macau. If travelers choose to drive, advise them to avoid driving at night or when weather conditions are bad, and to not assume that traffic rules or rights-of-way will be respected. Despite national seatbelt legislation being in effect since 2004, seatbelt use is inconsistent, and rear seatbelts often are unavailable. Use of child safety seats recently become mandatory. For all these reasons, travelers likely will find it safer and simpler to hire a local driver or to use public transportation than to drive themselves. Travelers should take care when opening the door of a taxi or private vehicle, to avoid hitting cyclists or pedestrians.

Electronic Bicycles

Electronic bicycles (E-bikes) are popular in China and do not have to be registered. E-bike riders often travel in pedestrian and bicycle lanes as well as with traffic. Because E-bikes have no engine noise, pedestrians might not readily identify an oncoming E-bike. Motor vehicles and E-bikes often drive without lights, making night travel dangerous. Bicycle helmets are rarely worn in China; a new 2020 law requiring helmet use for riders of motorcycles and E-bikes has resulted in a shortage of available helmets.

Strongly encourage travelers to invest in travel health insurance, including medical evacuation insurance coverage (see Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ). Many hospitals do not accept foreign medical insurance, and patients are expected to pay a deposit to cover the anticipated cost of treatment before care is delivered. Many major cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have medical facilities that meet international standards. Hospitals in other cities might have “VIP wards” ( gaogan bingfang ) with English-speaking staff. The standard of care in such facilities is somewhat unpredictable, however, and cultural and regulatory differences can cause difficulties for travelers. In rural areas, rudimentary medical care might be all that is available.

Blood & Blood Product Safety

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus transmission from poorly sterilized medical equipment remains a risk in remote areas. The blood supply is heavily regulated and generally deemed safe, but is very limited, especially for rare types, including Rhesus negative blood; hospitals usually have only a few units of blood on hand. Rhogam legally is available only in Hong Kong, and recently in Shenzhen, under a new program permitting drugs and medical equipment already marketed in Hong Kong to be used in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau “Greater Bay Area” after approval.

Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical services are scarce in many parts of China, most acutely in rural areas. In major cities, 2 types of ambulance are available: general ambulances and ambulances that carry more advanced medical equipment. No recognized paramedic profession exists in China, and ambulances might be staffed instead with doctors or nurses with variable levels of training. In many rural areas, rather than waiting for an ambulance to arrive, injured travelers might be better off taking a taxi or other immediately available vehicle to the nearest major hospital.

Medical Tourism

Most people who choose to try traditional Chinese remedies do so uneventfully, albeit not without accepting some risk. Remind travelers that acupuncture needles can be a source of bloodborne and skin infections; acupressure might be preferable. Herbal medicine products can be contaminated with heavy metals or pharmaceutical agents.

China is currently witnessing an influx of patients coming from Africa seeking treatment not available in their home countries. Medical tourists from high-income countries looking for as-yet unapproved experimental treatments are also a growing market (see Sec. 6, Ch. 4, Medical Tourism ).

Pharmacies often sell prescription medications over the counter, but these can be counterfeit, substandard, or contaminated (see Sec. 6, Ch. 3, . . . perspectives: Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines & Medical Products During Travel ). Advise travelers to bring all their regular medications in sufficient quantity. If travelers need more or other medications, recommend that they visit a reputable clinic or hospital. China allows travelers to bring controlled medications into the country in quantities “reasonable for personal use.” Especially for controlled medications, travelers are expected to carry a copy of the written prescription with them and, whenever possible, a signed note from the prescribing physician written on letterhead stationery.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Sarah T. Borwein, Roohollah Changizi

Bibliography

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Burki T. China’s successful control of COVID-19. Lancet Infect Dis. 2020;20(11):1240–1.

 Davis XM, MacDonald S, Borwein S, Freedman DO, Kozarsky PE, von Sonnenburg F, et al. Health risks in travelers to China: the GeoSentinel experience and implications for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2008;79(1):4–8.

Li Z, Xu Jindong, Xu J, Tan H, Zhang C. Current situation, causes, and countermeasures to NIP vaccine shortages in Guangzhou, China. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2020;16(1):76–9.

Lu X, Zhang S, Xing J, Wang Y, Chen W, Ding D, et al. Progress of air pollution control in China and its challenges and opportunities in the ecological civilization era. Engineering. 2020;6(12):1423–31.

Miao F, Li N, Yang J, Chen T, Liu Y, Zhang S, et al. Neglected challenges in the control of animal rabies in China. One Health. 2021;12:100212.

Shaw MT, Leggat PA, Borwein S. Travelling to China for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic games. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2007;5(6):365–73.

United Nations World Tourism Organization. UNWTO tourism highlights: 2018 Edition. Madrid: The Organization; 2018. Available from: www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284419876 .

World Health Organization. Global hepatitis report 2017. Geneva: The Organization; 2017. Available from: www.who.int/publications/i/item/global-hepatitis-report-2017 .

Xia J, Min L, Shu J. Dengue fever in China: an emerging problem demands attention. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2015;4(1):e3.

Yu X, Li N. Understanding the beginning of a pandemic: China’s response to the emergence of COVID-19. J Infect Public Health. 2021;14(3):347–52.

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Travel Advisory April 12, 2024

See summaries - mainland china, hong kong & macau.

Updated due to new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Summary:  Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services . Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction . 

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Recommend consult with travel clinic

Max RMB 20,000

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Beijing No. 55 An Jia Lou Road Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 Telephone: +86 10-8531-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +86 10-8531-4000 Fax: +86 10-8531-3300 Email: [email protected] This consular district includes Beijing, Tianjin, Gansu, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Xinjiang, Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet.

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau 26 Garden Road Central, Hong Kong Telephone:  +852 2841-2211, +852 2841-2225, +852 2841-2323   Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +852 2523-9011   Fax:  +852 2845-4845 Email:   [email protected]   This consular district includes the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions (SARs).

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou No. 43 Hua Jiu Road Zhujiang New Town Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623 Telephone: +86 20-3814-5775 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +86 10-8531-4000 Fax: +86 20-3814-5572 Email:   [email protected]  This consular district includes Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan.

U.S. Consulate General Shanghai No. 1469 Huai Hai Zhong Road Xuhui District, Shanghai 200041 Telephone: +86 21-8011-2400  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +86 10-8531-4000  Fax: +86 21-6148-8266  Email:   [email protected]  This consular district includes Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.

U.S. Consulate General Shenyang No. 52 14th Wei Road Heping District, Shenyang 110003 Telephone: +86 24-2322-1198  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +86 10-8531-4000 Fax: +86 24-8610-6904  Email:  [email protected]  This consular district includes Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.

U.S. Consulate General Wuhan No. 396 Xin Hua Road Wuhan Minsheng Bank Building Jianghan District, Wuhan 430015 Telephone: +86 27-8563 2800  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +86 10-8531-4000  Fax:  +86 27-5949 6496 Email:  [email protected] This consular district includes Henan, Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangxi.

Destination Description

See the U.S. Department of State’s Fact Sheet on the People's Republic of China for information on U.S.-China relations. 

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Entry & Exit:

• Obtain a visa prior to arrival in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and have a passport with at least six months' validity remaining. The lack of either will result in a fine and immediate deportation upon arrival.
• Apply for a ten-year multiple entry visa, useful for repeated travel, or trips to the Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions (SARs) with returns to mainland China.
• If you plan to work in the PRC, be sure to obtain the correct visa. Working in the PRC is not permissible on a student or tourist visa, and may result in detention, criminal charges, imprisonment, and deportation.
• You must have a valid visa to exit the PRC and you must leave the PRC before the expiration of the listed duration of stay.
• Do not travel to the PRC if you have a warrant for your arrest in the United States.

Lack of a visa, having an expired visa, or overstaying your visa will result in detention and/or fines.

• Apply for a visa extension from the local  Entry-Exit Bureau  before attempting to leave the PRC. Do not expect your request to be expedited, so apply ahead of time.
• Staying in the PRC on an expired visa may lead to a fine, imprisonment, and deportation.
• Visit the website of the  Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America  for current visa information as well as information on the PRC’s immigration and nationality laws.

The Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR): The TAR requires special permits for tourist travel, most often obtained through a travel agent in the PRC. If you do enter a restricted area without the requisite permit, you could be fined, taken into custody, and deported for illegal entry. To learn more about specific entry requirements for the TAR or other restricted areas, check with the  Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America . The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the PRC. Transiting the PRC:

• When transiting certain international airports, you may stay in mainland China without a PRC visa. However, this “visa-free travel” permit is only valid for the city of arrival and does not allow you to visit other cities in the PRC.
• The duration of allowed stay and how broadly you may travel varies by region.
• Transiting without a visa requires a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, a visa for your onward destination (if necessary), and an onward ticket from the same location.
• You must inform your airline upon check-in and get an endorsement stamp at the immigration desk before leaving the airport.
• Consult the  Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America  for a current list of eligible airports and more detailed guidance.
• PRC border officials have the authority to deny foreign travelers’ entry to the PRC without warning or explanation. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General cannot intervene on your behalf if denied entry to the PRC.

During Your Stay: 

• Failure to register your stay within 24 hours of arrival in the PRC could result in fines and deportation. You can register with hotel staff or the local police station. 
• Local regulations require foreigners to carry valid passports and PRC visas or residence permits at all times.
• Entry and exit requirements are strictly enforced, as are restrictions on activities allowed by any particular visa class.
• Police, school administrators, transportation officials, and hotel staff may check your visa to make sure you have not overstayed. If you overstay your visa’s duration of stay, you may be denied service by hotels, airports, and train stations, as well as face fines and detention.
• If you encounter problems in the Tibet Autonomous Region, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide assistance because the PRC government does not usually authorize U.S. government personnel to travel there, even to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens.

Dual Nationality: The PRC government does not recognize dual nationality.  If you are a dual national of the United States and the PRC, or otherwise have ethnic or historical ties to the PRC, it is possible that PRC authorities will assert that you are a PRC citizen, limit your ability to access certain consular services, and, if you are detained, deny your access to U.S. consular officials. Because the PRC government does not recognize dual citizenship, dual U.S.-PRC citizens may face a number of hurdles when seeking public benefits in the PRC. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of the PRC may experience difficulty in accessing benefits in the PRC, such as enrollment in public schools, treatment at public hospitals and clinics, or obtaining PRC identity and citizenship documents, such as passports. U.S.-PRC dual citizens must navigate conflicting aspects of PRC nationality, which the PRC government may inconsistently apply.

If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen or have a possible claim to PRC citizenship, and you are traveling to the PRC, inform yourself about PRC nationality law and practices relating to determination and loss of PRC citizenship. PRC authorities generally consider a child born in the PRC to at least one PRC-national parent to be a PRC citizen, even if the child was issued a U.S. passport at the time of birth. If you have or had a claim to PRC citizenship and your child is born in the PRC, prior to departing the PRC with your child, you may wish to contact the local Public Security Bureau and/or Entry-Exit Bureau for information on obtaining a travel document. If you have or had a claim to PRC citizenship and your child is born in the United States, please contact the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America for specific information on the documentation requirements to bring your child to the PRC.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

For most visitors, the PRC remains a very safe country. Traffic accidents are the most common safety concern for U.S. citizens. Training, capability, and responsiveness of PRC authorities vary by region and even by city. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General have no law enforcement authority and may not represent U.S. citizens in either criminal or civil legal matters.

To ensure your safety and security in the PRC, you should:

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to surroundings.
• Report any concerns to the local police.
• Call “110,”  the local equivalent to “911”. English services are often available, but you should not expect English services in remote parts of the PRC.

Violent crime is not common in the PRC, however:

• While sanctioned demonstrations must be approved by PRC authorities, they can turn violent.
• Domestic unrest and terrorism can occur.
• Business disputes between U.S. citizens and PRC-national business partners can sometimes result in physical confrontation, detainment, or coercion. Go straight to the police if you feel threatened or relocate to a public place.

Be alert to criminal schemes, such as:

• “Tourist Tea” Scams: PRC nationals invite visitors out to tea and leave them with an exorbitant bill.
• Phone Scams:  Callers pose as police officers and request a funds transfer to resolve an identity theft or money laundering investigation. In these cases, DO NOT WIRE any money. If you receive any suspicious calls or requests, contact the local Public Security Bureau to verify the caller’s identity.
• “Unlicensed or Unapproved Cabs”:  Taxi and ridesharing services in China are generally licensed by authorities. Be cautious when using taxi or ridesharing services that are not accessible through mobile applications. If you use the locally approved taxi service, insist that the driver use the meter, and get a receipt. Have the name of your destination written in Chinese characters and ask the driver to remove the bags from the trunk before you get out of the taxi and before you pay.
• Counterfeit Currency:  Although counterfeit currency has been a concern in the PRC the past, making purchases in cash is increasingly less common as most vendors prefer payments through local mobile payment apps. When you need cash, use only ATMs at trusted financial institutions, and carry a variety of denominations as vendors may have limited cash on hand as change.

Be alert to criminal schemes, such as internet, phone scams, dating scams, as well as financial scams. If you already have been victim of a scam, catalogue as many details as possible, including names, telephone and bank numbers, and email and IP addresses; file a police report, and inform the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General. See the  U.S. Department of State's  and the  U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s  pages for information on scams. Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate General. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault can contact the local police and should contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States .
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, you must apply for both a new passport at the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General and a new PRC visa. File a police report at the nearest police station right away. You may also be directed to file a report at the local Exit-Entry Bureau .

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General for assistance. Domestic violence in the PRC is rarely recognized as a crime.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the PRC government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. See  crimes against minors abroad  and the U.S. Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately.

• PRC authorities must notify a U.S. consular officer within four days; however, this does not always occur in a timely manner.
• A consular officer may be the only authorized visitor during your initial detention period.
• Bail is rarely granted.
• Detention may last many months before a trial.
• The U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General is unable to represent you in a legal matter.
• Travelers to the PRC should enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  and you may wish to have someone contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General if you are detained.
• Please see the section on DUAL NATIONALITY for the limits on consular notification and access to dual nationals.
• See U.S. Department of State’s  webpage  for further information.

The PRC legal system can be opaque and the interpretation and enforcement of local laws arbitrary. The judiciary does not enjoy independence from political influence. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC should be aware of varying levels of scrutiny to which they will be subject from local law enforcement and state security. 

Certain provisions of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China, such as “social order” crimes (Article 293) and crimes involving “endangering state security” and “state secrets” (Article 102 to 113), are ill-defined and can be interpreted by the authorities arbitrarily and situationally. Information that may be common knowledge in other countries could be considered a “state secret” in the PRC, and information can be designated a “state secret” retroactively. Drug and Alcohol Enforcement:

PRC law-enforcement authorities have little tolerance for illegal drugs, including marijuana. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in the PRC are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, or the death penalty. Police regularly conduct unannounced drug tests on people suspected of drug use and have been known to enter a bar or nightclub and subject all patrons to immediate drug testing. Police may force you to provide a urine, blood, or hair follicle sample on short notice. A positive finding, even if the drug was legal elsewhere or consumed prior to arriving in the PRC, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering the PRC.

The PRC also has strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol that can lead to immediate detention on a criminal charge.

Assisted Reproductive Technology:  In vitro fertilization (IVF) is widely and legally practiced. PRC law, however, strictly forbids surrogacy, and surrogacy contracts will not be considered valid. The use of reproductive technology for medical research and profit is strictly controlled. Contracts and Commercial Disputes:  Before entering into a commercial or employment contract in the PRC, have it reviewed by legal counsel both in the United States and in the PRC. The  U.S. International Trade Administration  can assist you in identifying and vetting business contacts and opportunities but may not intervene in contract disputes. Many U.S. citizens have reported difficulty getting their contracts enforced by PRC courts or being forced out of profitable joint-ventures without opportunity to secure legal recourse in the PRC. Counterfeit Goods:  Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods. Bootlegs are illegal in the United States, and you may also be breaking local law by purchasing them.

Cruise Ship Passengers:  Click here for  safety information and travel advice .

Digital Payments: The PRC has transitioned to almost a predominantly cashless society. Some mobile phone applications offer a digital payment solution for individuals visiting the PRC on a temporary or long-term basis. Often, payment is made through an individual using their mobile phone to scan a vendor or business’s QR code. The number of locations accepting foreign credit cards has decreased in recent years. Visitors to the PRC should research whether the locations they are visiting will accept foreign credit cards and familiarize themselves with mobile digital payment options prior to traveling to the PRC.

Earthquakes:  Earthquakes occur throughout the PRC. Check here for information about preparing for a crisis or disaster overseas.

English/Secondary School Teachers:  English teachers in the PRC frequently report employment disputes which can result in questioning by local authorities, termination, lost wages, confiscation of passports, forced eviction from housing, and even threats of violence.

Exit Bans:  Business disputes, court orders to pay a settlement, or government investigations into both criminal and civil issues may result in an exit ban which will prohibit your departure from the PRC until the issue is resolved. Even individuals and their family members who are not directly involved, or even aware of these proceedings, can be subject to an exit ban. Additionally, some local businesspeople who feel that they have been wronged by a foreign business partner may hire "debt collectors” to harass, intimidate, and sometimes physically detain foreign business partners or family members in hopes of collecting the debt. The U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General can provide a list of local attorneys who serve U.S. clients but are otherwise unable to intervene in civil cases. Local law enforcement authorities are generally unwilling to become involved in what they consider private business matters and may not provide the individual who has been barred from leaving the PRC with any written notice of the exit ban.

Faith-Based Travelers:   See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Reports
• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Same sex marriages are not legally recognized in the PRC and local authorities will not provide marriage certificates to same-sex couples. There are no civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, though homosexuality has been decriminalized. Prejudices and discrimination still exist in many parts of the country. There are growing LGBTQI+ communities in some of the largest cities in the PRC and violence against LGBTQI+ individuals in the PRC is relatively rare. See  Section 6 of our Human Rights Practices in the Human Rights Report for the People's Republic of China  and read our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information page .

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):  In January 2017, the PRC implemented a law regulating the operations of foreign NGOs in the PRC. NGOs and their employees should ensure they are complying with all relevant statutory requirements, particularly if working in sensitive areas or fields. Additionally, the PRC government announced sanctions on five U.S.-based NGOs in December 2019.

North Korea:  Do not travel to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals. For further information, consult the  North Korea International Travel Information page  and the  North Korea Travel Advisory .

Political and Religious Activity:  Participating in unauthorized political or religious activities, including participating in public protests or sending private electronic messages critical of the government   may result in detention and PRC government-imposed restrictions on future travel to the PRC. Although the PRC constitution permits freedom of religious belief, it does not permit freedom of religious practice and government officials are increasing pressure on domestic religious activities. The U.S. Mission to the PRC has observed an increase in the number of U.S. citizens being interrogated, detained, and/or forced to leave the country in connection with real or perceived religious proselytization. U.S. citizens have been detained and/or expelled for distributing religious literature, including Bibles, or engaging in unauthorized religious meetings. If you bring religious literature with you, local law dictates that it be a “reasonable amount” for your personal use. If you attempt to bring larger quantities, the literature will likely be confiscated and you may be fined, detained, or deported. Social Insurance:  The PRC has a social insurance system to which foreigners who work in the PRC must contribute. When you sign an employment contract, you must apply for a social insurance number, and it is important that your employer work with you to comply with the regulations. Please check the official website for updated information. Social Media:  Social media accounts are widely monitored in the PRC. Local authorities may use information they deem critical, controversial, or that might involve illegal activity against both the poster of the material and the host of the social media forum under local law. Individuals have also been held responsible for the content that others place within social media spaces they control, such as the comments section under a post or within a group chat that an individual controls.

Special Scrutiny of Foreign Citizens:  On occasion, U.S. citizens visiting or resident in the PRC have been interrogated or detained for reasons said to be related to “state security.” In such circumstances, you could face arrest, detention, or an exit ban prohibiting your departure from the PRC for a prolonged period. Dual U.S.-PRC nationals and U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage may be at a higher risk of facing such special scrutiny. Information about  dual nationality  can be found on our website. Students: See our  U.S. Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Surveillance and Monitoring:  Security personnel carefully watch foreign visitors and may place you under surveillance. Hotel rooms (including meeting rooms), offices, cars, taxis, telephones, internet usage, ​digital payments, and fax machines may be monitored onsite or remotely, and personal possessions in hotel rooms, including computers, may be searched without your consent or knowledge. Security personnel have been known to detain and deport U.S. citizens sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC government. Transferring Money to/from the PRC:  The regulatory environment in the PRC includes tightening capital outflow controls that can severely impact one’s ability to move money out of the country. Wire transfers may only be available to those who have an active bank account in the PRC. Ask your local bank location in the PRC for more information. The U.S. Department of State may be able to help transfer funds to a destitute U.S citizen overseas through our office in Washington, D.C., to a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General abroad. More information on this option is available  here .

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  U.S. citizens with mobility disabilities may face challenges while traveling in the PRC. Sidewalks often do not have curb cuts and many streets can be crossed only via pedestrian bridges or underpasses accessible by staircase. Assistive technologies for blind people and those with other vision disabilities are unreliable, and access to elevators in public buildings can be restricted. In major cities, public restrooms in places visited by tourists usually have a least one accessible toilet. See  Persons with Disabilities in the Human Rights Report for the People's Republic of China (2022) .

Typhoons:  The southeast coast of the PRC is subject to strong typhoons and tropical storms, usually from July through September. For current information, please consult the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Honolulu  and the  National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center . Women Travelers: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region:  Extraordinary security measures are in place through the region. Authorities may impose curfews and restrictions on short notice. They may also engage in invasive surveillance techniques against individuals. Expect significant travel delays, avoid gatherings and demonstrations, always carry ID, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Travelers with ethnic ties to the region may experience special restrictions, discrimination, and even arbitrary detention.

COVID-19 Entry Requirements: There are COVID-related entry requirements in place for U.S. citizens.

• As of May 3, 2023, a negative COVID-19 PCR test or rapid antigen test (home tests are acceptable) within 48 hours of boarding is required for entry. Test results must be self-declared through a Health Declaration Form or through the China Customs smartphone app. Airlines will not check test results anymore. For more information, please see this notice .
• No proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required for entry.
• There is no quarantine period for travelers upon arrival.

COVID-19 Testing: U.S. citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test at most hospitals and clinics in the PRC. They can choose between PCR and antigen tests, which are both available. The cost of the test is about $17 U.S. dollars, but it may vary depending on the location. The test fee is not covered by the host government and must be paid by the U.S. citizen. Test results are usually returned within 12 to 24 hours by email, text, or an update to the local COVID-19 monitoring app. For more information, please see this notice .

COVID-19 Vaccines:  Certain COVID-19 vaccines are available for U.S. citizens to receive in the PRC.

• The PRC government has conditionally authorized several vaccines that are currently available to foreigners residing in the PRC. The two most commonly available, Sinopharm and Sinovac, have not yet received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States. Sinopharm and Sinovac have received approval for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO). Please contact your local health authorities for more information.
• Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.

Quality of Care:  The standards of medical care in the PRC are not equivalent to those in the United States. Even in private hospitals or public hospitals with well-equipped wards, English-speaking patients frequently encounter difficulty due to cultural, language, and regulatory differences. Rural areas have rudimentary facilities and inadequate staffing. Additionally, Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain; the blood type of the general Asian populace is Rh positive. Payment and Insurance:  Ambulances in the PRC are often slow to arrive, and most do not have sophisticated medical equipment or trained responders. Cash payment for services is often required prior to treatment, including emergency cases. Travelers will be asked to post a deposit prior to admission to cover the expected cost of treatment. Hospitals in major cities may accept credit cards. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in the PRC maintain lists of local  English-speaking doctors and hospitals . Use of Medicare/Medicaid in the PRC:  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Hospitals and doctors in the PRC often do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medication:  If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America  to ensure the medication is legal in the PRC. Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with the prescription. Many commonly used U.S. drugs and medications are not available in the PRC, and counterfeit, low-quality knockoffs are prevalent. If you try to have medications sent to you from outside the PRC, you may have problems getting them released by PRC Customs authorities and/or you may have to pay high customs duties. Air Quality:  Air pollution is a significant problem in many locations. Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The PRC’s  Ministry of Ecology and Environment  also provides its own air quality data for cities throughout the PRC. Most roads and towns in Tibet, Qinghai, parts of Xinjiang, and western Sichuan are situated at altitudes over 10,000 feet. Take appropriate precautions to prepare for and be alert to altitude sickness. Disease:  The following diseases are prevalent:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tuberculosis
• Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., syphilis)

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all routine vaccinations recommended by the CDC. The CDC traveler’s health site for the PRC provides vaccine recommendations specific to travel within the PRC.

For further health information :

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Traffic safety is generally poor, and driving can be dangerous, though rules, regulations, and conditions vary greatly throughout the PRC.

Traffic can be chaotic and largely unregulated and the rate of accidents, including fatal accidents, is among the highest in the world. Motorcycle and bicycle accidents are frequent and often deadly. Pedestrians do not have the right of way, and you should show extreme caution when walking in traffic, even in marked crosswalks. Child safety seats are not widely available.

Traffic Laws:

• You may not drive in the PRC using a U.S. or international driver’s license.
• You can apply for a PRC driver’s license if you have a resident permit.
• If you are involved in a traffic accident, stay calm and call and wait for the police.
• If there are no injuries and damage is minimal, the parties often come to agreement on the spot.
• Unresolved disputes are handled by the courts.
• In cases involving injuries, the driver determined at fault is responsible for the injured person’s medical costs. Sometimes, the police may hold your passport until the other parties are satisfied with the compensation they receive.

Please refer to our  Road Safety page  for more information. Also, please review the Law of the People's Republic of China on Road Traffic Safety .

Public Transportation:  Public transportation, including subways, trains, and buses, generally has a positive safety record and is widely available in major cities, although individuals on crowded buses and subways can be targeted by pickpockets. Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the PRC government’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the PRC’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to the PRC should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI) web portal. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website , and the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Navigational Warnings website .

The Commandant of the Coast Guard is unable to determine if effective anti-terrorism measures are in place in PRC ports as required by 46 U.S. Code § 70108.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  China . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Is It Safe in China?

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It's extremely rare for travelers to come into any problems with physical safety in China. Safety issues while traveling in China usually end up being petty thievery, like pick-pocketing, and maybe some issues with travel sickness.

Regardless of China's safe reputation, travelers should still be appropriately careful, especially female travelers. If you can learn a bit of Chinese before you go or while you travel, it will probably be useful if you get into a pinch. But otherwise, as long as you keep your personal belongings safe and you use general good sense, including being careful about water and food safety , you will have a successful and safe trip to China.

Travel Advisories

• As of November 24, 2020, the U.S. State Department warns travelers to "Reconsider Travel" to mainland China and Hong Kong due to COVID restrictions and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.  
• The U.S. State Department warns visitors that the Chinese government arbitrarily uses detentions and exit bans to detain both Chinese nationals and international visitors, with limited legal recourse if you are caught up.

Is China Dangerous?

If you're wondering if China is dangerous in terms of robberies or violent crime, then the answer is no, not really. The crime rates in China are some of the lowest in the world, even lower than countries like Spain, Germany, and New Zealand (and much lower than the U.S.).   Crime still exists, of course, and you should always take the basic precautions. But, in general, you can explore freely in China without having to worry about being robbed or assaulted.

That's not to say there aren't other safety concerns, with one of the main ones being the Chinese government itself. The national government does not take well to criticism, and even a private text message disparaging the leading Communist Party could be considered too offensive. Foreign visitors have been detained without a clear reason or access to a lawyer, so it's best to refrain from sharing your opinions until after you've left the country.

Is China Safe for Solo Travelers?

Whether you're sticking to big cities like Shanghai and Beijing or exploring the rich countryside, traveling solo around China is perfectly safe. If you don't speak the language, it isn't always easy to communicate and there may be difficulties trying to navigate, but that's all part of the adventure. Consider buying a SIM card to use with your phone when you arrive so you have access to the internet wherever you are and can easily pull up a map or an online translator.

One area that solo travelers especially need to be wary of is protests. Any type of manifestation against the government is not taken lightly, and police officers or even soldiers are likely to show up and respond with violence. As a lone foreigner, you're even more likely to stand out. It's best to avoid protests completely if you don't want to run the risk of being detained.

Is China Safe for Female Travelers?

Local Chinese people you meet might think it's odd that you would elect to travel by yourself as a woman, but this perception will be more in terms of their questions about where your friends are and why you don’t have a boyfriend or husband along with you. If you are younger, other questions might arise about why your parents would allow you to travel on your own if you don't have to.

Keep in mind that these questions arise because people are curious about you and why you're in China. It is safe to say that most of the time, these questions are meant with no ill will so try not to take offense, even if you find the questions slightly intrusive.

Generally, you do not have to fear for your physical safety when traveling alone in China. It would even be pretty unusual for you to experience catcalling.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

LGBTQ+ rights in China are complicated. While same-sex activity and choosing your gender identity are both permitted under the law and tacitly accepted, LGBTQ+ rights are by no means "celebrated" in the country. Events such as Pride are routinely canceled, and a law passed in 2015 prohibits the depiction of "abnormal sexual behaviors" in all visual and audio content, which includes gay relationships.

Despite the repression, China is still a relatively safe place to visit for LGBTQ+ travelers. Locals may ask single travelers if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend, and it's up to you to feel the situation out and decide whether or not to respond truthfully. Public displays of affection are looked down upon for all couples, straight or gay, and not recommended.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

China's general safety applies to BIPOC travelers as well, although foreigners are still a novelty to many local residents and non-Chinese visitors are likely to attract attention, even in cosmopolitan cities like Shanghai. Travelers of color, and Black travelers, in particular, are likely to receive stares and even have their picture taken by strangers. It's not uncommon for parents to hand you their babies to get a photo together. The attention may seem quirky at first, but it can also grow tiresome. If you don't feel like being approached, just remember that it's a cultural difference and comes from a place of sincerity. The best response is to smile and say, " bu yao, xiexie, " or "no, thank you."

Safety Tips

• Pedestrians in China do not have the right of way. Always look both ways before crossing a street, even if there's a crosswalk or a stoplight giving you permission.
• Taxis are generally safe to use in China, but make sure you flag an officially designated cab and that the driver turns the meter on once they start driving.
• Keep your valuables secure in your front pocket or a closed-bag to deter pickpockets, especially when visiting touristy areas.
• Air quality can reach noxious levels around big cities or industrial areas, so keep an eye on daily pollution levels through newspapers or online. Use a face mask and, on particularly smoggy days, consider staying inside, especially if you're asthmatic.

U.S. State Department. "China Travel Advisory." September 14, 2020.

Numbeo. " Crime Index by Country. " 2020.

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Do you dare to travel to China? An examination of China's destination image amid the COVID-19

a Department of Tourism Studies, School of Humanities, 2 Southeast University Road, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, China

Hilmi A. Atadil

b Department of Commerce, College of Business, 11000 University Parkway, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, 32514, USA

The impact of COVID-19 on destination image is critical for international tourism recovery. This study is conducted focusing on China, the first epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, with mixed methods. Drawing on survey data collected from 500 US travelers, the study first examines China's destination image perceptions and travel intention. The results reveal that (1) US respondents have low travel intentions to China amid the pandemic; (2) Destination safety and security is the most influential image factor that leads to the low travel intentions to China. News media is proposed to have significant influence on China's image formation due to the COVID-19. A simple content analysis is conducted on CNN's news and China is found to be tied closely with COVID-19 and most news articles are emotionally negative. Those respondents who follow news outlet websites for COVID-19 view China more negatively and have lower travel intentions.

1. Introduction

The vulnerability of the tourism industry has been exhaustively demonstrated worldwide since the outbreak of COVID-19 took place in Wuhan, China in January 2020. As the World Tourism Organization (2020) data shows, the near-complete lockdown caused by the pandemic led to a 98% drop in international tourist arrivals in May, 2020 when compared to 2019 as well as a loss of US$320 billion tourism receipts. The amount of economic damage is more than three times when compared to that of during the Global Economic Crisis of 2009 ( World Tourism Organization, 2020 ). Director of the Tourism Crisis Management Initiative at the University of Florida, Dr. Pennington-Gray, stated that no other global crisis had affected all facets of the tourism industry and every country around the world ( Glusac, 2020 ). Among these countries, China is likely to be one of those that have been severely impacted. In the first half of 2020, China's inbound tourist arrival was estimated to drop by almost 80% ( China Tourism Academy, 2020 ).

While a significant amount of Tourism and Hospitality (T&H) research attention was given to disasters and crises, the previously generated practical and theoretical implications may be limited considering the magnitude of COVID-19 pandemic ( Avraham, 2020 ). In the COVID-19 era, the fundamental characteristics of hospitality, such as traveling and getting together, have become terms causing fear and stress ( Rivera, 2020 ). Furthermore, the relative significance of health risk may have increased among travelers as a concern when selecting destinations ( Currie, 2020 ). Destination image is a critical factor for the destination selection process ( Ryu, Bordelon, & Pearlman, 2013 ). Zenker and Kock (2020) explicitly stressed that there was a need to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic reshapes the images of destinations, especially those that were associated with high infection rates. China used to be one of these destinations.

As the first epicenter of the pandemic, China's destination image might have been damaged and tourists might have a fear of visiting China, which could cost China a long time to rebound ( Barnes, 2020 ). According to Wen, Aston, Liu, and Ying (2020) , China's harmful image and reputation could be led by possible misleading news coverage associated with COVID-19. Previous studies show that news media play a salient part in shaping destination image perceptions among tourists ( Stepchenkova & Eales, 2011 ; Wang, Chan, & Pan, 2015 ). When the COVID-19 pandemic outbroke, such effects were worsened by the large amount of media attention given to the epicenter countries. Destination image recovery research in the post-pandemic period is very important for industry leaders and stakeholders. A study focusing on China can provide both theoretical and practical insights for other COVID-19 epicenter countries.

While the aforementioned studies proved to be useful in destination image context, a more direct and a mixed method approach on destination image formation in the COVID-19 era is needed to enhance the theoretical understanding of this critical concept and to produce further implications to assist destinations in their recovery process. Thus, the present study aims to fill the gap through examining US travelers' image perceptions toward China as a future destination and explore such image connection with the mainstream news media (e.g., CNN.com news website) right after China became the first epicenter of COVID-19. The specific three research questions are stated as follows:

• 1. How do US travelers perceive China as an international destination amid the COVID-19 pandemic?
• 2. How does the perceived destination image of China affect the future travel intention?
• 3. How does this perceived destination image differ based on the exposure to news media?

The reasons why the US travelers are chosen for study are twofold: First, although the US is the biggest outbound tourism market in the world, inbound tourists from the US only ranked sixth in China ( Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, 2020 ). Therefore, the development of the US tourist market should be a high priority due to its potential. Second, U.S. travelers might be reluctant to travel to China due to reasons such as unfamiliarity, cultural differences, visa requirements and long flight ( Li, Luo, Bilgihan, & Okumus, 2021 ). Those are universal hinders for many western travelers not traveling to China. Therefore, an investigation of US potential travelers can present an opportunity to understand Westerners' views on China as a travel destination ( Becken, Jin, Zhang, & Gao, 2017 ). The findings from this study could be projected to major western tourist markets.

The major theoretical contribution of this study lies in the proposal of a perceived destination image scale for a country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical significance of this study lies in implications for China and other COVID-19 epicenter countries with respect to destination image recovery and crisis management. The current investigation comprises two studies with a blended qualitative and quantitative approach. The first study examined China's destination image perceived by the US travelers. The second study on media data identified the keywords and sentiments on China demonstrated by one mainstream news outlet in the US. The purpose of method triangulation is to provide more comprehensive data, enhance understanding of China's destination image during the COVID-19, and increase the validity of the findings. In other words, it is expected that the second study on media data will provide an explanation for the findings of the first study on survey data. In the following sections, the theoretical background behind the destination image as well as media effects is first presented. Next, we present two studies and their main results and discuss their implications regarding destination image recovery in the post-COVID-19 era.

2. Literature review

2.1. tourism crisis research on destination image.

T&H industry is very sensitive toward crises generated by both natural (e.g., infectious disease, hurricane) and human-caused disasters (e.g., terrorism, economic recession). A mismanagement of such crises can damage the destination image and lead to a lengthy crisis for the regional tourism industry ( Li, Wen, & Ying, 2018 ; Sönmez, Apostolopoulos, & Tarlow, 1999 ). Unsurprisingly, previous T&H research investigated the destination image within the context of crises related to a varying type of tragic disasters such as the October 1 tragedy in Las Vegas ( Erdem, Hasanzadeh, & Bai, 2020 ), war in Timor-Leste ( Currie, 2020 ), Economic recession in Greece ( Gkritzali, Gritzalis, & Stavrou, 2018 ), Zika virus ( Hugo & Miller, 2017 ), Nepal's Gurkha Earthquake ( Ketter, 2016 ) and Hurricane Katrina ( Ryu et al., 2013 ). In the year of, 2020, the outbreak of a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 joined the list of tragic disasters significantly affecting the T&H industry, as well as, the destination images globally.

Previous studies on SARS in 2003, another similar infectious disease, could provide some insights on COVID-19. SARS, the severe acute respiratory syndrome, created a significant negative impact on tourism development in many parts of Asia ( Mao, Ding, & Lee, 2010 ; Zeng, Carter, & Lacy, 2005 ). The studies of SARS's impacts on T&H mainly focus on Chinese domestic tourist behaviors ( Wen, Gu, & Kavanaugh, 2005 ), hotel management in Korea ( Kim, Chun, & Lee, 2005 ), restaurant management in Hong Kong ( Tse, So, & Sin, 2006 ), international tourism demand to Asia ( Kuo, Chen, Tseng, Ju, & Huang, 2008 ), and post-SARS recovery patterns ( Mao et al., 2010 ). The findings of these studies on SARS confirmed that the tourism industry shows a characteristic of sensitivity and fluctuation toward health crises and further indicated that more effective tourism promotion policies should be executed for crisis recovery. However, as SARS is categorized as a short-term crisis ( Zeng et al., 2005 ), the incomparable longer-term, far-reaching influence of COVID-19 makes us believe that it is necessary to examine the consequences and impacts systematically, which can start from the first epicenter country, China, and focuses on the most fragile T&H sector, that is, international travel market.

Among the limited research focusing on the destination images within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahmad, Jamaludin, Zuraimi, and Valeri (2020) investigated the factors (i.e., physical, sociopsychological, financial) affecting the intention to visit and destination image in crisis recovery period after the pandemic of COVID-19. In their quantitative approach, the study respondents were Asian and European travelers visiting Malaysia. Authors concluded that destination image significantly influenced the intention to visit, as well as, significantly mediated the association between the previously mentioned factors and intention to visit. Whereas, Abbaspour, Soltani, and Tham (2020) focused on the medical tourism destination image and suggested that such an image can be a helpful instrument for COVID-19 post-crisis recovery. By interviewing medical tourists from an Iranian health center, authors concluded that medical tourists to Iran can be considered crisis-resistant travelers, and such travelers should be the target of the pandemic recovery strategies. More recently, Hassan and Soliman (2021) placed their attention on revisit intention in the era of COVID-19 by evaluating the destination social responsibility, destination reputation, travelers' trust and fear arousal. In the performed quantitative approach, the sample was formed by domestic travelers in Egypt. One of the reported findings of this study was that the fear associated with the pandemic could lower excitement for traveling in general.

2.2. Destination image scale

Since destination image is a critical factor for predicting travel behavior, previous research has heavily studied its measurement and formation process. One seminal study conducted by Beerli and Martin (2004) proposed nine dimensions determining the perceived destination image, including Natural Resources, General Infrastructure, Tourist Infrastructure, Tourist Leisure and Recreation, Culture, History and Art, Political and Economic Factors, Natural Environment, Social Environment, and Atmosphere of the Place. This study represents a comprehensive attempt of building a destination image scale. However, the weights of these image dimensions may vary in different destinations. For instance, Chaulagain, Wiitala, and Fu (2019) found that perceived safety and security had the largest influence on the development of a country's image. In particular, the international travelers were getting more and more concerned with the safety and security of a destination when making decisions. Similarly, when Atadil, Sirakaya-Turk, and Altintas (2017) examined the perceived destination image, the safe and secure environment at a destination was associated with the highest level of importance in their respective factor analysis.

From a different perspective, the significant role played by safety and security in destination image scale reflects travelers' sensitivity to travel-related risk. Typical travel-related risks include natural disasters, hygiene, diseases, terrorism, political instability, crime and accidents, environmental quality, and so forth ( Reisinger & Mavondo, 2005 ; Wang, Liu-Lastres, Ritchie, & Mills, 2019 ; Wang, Liu-Lastres, Ritchie, & Pan, 2019 ). Becken et al. (2017) found that western travelers' feeling toward the risk of air quality had a significant negative impact on China's destination image. Liu-Lastres, Schroeder, and Pennington-Gray (2019) used norovirus infections as the context and provided practical implications on how to develop effective risk and crisis communication messages. Undoubtedly, the context of COVID-19 pandemic could exacerbate potential travelers' risk perceptions. Through integrating destination image and risk literature, this study aims to propose a destination image scale with highlights on destination safety and security attributes within the context of COVID-19.

Besides image dimensions of safety and security, the majority of travelers are highly interested in the cultural expressions of local people such as history, customs, arts, language and science. Moreover, the main product of tourism is the environment ( Goeldner & Ritchie, 2012 ). Thus, it's not surprising that the perceived destination image is affected by such cultural expressions and natural resources. Further dimensions such as smooth travel and affordability were also examined to enhance our understanding of the destination image formation by previous research (e.g., Atadil et al., 2017 ; Chaulagain et al., 2019 ). These image dimensions mentioned above were comprehensively included in the proposed destination image scale and their significance was tested in predicting travel intentions.

2.3. Media effect on destination image

Media effects have been generally accepted as that the media plays a central role in influencing public opinion. In the field of mass communication, the agenda setting theory explains the relationship between mass media and the public opinion. It refers to the correspondence between media agenda and public agenda. In other words, public opinion “responds not to the environment, but to the pseudo-environment constructed by the news media” ( McCombs, 2004 , p. 3). The basic idea is that the news media serves as the window to the world beyond direct experience, filters the information, and then determines our cognitive image of the world. As it says, perception is reality. Rich case studies have empirically confirmed the important role that news media plays in defining controversial issues and shaping people's perceptions and evaluations consequently ( Feezell, 2018 ; Guo & Vargo, 2020 ; Kiousis, 2004 ).

The media effect on destination image perception is echoed by the concept of organic destination image in the field of tourism research. According to Gunn (1997) , organic destination image is derived from non-tourist sources, like media, popular culture and schooling and is considered as the most influential factor in travel decisions. It not only serves as a foundation of induced destination image ( Fakeye & Crompton, 1991 ; Gartner, 1994 ), but also can be a powerful factor influencing the initial choice set of destinations ( Selby & Morgan, 1996 ). Besides these traditional information sources, a recent research trend was observed with more attention given to different social media platforms when studying the formation of destination images, which include, but not limited to, Instagram ( Arefieva, Egger, & Yu, 2021 ), Twitter ( Garay, 2019 ), TripAdvisor ( Tamajón & Valiente, 2017 ; Zhang, Qi, & Qi, 2021 ), and Sina Weibo ( Kim, Lee, Shin, & Yang, 2017 ). In contrast, very few studies empirically illustrated the relationship between mainstream news media and destination image formation. One exemption was made by Stepchenkova and Eales (2011) . The scholars quantified news media about Russia and developed Dynamic Destination Image Index to represent the destination image in models of tourism demand. The Index was a time series of media materials about Russia published in three influential UK newspapers, reflecting the news volume, topics, and favorability of coverage. The findings demonstrated the predictive power of the news media in explaining tourism demand.

The significance of news media effects within the context of health crises have been long noticed by researchers. Downs (1972) proposed the concept of the “issue attention cycle” and stated that modern public attend to important certain issues in a cyclical manner which involved five stages: the pre-problem stage, alarmed discovery and euphoric enthusiasm, realizing the cost of significant progress, gradual decline of intense public interest, and the post-problem stage. Hall (2002) applied the five-stage issue-attention cycle into the discussion of the events of September 11 and claimed that media had a major role on destination image and consequential travel decision-making. With the help of the advanced communication power of news media, a worldwide health crisis can revise the perceived images of international destinations. For instance, Toronto, which originally held a safe destination image, turned into a dangerous place to visit because of SARS ( Mason, Grabowski, & Du, 2005 ). However, despite the recognition of the news media power on destination image within the context of health crises, there was fewer empirical analysis on an epicenter country's destination image as well as its connection with the concurrent news media content. As the first epicenter of COVID-19, China's destination image might have been severely distorted due to the pouring news coverage worldwide. Thus, it is emblematic to examine China's destination image amid the pandemic and further reveal how the news media affects China's destination image perceptions and travel intentions among potential travelers.

2.4. Study focus: China's destination image

China had become a prominent destination worldwide before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2019, China was ranked fourth globally in terms of tourist arrivals and tenth in terms of tourist receipts ( World Tourism Organization, 2019 ). However, the controversial international image of China has long been perceived among western travelers. Specifically, the positive side includes culture/history/art, recreation/leisure, tourist sites and attractions, and food/lifestyle; the negative image is dominant in the field of policies and politics, international relations, safety/environment/health, transit/transportation, business/economy ( Xiao & Mair, 2006 ). China used various means to generate and sustain a favorable image ( Zhang & Cameron, 2003 ). Most noticeably, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games were widely regarded as an important marketing campaign for China to improve its standing ( Meng & Li, 2011 ).

In spite of these marketing efforts, China's destination image is still identified as mixed and paradoxical in the eyes of western travelers ( Li & Wang, 2011 ). For instance, through analyzing travel blogs, Tseng, Wu, Morrison, Zhang, and Chen (2015) found that the concepts of history, ancient, and cultural expression were pervasive among five English-speaking countries and negative impressions included the sanitary behaviors of Chinese people and their loudness. Another research effort was presented by Becken et al. (2017) who surveyed US and Australian residents on their views on China as a travel destination and found that potential travelers held negative views about travel risks in China in general. Notably, the risk perception of air quality had a significant negative impact on destination image as well as intention to visit China. As to the influential factors on China's destination image perceived, transportation ( Zhang et al., 2021 ) and country image ( Zhang, Wu, Morrison, & Tseng, 2018 ) have been specifically identified. There is a general lack of study on how western newspaper articles shape Westerners' evaluation of China as a travel destination. This study chose the perspective of an important inbound tourism market, i.e., the US travelers, to examine China's destination image and its reflection through the news media amid the COVID-19.

In Study I, China's destination image was collected and examined through online surveys and then, the predictive power of the image factors on travel intentions was analyzed. Study II was conducted as a supplement to explain the possible influence exerted by the news media on China's destination image perceptions. Specifically, the news articles on China from one influential and representative news media outlet (i.e., CNN.com ) were collected for the first half of the year 2020 and then a preliminary content analysis was conducted to explore the agenda and sentiment related to China. Furthermore, the present research is part of a larger research project focusing on the formation of travelers' images on multiple concepts such as a full-service hotel and an international destination, particularly in the COVID-19 era. Accordingly, the present research concentrates on the international destination aspect.

Study I was conducted to explore China's destination image perceived among US travelers amid the pandemic of COVID-19. It mainly took a quantitative approach, and a questionnaire survey was employed online to collect the data.

3.1. Survey design

The survey consisted of four sections. In section 1 , the respondents' knowledge of the COVID-19 was first recalled and their familiarity with this pandemic was measured. Section 2 contained 30 items measuring China's destination image as perceived by the respondents within the context of COVID-19 pandemic. A 5-point Likert-type scale where 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree was adopted to assess respondents' ratings on the destination image attributes. These 30 attributes describing China as an international destination were developed based on previous related research, including Atadil et al. (2017) , Chaulagain et al. (2019) , Baloglu and McCleary (1999) , Chen, Lai, Petrick, and Lin (2016) , Beerli and Martin (2004) , and executed pilot study, as well as, professional and academic experience of the authors of the present study. Section 3 contained three items to measure the future travel intention to China. For example, “China is a good choice for my next vacation planning after the COVID pandemic is over.” The last section asked for respondents' demographic information.

A pilot study was conducted before collecting the data. The draft of the survey was distributed to 16 professionals and experienced travelers. Among them there were four lodging practitioners, five academicians in the field of T&H management, and seven tourists who had rich travel experiences. Based on the feedback from the pilot study, we revised some issues related to wording, question sequence, and vocabulary clarity for the purpose of making sure the survey design was suitable for the targeting population. By doing so, the content and face validities of the questionnaire was enhanced. The final version of the survey is presented in the Appendix.

3.2. Data collection

The data was gathered from respondents who are U.S. residents, at least 18 years old and have the experience of staying in a hotel within the last two years. The condition of recent hotel experience helped to identify active travelers. The questionnaire was administered online through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), and the process started on June 15th and ended on June 20th, 2020. A purposive sampling approach was used: the study respondents were selected from the population of MTurk workers based on certain qualification criteria. On one hand, to qualify for inclusion in this study, MTurk workers need to have a Human Intelligence Task (HIT), such as an online survey, approval rate of 90% or above. This HIT approval rate indicates the percentage of completed and approved tasks for a MTurk worker (Amazon Mechanical Turk, 2019 ). On the other hand, the sample data was continuously monitored to ensure the diverse socio-demographic characteristics among the respondents. A total of 550 surveys were completed. Before data analysis, data filtering was conducted in an attempt to guarantee the quality of the data. First, the qualifications of the respondents were checked, including nationality, age, and the hotel staying experience during the past 24 months. Second, the survey used two opposite items to filter out those invalid surveys which failed to give consistent answers. As a result, 50 surveys were identified as unusable. A total of 500 completed surveys were deemed as valid for further coding and data analysis.

3.3. Profile of the respondents

Of the 500 respondents, 101 respondents (20%) had traveled to China before and 222 respondents (56%) had traveled abroad previously. The majority of the respondents were male (62%), married (67%), full-time employed (82%), and had a Bachelor's degree (61%). The largest age group was 25–34, which accounted for 42% of the sample. In terms of ethnic group, 69% were Caucasians, 11% were African Americans, and 8% were Hispanics. Relating to their individual income level, 221 respondents (44%) earned $45,000–$85,000 last year and 83 respondents (17%) earned more than $85,000. Compared with the United States Census data (2019) , this sample is slightly skewed toward a younger, male-dominant, married, and high-educated group. Therefore, the interpretation and generalization of this study's findings should be cautious. The specific limitation is addressed later.

The research attempted to examine China's destination image perception under the influence of COVID-19 so the respondents' familiarity toward the pandemic was measured first. More than a half (73%) believed they were very familiar with the pandemic and 68% worried about contracting the COVID-19. Further data confirmed such familiarity and sensitivity. For instance, the proportions for those who knew someone being tested positive and being under quarantine were 40% and 55%, respectively.

3.4. Data analysis and results

The gathered data was treated with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program. At the beginning, item level distributions were assessed through item analysis that allowed us to test multiple assumptions such as linearity. Then, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was carried out in order to develop a perceived destination image scale within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since such a scale was not well-established by the previous research and, accordingly, we had limited knowledge on the potential factor structure, the EFA was considered the most appropriate procedure to be executed ( Sharma, 1996 ). Moreover, as Hancer, Ozturk, and Ayyildiz (2009) stated, a multiple regression analysis can be carried out with the purpose of prediction and illustration of the causal associations between a single dependent variable and multiple independent variables. Therefore, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to estimate the predictive power of the identified destination image dimensions developed from the EFA toward the respondents' future travel intention.

3.5. EFA on China's destination image

As indicated earlier, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was executed with the goal of building a perceived destination image scale within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since this 30-item scale was intended to provide critical insights regarding how US travelers perceive China as an international destination during COVID-19 pandemic, it was named as the Destination Image Scale of China. Initially, the appropriateness of the scale was checked through item analysis. There was no item with a higher absolute value than 1.19 regarding kurtosis, skewness and standard deviations. Furthermore, previous research suggested and had used 5 to 10 participants per scale item method when assessing the sample size (e.g., Atadil et al., 2017 ; Comrey & Lee, 2013 ). In addition, a high reliability was also observed for the scale (α = 0.94). Thus, the 30-item scale met the assumptions of large sample size, reliability, and linearity successfully, and was treated with an EFA.

Then, the EFA was performed with a principal component extraction method and varimax rotation (Kaiser Meyer Olkin (KMO) value = 0.949). While improving the variance of factor loadings, the simplicity of the factors was also enhanced via the varimax orthogonal rotation approach ( Tabachnick & Fidell, 2007 ). Due to the low and cross factor loading issues, four items were eliminated from the scale. This process led to the formation of a five-factor structure explaining almost 61% of the variance in the data. Moreover, 0.916 and 0.734 were the highest and lowest observed Cronbach's alpha values, respectively. The common method bias was also assessed through Harman's single-factor test that resulted in only a 38% of explained variance. Based on the previous related literature (e.g., Atadil et al., 2017 ; Beerli & Martin, 2004 ; Chaulagain et al., 2019 ), as well as, our professional and academic experience, the obtained factors were named as: (1) Destination Safety and Security , (2) Cultural Richness , (3) Ecological Richness , (4) Travel Smoothness , and (5) Wallet Friendliness . In Table 1 , the highest three mean scores were associated with the following items: China has places of historical or cultural interest (Mean value = 4.14), China has unique ways of life and customs (4.03), and China has wealth and beauty of the landscape (4.00). On the other hand, the following items received the lowest three importance mean scores: China is a safe country in terms of infectious diseases (3.03), There is an unpolluted/unspoiled environment in China (3.14), and China has safe street food (3.26). Simply put, those highest-valued items are all associated with the factor “ Cultural Richness ” while those lowest-valued items are all associated with the factor “ Destination Safety and Security ”.

Factor analysis of destination image scale of China.

N  = 500. KMO value = 0.949. Cut-off value: 0.40.

3.6. Regression analysis on future travel intention to China

A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to examine the predictive power of previously obtained destination image dimensions toward travelers' future travel intention to China. Considering the substantial impact of COVID-19 on international travel, the influence of self-perceived familiarity of COVID-19 on future travel intention to China was controlled in the regression analysis. In Table 2 , the results showed that 47.6% of the variance of the travel intention to China was explained in the model (F (6, 493) = 76.503, p  < 0.001). Three out of five image factors had statistically significant correlations with the dependent variable. Specifically, Destination Safety and Security was found to be the most influential predictor for travel intention to China. The next two important predictors were Travel Smoothness and Wallet Friendliness . Neither Cultural Richness nor Ecological Richness played a significant role in predicting travel intentions to China. Notably, travel intention to China was negatively influenced by the self-perceived familiarity toward COVID-19.

Multiple regression model for travel intention to China.

Dependent variable = Travel intention to China. Overall model: F (6, 493) = 76.503, P  < 0.001, R 2  = 0.482, Adjusted R 2  = 0.476.

4. Study II

The purpose of Study II was to explore the influence of news media on China's destination image perception amid the pandemic of COVID-19. First, a preliminary content analysis of the news media articles on China was conducted. Second, the differences of China's destination image perceptions were checked considering the respondents' media use—different levels of exposure to the online news media outlets.

4.1. Media data collection

As one of the most visited news websites, CNN.com was chosen for media data collection in Study II. More specifically, as part of the selection process of the media outlet, we reached out to multiple academicians from the Communication discipline conducting content analysis studies on media outlets. Considering their valuable feedback and its global popularity, CNN.com was selected. There were two justifications for the choice of online news media in this study. First, research in the field of communication found that nowadays the online news media plays a leading role in defining the media agenda, compared with traditional elite newspapers like New York Times and The Washington Post ( Vargo & Guo, 2017 ). Second, considering the special circumstances brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e., stay-at-home order, social distance, etc., it is reasonable to say that the online news outlets have become the major information source worldwide. In determining the time frame of analysis, we chose a period from January, 2020 to June, 2020. This is because, according to Stone and McCombs (1981) , it takes two to six months for multiple topics to move from the media to the public. It was January, 2020 when the COVID-19 outbreak was first reported in Wuhan, China, and since then, a large amount of news coverage has been developed on the issue.

As a result, news articles published between January 1st, 2020 and June 15th, 2020, on CNN.com were extracted through the Nexis Uni database. In this extraction process, news articles with words of “China” “Chinese” or “Wuhan” appearing on their headlines and lead sections were gathered. Since our research focuses on the destination image of China, we extracted the news articles with these particular words. Multiple rounds of examinations were conducted in order to make sure that each extracted article was relevant. Since the headlines and leading paragraphs were the focus during the extraction process, only the text data coming from these two particular sections were used for the following text analyses. This process led to the collection of 841 news articles. The headlines and the leading paragraph were combined as the content analysis unit.

4.2. Content analysis

4.2.1. word frequency analysis.

Word frequency analysis was executed via NVivo 12 to identify the most mentioned words, as well as, to illustrate them within a word cloud map. NVivo is widely accepted for content analysis and the word cloud map can visualize the data in a more straightforward, reader-friendly manner. The specific word frequency statistics was shown in Table 3 . “Coronavirus” ( n  = 939) was identified as the word with the highest frequency. The following four most mentioned words were, respectively, “Donald Trump” ( n  = 231), “Outbreak” ( n  = 227), “Hong Kong” ( n  = 222), and “People” ( n  = 193). Moreover, the word “travel” ( n  = 95) ranked eighteenth. Fig. 1 illustrates the visual representation of the most mentioned words for the text data. The higher the frequency of a word, the larger its font size on this word cloud map.

Word frequency statistics.

Word cloud of the most frequently mentioned words.

4.2.2. Sentiment analysis

Following the word frequency analysis, a sentiment analysis on the “travel” word was performed. The purpose of this particular analysis was to identify the news outlet website's (i.e., CNN.com ) attitudes toward traveling to China: Whether these attitudes are positive or negative. We first extracted 95 statements that included the “travel” word from the text data. Then NVivo 12 was used for sentiment analysis of these statements. The software feature of auto-coding for sentiment has built-in lexicons for positive and negative sentiments, which can specifically tag the statements into four categories: moderately positive, very positive, moderately negative and very negative ( Woolf & Silver, 2018 ). NVivo maintains separate lexicons for each of these categories and word modifiers like very, more or somewhat can change the class of that emotion ( Pudaruth, Moheeputh, Permessur, & Chamroo, 2018 ). As a result, out of the 95 travel-related statements, 34 statements were tagged as very negative and 32 as moderately negative, while only 9 statements were tagged as very positive and 19 as moderately positive. Table 4 illustrates some examples of the emotionally negative news articles statements. Literally, those negative words, like “unprotected” “killed” “sickened” “died” “against” “warning” “bans” “ugly” “restriction” “death toll”, determined the emotional tone of the articles.

Examples of the emotionally negative news articles statements.

4.3. T-tests regarding exposure to media

A series of t -tests were conducted to examine the mean differences of destination image scale and travel intention to China with regard to the respondents' different exposure levels to online news media, i.e., whether or not relying on news outlet websites for COVID-19 information. Results are shown in Table 5 . For those US respondents who considered news outlet websites as their major information source related to COVID-19, significant lower scores were assigned to most items of Destination Safety and Security and, consequently, travel intention to China. In contrast, for those who had fewer access to news outlet websites related to COVID-19, more endorsements were given to the factors of Cultural Richness , Ecological Richness , and Wallet Friendliness ., basically formulating a more positive destination image about China. Mixed results existed for Travel Smoothness .

Mean differences regarding exposure to news outlet websites.

a The star mark (*) indicates the mean difference is statistically significant at 0.05 level.

5. Discussion

The study revealed that US travelers' perception of China as an international destination during COVID-19 pandemic was generally negative and their travel intention was relatively low. The major contribution of the study lies in the proposal of a perceived destination image scale for a COVID-19 epicenter country and the unearthed correlation between Destination Safety and Security, and the future travel behavior of international travelers. Notably, Destination Safety and Security captured the highest variance in the data highlighting the importance of this particular dimension in the formation of the perceived destination image of China. While previous research found that risk perceptions of air quality ( Becken et al., 2017 ) and beggars ( Qiao, Chen, & Prideaux, 2017 ) are associated with China's destination image, the present study identified the safety issue of hygiene and sanitation within the context of COVID-19 in China. The seriousness of this issue is even overshadowing the cultural and natural heritage of the country as the relation of the perceived Cultural and Ecological Richness dimensions on future travel intention to China was found nonsignificant. As a result, potential international travelers might refrain from taking the cultural and natural heritage into account when considering traveling to China. This finding is in alignment with previous research. Likewise, Jiao, Zhang, and Meng (2020) stressed that even though the historical and cultural heritage of Xinjiang, China is well-known locally, its international reputation is shadowed by factors such as security considering the terrorism threat.

Research concerning the media effect on destination image has been conducted for years. Most researchers believe that various forms of social media, one of the most explored areas, play significant roles nowadays in affecting destination image perceptions ( Garay, 2019 ; Li et al., 2021 ; Li & Wang, 2011 ; Tseng et al., 2015 ). However, previous studies supporting such claims overlooked the influence of news media on social media. According to the Intermedia Agenda-Setting Theory, news media journalists, referred to as the “gatekeeper of information”, have significant influence on most topics and the sentiment expressed on other news sources ( Stern, Livan, & Smith, 2020 ). Moreover, communication studies empirically confirmed that online media outlets, like CNN.com , strongly affect other media, including social media ( Harder, Sevenans, & Aelst, 2017 ). The present study found that as the first epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, China's news coverage was mainly focused on “coronavirus” “outbreak” and “health”. Further sentiment analysis indicates that the majority of the news articles on traveling to China adopted a negative approach. In other words, COVID-19 has been featured in Chinese news coverage ( Chen, Huang, & Li, 2020 ). The possible influence of constant exposure to negative news on China was examined through t -tests in regard to respondents' destination image perceptions and travel intentions. The findings align well with the communication literature, which suggests that within the context of health crises, mainstream news media exerts powerful influence on international destination image. Further effort should be devoted to unveiling this influence mechanism.

Taking a more detailed perspective, the online news users rated a majority of Destination Safety and Security attributes significantly lower. Previous studies showed that the onset of health crises is likely to affect the public's perceptions of health risks and then lead to decisional and behavioral changes ( Bowen, Fidgeon, & Page, 2014 ). According to Kasperson, Kasperson, Pidgeon, and Slovic (2005) , this kind of health risk perception may be partly due to sensationalism of the health crises and how they are reported by the media. In light of the health concerns inspired by the news coverage on COVID-19, it is understandable that US travelers have a substantial low intention for international travel to China. More interestingly, the online news users rated most other destination attributes significantly higher, including Cultural Richness , Ecological Richness , and Wallet Friendliness. Such positive evaluation could be a result of the raised awareness through more news coverage on China as a destination located on the other half of the planet in the mind of US travelers. This finding was in consistency with the previous research. For instance, Li and Kaplanidou (2013) found that US travelers who spent more time following the Olympic Games through the media tended to have a more positive impression of China as a tourism destination. Simply put, these findings imply that US travelers' negative perception of China is more likely a perception of the pandemic itself as China was considered the first epicenter of the COVID-19. This illustrates the critical role in understanding these perceptions and the corresponding communication message for market recovery ( Liu-Lastres et al., 2019 ).

5.1. Theoretical implication

Zenker and Kock (2020) claimed that previous knowledge in the T&H research field could be at the mercy of a paradigm shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Correspondingly, this study is one of the first research attempts proposing a perceived destination image scale for a country strongly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The reexamination of the destination image does not only improve our theoretical understanding of the construct itself but also help explain the future travel behavior in the COVID-19 era. Furthermore, the name of Destination Safety and Security (e.g., a safe country in terms of infectious diseases) was given to the most influential destination image dimension both on the scale formation and predicting future travel intention to China. Thus, the present study also helps improve the conceptualization of the destination image scale amid the COVID-19. The critical roles of safety and security for the perceived destination image was also reported by the previous research ( Atadil et al., 2017 ; Chaulagain et al., 2019 ; Moreno-González, León, & Fernández-Hernández, 2020 ), and the current research confirms their roles and growing importance within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, we claim that Destination Safety and Security will be the most critical factor in determining the future travel behavior of international travelers in the post-COVID era.

In addition to directing research efforts to the examination of China's destination image, this study attempted to contribute to media effect and tourism crisis literature. The overall negative image perceived among US travelers could be reasonably explained by the large amounts of online negative news coverage on China and the COVID-19. Su and Li (2020) stated that US audiences' perception of China was shaped by media coverage of China-related topics while direct experience with China has no effect. In light of this and the findings of this study, we can claim that the news media coverage on COVID-19 significantly and negatively affects China's destination image and, in particular, the destination's safety and security attributes. Furthermore, this study goes beyond the traditional survey analysis and digs into specific news articles related to traveling to China through content analysis. The negatively-dominant news coverage indicates that the influence of news media on destination images perceived by potential travelers and their travel intentions were more substantial within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, in the following tourism crisis management research, the construct of media force cannot be excluded anymore.

5.2. Practical implication

The present study allows the generation of practical implications both for the T&H industry practitioners and researchers. First, the developed 26-item destination image scale can be utilized by field researchers interested in examining travelers' perceptions and future decision-making behaviors. Second, considering the heavy weight of Destination Safety and Security in the formation of the destination image and future travel behavior, this factor should be the focus of attention in any marketing campaign by the Chinese DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations). In these marketing campaigns, high levels of hygiene and sanitation, being a safe country, as well as hotel safety and security within the context of infectious diseases should be explicitly communicated with the targeted travelers. Third, a majority of the respondents indicated high levels of agreement with the cultural and ecological richness of China. Thus, even though cultural and natural heritage were found to be ignored when considering traveling to China, potential travelers should still be reminded of the unique cultural and natural attractions available in China.

Last but not least, the media effect study could generate further meaningful practical implications for the policy-makers, tourism planners, and DMOs. Since news media outlets are found to be powerful in reshaping destination images, appropriate media strategies should be developed by DMOs for the purpose of crisis management and image recovery. As Liu-Lastres et al. (2019) argued, onset of the health crises, messaging is important in shaping tourists' perceptions and reactions. Similarly, Lu, Mihalik, Heere, Meng, and Fairchild (2019) proposed to effectively employ public relation strategy in the context of certain tourism issues. Within this crisis context, for China, and other COVID-19 epicenter countries, like Italy, Spain, the US, etc., the DMOs could take more active actions approaching news media and take advantage of online communication channels to enhance the information transparency and avoid the influence of misleading coverage. Before doing this, DMOs should have a better knowledge about the agenda of mainstream news media outlets and respond quickly to the changing media ecology ( Su & Li, 2020 ). Thus, more systematic content analysis can essentially help to achieve this goal.

6. Conclusion

This study mainly investigated US travelers' perceptions of China as an international destination after China became the first epicenter of the COVID-19. Five underlying dimensions were identified, namely, Destination Safety and Security, Cultural Richness, Ecological Richness, Travel Smoothness and Wallet Friendliness. Further regression analysis indicated that Destination Safety and Security had the most influential dimension in determining US travelers' intention to visit China. Moreover, the content analysis showed that CNN's online news articles presented China in a generally negative manner, and more notably, closely associated with COVID-19. As a result, those US travelers who relied on online news viewed China more negatively in terms of travel safety and security.

6.1. Limitations and future research

This study has certain limits in generalizing the findings. First, the chosen destination, China, represents the first epicenter country of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the proposed destination image scale would only stay robust when examining other epicenter countries whose destination image might be severely affected by health crises. Second, in this study only one source market was investigated, that is, the US travelers. Presumably, should the present study be replicated in other international markets, like Japan and Korea, different findings might have emerged. The sample representativeness limits the generalization of the findings too. As in most studies using MTurk for administering the survey, the sample is more male and younger ( Jilke, Ryzin, & Walle, 2016 ), excluding most elderly people who constitute the large proportion of the international travel market and those without internet access. To get a comprehensive destination image of China, future research may replicate the current study design in various source markets and diversified demographic groups.

Because only online news outlets were analyzed, this study has another limitation. Given the fact of diverse communication methods nowadays, research on other information sources, for instance, social media, YouTube channels, and so forth, may provide complementary information for researchers and DMOs to gain a better understanding of destination images as well as the formation process. More specifically, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as very influential information sources worldwide, are also likely to impact the perceived destination images of travelers. In addition, recent issues on the accuracy of the news are also another factor that can affect the destination image formation. The associations among exposure to social media, accuracy of the news and destination image formation during the COVID-19 era should be investigated by the future research. Moreover, the study II in the present paper represents a preliminary effort toward the influence of news media on China's destination image perception amid the pandemic of COVID-19. Future research studies solely focusing on the influence of news media on destination image perceptions should take more variables related to exposure to news media into consideration. Some examples of these variables are the duration of impact on travelers' perceptions caused by the news media and the change in the destination image perceptions of the travelers when exposed to the news with opposite emotions or opinions. Furthermore, in case of continuously changing destination image perceptions of travelers based on news with opposite emotions or opinions, the value of such perceptions in the destination image formation should also be investigated. Furthermore, time-series data about the destination image can help to monitor the changes of destination image perception resulting from the COVID-19. Such kind of research would shed light on the long-term image recovery in the post-pandemic era. As culture can influence the perceptions of travelers and travelers may also have different levels of crisis resistance, future related research should consider these aspects as well.

Declaration of Competing Interest

Acknowledgement.

This work was supported by the “the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (grant number 2242020S20007, 2020)”.

Biographies

Dr. Qiulin Lu is an Assistant Professor in the School of Humanities at the Southeast University in China. Her research focuses on the interdisciplinary study of social problems associated with tourism, destination, and mega-event management. Special research interest currently goes to the impact study of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

Dr. Hilmi A. (Ata) Atadil is an Assistant Professor at the University of West Florida within the Department of Commerce at the College of Business. He received his Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from the University of South Carolina. He conducts research on cognitive neuroscience, decision-making behavior of travelers, branding and information technology. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple international journals.

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12 tips for solo travel in China (from a self-proclaimed expert)

Posted by Gayle Aggiss | Updated August 15, 2022 | Travel

Have you ever dreamed of traveling solo through China?

Some people may try to convince you that it’s too dangerous to travel solo in China. But in fact, the opposite is true.

China has a very low crime rate, the public transport is great, and even though you’ll struggle to communicate with the locals outside of the main cities, that issue will apply whether you’re alone or with someone else.

In fact, solo travel in China can be amazing. Trust me, I’ve done it!

It will allow you to immerse yourself in a way you just can’t manage when you’re with other people. It will force you to engage with people and with the country. And it will encourage you to have a truly adventurous and unique trip based on what you most enjoy to do.

That being said, traveling by yourself in China can be difficult. That’s why I’ve created this list of top tips for solo travel in China.

1. Expect a safe place

China is a safe country all around, with a low crime rate . But you’re even safer when you’re a tourist in China.

The Chinese government is very concerned about their public image on the world stage, so any criminals harming tourists are given hefty sentences. And to most of them, it really isn’t worth the risk.

You should still take the same precautions when traveling in China that you would take anywhere else. But you’re at very low risk of physical attacks of all kinds.

In fact, while you’re there, you’ll probably feel safer than you did back home.

I know that when I was in China, I was shocked at the fact that I could walk home at 3 am after a night out with friends.

Not only was I perfectly safe, but I felt safe too, in a way I hadn’t experienced when doing the same in Australia, where I’m from.

2. Get a visa

Know the visa rules before you travel to China. Image by i viewfinder on Shutterstock.

You may need to get a visa when you travel to China. It depends on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, and what country you’re from.

For really quick trips (i.e. less than six days), you could be eligible for what’s called Visa Free Transit. But if you’re not, you’ll need to compile some documentation and pay a visa fee – again, this depends on where you’re from.

You can check the Chinese visa page for more information and help.

3. Be prepared for culture shock

Culture shock will affect independent travelers. Image by Ulrich & Mareli Aspeling on Unsplash.

Unless you’ve traveled extensively in Asia, or even if you have, you’ll experience culture shock when you get to China. I know I did.

For the first few weeks (or months) I felt as if I was wandering around with my mouth wide open at just how different it was to my home.

But that’s half the fun, isn’t it? Everything’s different in China, from the food to the sights , smells, and ways of doing things. And this can bring on feelings like disorientation, anxiety, irritability and even fear and depression.

It can be particularly bad for solo travelers, who don’t have someone with them to discuss and debrief after a shock.

So, go easy on yourself. Take breaks when you need to. And with a bit of time, you’ll find yourself adjusting to the way they do things in China.

Some travelers like to learn a lot about the country before they get there, so the culture shock isn’t as intense. If that’s you, check out some of the best China blogs before you go, or even a China documentary on Netflix .

4. Don’t expect the locals to speak English

You’ll need to find other ways to communicate in China. Image by SteveMushero on Pixabay.

Traveling throughout China is very different to being a tourist in the major cities like Shanghai or Beijing.

Outside of the big cities and the main tourist areas, you’ll find that the locals speak very little English, let alone other European languages.

This can be a huge barrier for any kind of traveler, but here are some tips to overcome it:

• Don’t be embarrassed to use body language to communicate (but counting with your hands is different in China, so be careful)
• Always have your hotel/destination names on your phone in Chinese so you can get back to your base
• Also have any dietary restrictions written down in Chinese on your phone
• Download a translation app on your phone (choose one like Pleco that doesn’t need internet access).

If you’re addicted to Google (for translation, maps, etc), make sure you get a VPN before you arrive in China. Otherwise, your access will be blocked by The Great Firewall of China.

5. Stay in hostels

Great hostels like this one (Hantang Inn, Xi’an) are ideal for solo travel in China. Image by Matyas Rehak on Shutterstock.

As long as you’re reasonably careful, then hostels are a great choice for solo travelers.

They’re generally safe and will give you the chance to meet other travelers so you can have company when and if you want it.

Most hostels in China have dorm and private rooms. So, if you don’t mind sleeping in a room with lots of strangers, you can take a dorm room and travel really cheaply.

And if you need more privacy, you can have your own room and still enjoy access to the shared facilities for friend-making time.

I recommend using Hostelworld as it specializes in budget accommodation and has a huge range of hostels in China.

6. Beware of scammers

Counterfeit notes are in circulation in China. Image by Ton Anurak on Shutterstock.

You’ll find scammers in almost every country and as a solo traveler, you’ll be an easy target. Most scammers set up shop in the popular tourist cities like Shanghai and Beijing , but you need to be careful everywhere.

Here are some tips for staying safe from scammers:

• Beware of anyone who comes up to you and speaks good English (Chinese people are usually pretty shy)
• Don’t exchange your money on the street – do it at a Chinese bank
• Check any change you get for counterfeit ¥50 or ¥100 bills
• Don’t go for a drink (even tea) with a friendly local who approaches you on the street, as they may leave you with a huge bill
• Try to use proper bank ATMs
• Be careful and cautious when giving money to people begging
• Always ask the price of your meal/snack/drink before consuming them.

You can read more about the most common scams in China here .

7. Be careful what you buy

Blink and you’ll miss the fake Nike shoes. Image by StreetVJ on Shutterstock.

If you’re from most Western countries, then you can be reasonably certain that the items in the shops are authentic. However, China is famous for its knockoffs, and these can appear in some unexpected places.

For example, don’t just assume that a bottle of your favorite perfume actually is the brand that the bottle says. Always check the bottle carefully, just in case it’s a knockoff.

And remember that fake goods may get confiscated at the airport, so this is an important thing to do when you buy branded products.

8. Be prepared for the toilets

When you travel solo in China, you have no one to remind you to bring toilet paper! Image supplied by Gayle Aggiss.

If you’re only traveling in the major tourist areas on a tour, then you probably won’t have major problems with the toilets. But if you’re traveling independently or outside of the tourist areas then things will be different.

Most of the toilets you find in China will be squat toilets , which means you will have to get used to them pretty fast.

You should also carry toilet paper with you at all times, because most toilets won’t have any. And remember that the used toilet paper goes in the trash can, not in the toilet.

9. Learn to haggle

You should haggle at places like this in China. Image by LapaiIrKrapai on Shutterstock.

One of the bad things about traveling alone is the fact that you have to do everything yourself. And that applies to haggling too.

Haggling is common in China outside of chain stores and high-end boutiques, so be prepared to argue the price you want.

And don’t worry if you don’t speak the language, the shopkeeper will have a calculator that you can use to exchange prices.

It would be worth getting familiar with counting money in Chinese so you’re not short-changed.

10. Wear sturdy shoes

Make sure you’ve got good walking shoes for China. Image by Tom Wheatley on Unsplash.

When you get to China, you’ll see lots of young women wandering around in very high heels. Don’t try this yourself unless you’re as sure-footed as an acrobat in heels.

China’s roads, pavements, and everything else are often uneven, covered with rocks and other debris, or made of a slippery type of rock or tile. So, unless you like tripping over, avoid shoes that are hard to walk in.

I remember taking a big fall in the middle of a street in Shanghai, where roadwork was going on in the middle of a busy intersection. I went straight down on my hands and knees, ripping up my hands and my nice jeans.

Not to mention, there were plenty of locals around, all of them staring curiously at the scene. Try to avoid doing that yourself if you can!

The guide on what to pack for China covers shoes as well as every other item you’ll need in your suitcase or backpack.

11. Stay on the path

Stick to the places you want to visit, and you’re comfortable visiting. Image by Gualberto Becerra on Shutterstock.

China is a fairly safe place to travel as a solo traveler, much safer than other parts of the world. However, it’s still important that you stay on the beaten path unless you’re super-adventurous, fluent in Mandarin or not very risk averse.

Some parts of China, most notably the western and remote regions, are so isolated that you might have trouble getting into and out of them. For example, you need a special permit to visit Tibet  and even then you’ll be in a tour group.

Venturing off on your own in a place like this could get you into a lot of trouble. Plus, you don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere in such a huge country, with no one around who speaks English and not a single embassy in sight.

So, stick to the beaten path, at least for your first trip to China. And why would you want to stray from it anyway when the beaten path is so exciting, filled with delicious food, beautiful nature spots, and amazing cities?

You can check out Mike’s article on China travel tips for more helpful info like this.

12. Ask for help

Locals will be generous with their time. Image by Maud Beauregard on Unsplash.

This may surprise you a little, but the locals will be incredibly helpful when you’re in China despite their shyness. That’s been my experience, anyway.

They won’t usually come up to you and ask if you need help, which is where the surprise comes in, but if you ask for help then they’ll often be extremely helpful and friendly.

They’ll work hard to understand what you need, help you read your maps, and giggle as they practice their English on you.

In fact, some of the most heartwarming interactions you’ll have while you’re in China will probably be when you ask the locals for help.

Just remember that tipping is not customary in China , so please don’t pull out your wallet when you do receive help.

Are you ready for solo travel in China?

Traveling solo in China can be an amazingly rewarding experience.

It will test you, teach you, frustrate you, and enthrall you, and you’ll return home a different person than you were when you left.

Just make sure you keep these tips in mind when you’re planning a trip to China, and traveling across the country. And don’t forget your China VPN !

Want to keep reading? Then check out my article, “ Is China safe? ” for more helpful advice about traveling around this crazy country.

Main image credit: Vonnahmed1 on Shutterstock.

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Gayle Aggiss

Gayle loves learning and is intensely curious about the world. This curiosity has driven her to travel and work overseas, including China and Vietnam. Gayle is from Perth, Western Australia. You can follow her on LinkedIn .

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