Asia and Oceania

China
Still current at: 12 March 2010 Updated: 30 December 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments throughout. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

There are confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Mainland China, including British Nationals. The Chinese government continues to place great emphasis on screening and surveillance, rapid detection, quarantine and treatment. The World Health Organisation's (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert remains at Phase 6 . There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be found on the UK Department of Health . See the Health section of this advice for more detailed information on quarantine and other measures that have been put in place by the Chinese authorities.
There have been a number of violent incidents in different parts of the northwest Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, resulting in a number of deaths, including civilians. There have been no reports of death of or injury to foreign nationals. See the Domestic Unrest section of this Travel Advice.
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in China have led to a small number of human fatalities. The most recent fatalities were in January 2009. See the Health (Avian Influenza) section of this advice and the our Avian and Pandemic Influenza page.
The tropical cyclone season in China normally runs from May to November, affecting the south eastern coastal regions of China. See the Natural Disasters section of this Travel Advice and our Tropical Cyclones page.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism in China. This reflects both the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and the possibility of terrorist acts by groups opposed to the Chinese Government. They could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
In 2008, 551, 523 British nationals visited China (Source: National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China). Most visits to China are trouble free. 301 British nationals required consular assistance in China in the period 1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (47 cases); hospitalisations (41 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (129 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (826 cases).
You are required to carry your passport at all times as the Police regularly carry out random checks, but you should take precautions against pick pocketing and other street crime.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel advice and our Travel Insurance page.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in China. This reflects both the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and the possibility of terrorist attacks by groups opposed to the Chinese Government. They could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information see our Terrorism Abroad page.

Domestic Unrest

Ethnic tensions in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (north west China) have led to a number of serious violent incidents over the past year, resulting in the deaths of police officers, security guards, assailants and civilians and in a large number of injuries.

In April 2009 a bomb blast in Urumqi City (capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region) killed one and injured several others. In early July, state media (Xinhua news agency) reported 197 deaths and more than 1,600 injuries after serious rioting erupted in Urumqi City. Further violent protests erupted in early September leading to five deaths and an unknown number of injuries and arrests. An increased military and armed police presence and the sacking of a number of senior party officials and Public Security Bureau staff in Urumqi has reduced the tensions and the city has returned to normal. British nationals are advised to be aware of ethnic tensions and disruption to travel at times in Xinjiang and to avoid all areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place during times of tension. It should be noted that, within Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, access to the internet and to international telephone lines is blocked; text messaging remains blocked at this time. There is no indication when normal services will be restored. To keep yourself informed of developments, monitor local and international media and regularly check this travel advice and register your trip with the Embassy in Beijing.

Crime

Serious crime against foreigners is rare. However, crime does occur both in cities and in the countryside. In an apparently random attack, an American man was killed and American woman injured in downtown Beijing near the Drum Tower on 9 August 2008.

You should be aware that the theft of British passports, particularly in the larger cities, is increasing. Major tourist sites attract thieves and pickpockets. Take extra care around street markets, at Beijing International Airport and when visiting popular expatriate bar areas after dark. Make sure you visit bar areas in company. If you resist a robbery attempt, it could lead to serious violence; the use of knives is fairly common.

You should be wary of using pedicabs in Beijing. There have been a number of incidents of muggings and demands for money with menaces by pedicab drivers. Foreign females travelling alone have been particularly targeted. If you do use a pedicab, be sure to negotiate the price (in RMB) in advance. You should also be aware of the possibility that taxi and pedicab drivers might try to switch your genuine bank notes for counterfeits. Ask in the bank or where you change your money how to identify fake notes. It is quite normal to do so before accepting notes.

We advise you not to trek alone in isolated or sparsely populated areas, including those that follow parts of the Great Wall. If you do so, you should leave your itinerary and expected time of return at your hotel/hostel or with a third party.

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

On the whole, travel in China remains incident-free. However, you should remain alert and keep your valuables, including passport, in a secure place. In public places, ensure you keep your belongings with you at all times.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Business Disputes

Business disputes in China are not always handled through the courts. Recently, incidents of British nationals being detained against their will by workers or hired gangs for the specific purpose of extorting money or intimidating for other gains have increased. Typically the British national is threatened with violence and detained at a factory, hotel, or private residence until payment is negotiated and delivered. It is rare that violence is actually instigated. However, the threat of violence is a recurring theme and has proved very stressful for our nationals. The police may be reluctant to act unless they have specific evidence of an actual assault taking place.

Anyone entering into a contract in China should have it thoroughly examined, both in the United Kingdom and in China. Contracts entered into in the United Kingdom are not enforced by Chinese courts. British nationals doing business in China should be aware that if they become involved in a business and/or civil dispute, and the case actually goes to court, the Chinese government may prohibit them from leaving China until the matter is resolved. There are some cases of British nationals being prevented from leaving China for months while their civil cases are resolved. Civil cases may sometimes be regarded as criminal cases and the defendant may be placed in custody.

Political Situation

China Country Profile

China is in practice a one party state.

You should be aware of strictly enforced regulations against any public demonstrations, which do not have prior approval from the authorities. Violators have been deported, and could face imprisonment.

Local Travel

Severe weather conditions are possible in eastern and southern coastal provinces during the typhoon season (May-November). You should check before travelling to these provinces during these months.

You may face body temperature monitoring measures (to identify anyone travelling with a fever) imposed by local and provincial authorities when you travel within China, particularly since the outbreak of A/H1N1. See the Health section of this travel advice for more detailed information on quarantine and other measures that have been put in place by the Chinese authorities.

For travel to Tibet see the General (Tibet) section of this Travel Advice.

Road Travel

The poor quality of roads and generally low driving standards leads to many, sometimes serious, accidents. If you are involved in a serious accident, you may be prevented from leaving the country until the case is resolved.

For further information see our Driving Abroad page.

Sea Travel

There have been several incidents of overcrowded ferries sinking, leading to loss of life. There have also been attacks of piracy in the South China Sea. We advise mariners to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.

For more general information see our River and Sea Safety.

Rail Travel

Trains are inexpensive and a generally reliable mode of travel; they can be very crowded but it is a popular way to travel, even for long distances.

The two most recent major train accidents in China took place in 2005 and 2008. Both resulted in fatalities. Official Chinese enquiries concluded that both were the result of human error.

Trans-Siberian express trains are noted for smuggling. Search your compartment and secure the cabin door before departure. Petty theft from overnight trains and buses is common.

Local laws and customs

There are severe penalties in China for drug offences, including in some cases the death penalty.

Foreign nationals are required to carry their passports with them at all times as the Police carry out random checks; failure to produce your ID can lead to a fine or detention.

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

Homosexuality is not illegal although there are no laws specifically protecting the rights of homosexuals.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals require visas to enter the mainland of China, but not Hong Kong. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival, including for Hainan Island where an earlier exemption was withdrawn in June 2008. For details of entry requirements to China you should contact the Chinese Embassy in London in good time before your proposed trip. It is currently very difficult to change visa category in country.

You should carefully check your visa validity as fines are levied for overstaying.

Passport validity

Your passport should have a minimum validity of six months on arrival in China.

Registering with the Chinese authorities

You are required to register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities actively enforce this requirement. If you are staying in a hotel, registration is done on your behalf as part of the check-in process.

Stays of more than six months

If you are entering China for employment, study or private purposes for a stay of over six months, you must produce a health certificate, which includes a blood test for HIV, which has been legalised by the Chinese Embassy.

Travelling to Hong Kong

If you visit Hong Kong from the mainland of China you will require a double or multiple entry visa to gain re-entry to the mainland.

Transiting China

If you are transiting China en route to a third country you do not require a transit visa if you are staying within the confines of the airport for less than 24 hours. If your stopover requires you to leave the airport, you will need a transit visa for both the outward and return journeys.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Chinese Embassy in London.

Health

There are intermittent outbreaks of Pneumonic plague, a virulent form of plague that attacks the lungs in China. The most recent was in August 2009.

There are confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Mainland China, including British nationals.

The Chinese government continues to place great emphasis on screening and surveillance, rapid detection, quarantine and treatment and stringent measures for detection remain in place at ports of entry across China.

You should be aware that anyone arriving in China with flu-like symptoms may be quarantined for up to seven days, and will be referred to medical professionals.

Any British national affected should report the details to the Embassy's Consular Section on (010) 8529 6600 where staff will be able to offer consular assistance, though access will be limited to telephone contact due to Chinese quarantine restrictions.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert remains at 6. The WHO website at has additional details. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

Rabies is common in China, which has the second highest incidence in the world. Rabies has been the most prevalent cause of death from reportable infectious disease in China since 2006. The number of fatalities from the disease rose to 3,293 in 2006, an increase of 27% over 2005. (Source: NaTHNaC website)

Hand, foot and mouth (HFMD) disease is a regularly occurring illness in China (and elsewhere). An intestinal virus, a variant of HFMD, also occurs annually in China. Both diseases are usually more severe in children and babies, and generally peak in the summer months. The disease is again affecting China, mainly in Shandong and Anhui provinces. By 2 April 2009, estimates of incidence varied from between 1,700 and 18,000, and up to nine deaths of young babies have been reported.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 690,000 adults aged 15 or over in China were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to China and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see our Travel Health page.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

There are intermittent outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in poultry in China that have resulted in small numbers of human fatalities (five so far in 2009, in Beijing, Shandong Province, Hunan Province, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and three in 2008, in Guangxi, Guangdong and Hunan Provinces). These are usually confined to rural areas and infection is generally believed to arise from close contact with live infected poultry; infected animals are culled. The latest cases to have been reported, all in January 2009, are one in Beijing, after having come into contact with poultry in Hebei Province, south of Beijing; one in Shandong Province, east of Beijing, one in Hunan Province, central southern China and, most recently, one in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (north western China) and another in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (southern China).

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be low. However, as a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

The WHO has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form, which is easily transmissible between people.

British nationals living longer term in an Avian Influenza affected region should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Natural disasters

Earthquakes

China is located in an active seismic zone and is periodically subject to earthquakes. On 12 May 2008 an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck south western China, 92 kms northwest of Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan Province. It caused significant damage to the infrastructure, with just under 70,000 fatalities and left around 5 million people homeless. The most recent aftershock, measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, was recorded in the Wenchuan area on 15 January 2009.

Normality has returned to the bulk of Sichuan Province and travel is generally not dangerous. Wolong Panda Reserve has re-opened.

Other earthquakes to affect China recently have occurred near Guantun Township, Yao'an County, Yunnan Province (south western China) in July 2009 (6.0 on the Richter scale); near Da Qaidam, Qinghai Province in November 2008 (6.3 on the Richter scale); in Hotan, Xinjiang Province in March 2008; and in Yunnan Province in south-west China in June 2007, both of the latter measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes of similar magnitude are not unusual.

Flooding

Parts of central, southern and western China, particularly those bordering the Yangtze River, are susceptible to flooding. On 6 July 2009 the state media news agency (Xinhua) reported torrential rains in southern and central China forcing more than 300,000 to flee their homes and 16 fatalities caused by floods, landslides and building collapses, affecting Hunan and Fujian Provinces and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. As a result you should check your route and monitor local weather reports before travelling to these Provinces.

Typhoons

The tropical cyclone season in China normally runs from May to November, affecting the south eastern coastal regions of China.

On 10 August 2009 the state media agency Xinhua reported that Typhoon Morakot was down-graded to a tropical storm after causing heavy flooding in Fujian and Zhejiang Provinces (eastern China). Reports indicate that more than 473,000 residents of Zhejiang province were evacuated ahead of the typhoon, in addition to 480,000 in Fujian Province. Wenzhou City in Zhejiang Province was severely affected with reports of property damaged, roads flooded and the city’s airport closed.

Prior to Typhoon Morakot the last typhoon to affect China was Typhoon Hagupit in September 2008. During Typhoon Neoguri in April 2008, over 100,000 people were evacuated from their homes on Hainan Island. Tropical Cyclone Wipha in September 2007 also destroyed homes and killed five. For more detailed information see our Tropical Cyclones page or contact the Japan Meteorological Agency.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that travellers obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Exclusions should be checked carefully and any policy should cover all the activities the holder wants to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Lost/stolen passports

Before submitting an application for a replacement lost/stolen passport, the loss should be reported to the nearest police station and to the Municipal Public Security Bureau, who will issue a 'confirmation of loss' report. Flight arrangements may also have to be re-scheduled, as an exit visa is required for those departing China on a new passport.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

If you are travelling independently, or planning an extended visit, you are particularly encouraged to register with the nearest British mission either the British Embassy in Beijing or the British Consulate-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chongqing. Further information is available on the China Embassy website.

Fire precautions

Fire protection standards in Chinese accommodation are not always the same as in the UK. You are advised to check fire precautions such as access to fire exits.

Money

It is not possible to change Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes. Outside major cities, credit cards are not always readily acceptable and the availability of cash point machines (ATMs) is limited but increasing.

Teaching appointments

An increasing number of British nationals are becoming attracted to opportunities to teach English in China. Most of those who do so have an extremely positive and enjoyable experience. However, some have experienced difficulties. The most common problems encountered arise from being faced with living or working conditions that do not meet expectations and complications over obtaining the correct visas and residence permits. There have also been complaints of breach of contract, confiscation of passports and of payment being withheld.

If you wish to take up a teaching appointment in China you are advised to contact the nearest Chinese Embassy for information on obtaining the appropriate documentation. It is illegal to work on a tourist or business visa. Thorough research on the educational establishment and the area in which you intend to work will pay dividends. Further information can be found in the consular area of the website of the British Embassy Beijing.

Tibet

Travellers to Tibet should check with tour operators or travel agents and monitor the international media and this travel advice for information relating to travel to Tibet.

Travellers should be aware that ongoing political and ethnic tensions can lead to the spontaneous eruption of unrest and violent protest in Tibet. While foreigners are not normally targeted during such unrest, travellers should remain alert to the possibility of being caught up in unexpected outbreaks of violence.

Travel to Tibet or the ethnic Tibetan provinces requires the permission of the Chinese authorities. The Chinese authorities state that foreigners entering Tibet can only do so on a group visa; tour operators and travel agencies offer assistance with these. Entry permits for such travel were suspended for various security and other reasons throughout 2008 and 2009.

You should avoid becoming involved in any demonstrations or calls for Tibetan independence. The authorities would regard videotaping or photographing any such activities as provocative.

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

The extreme altitude in Tibet may cause altitude sickness. If you are elderly or have a heart condition, pulmonary or bronchial problems you should seek medical advice before travelling to this region.

Photography in Buddhist monasteries requires permission; a fee, normally negotiated in advance, is payable.

Contact Details

The country code for China is 00 86. If calling from outside China, omit the first zero of the area code in the numbers listed below, e.g. to call the Embassy dial 00 86 10 5192 4000.

Beijing

British Embassy

British Embassy Address:
11 Guang Hua Lu
Jian Guo Men Wai
Beijing 100600

Consular Section Address:
21st Floor North Tower, Kerry Centre
Guang Hua Lu

Public opening hours: 08.30 to 13.30 (for personal callers); 08.30 to 16.30 (for telephone enquiries), excluding holidays.

Telephone:
(+86) (010) 5192 4000 - Embassy - Emergency Service out of office hours
(+86) (10) 8529 6083 – Consular Public Enquiries
(+86) (010) 8529 6600 – Consular and Visa sections

Fax:
(+86) (010) 6532 1938 /9 – Embassy
(+86) (010) 8529 6081 – Consular Section
(+86) (010) 8529 6080 – Visa Section

Website: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk

Consular district: Beijing, Tianjin, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Tibet.

Shanghai

British Consulate General

Visa Section
Suite 751, Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nan Jing Xi Lu

Tel: (00 86) (021) 6279 7650

Fax: (00 86) (021) 6279 8254

Office Hours (GMT): 0030-0900 (Mon-Thurs) 0030-0730 (Fri)

E-mail: CONS-shanghai@fco.gov.uk

Consular district: Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang.

Guangzhou

British Consulate-General
Consular Section

2nd Floor, Guangdong International Hotel, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu

Tel: (00 86) (020) 8314 3000

Fax: (00 86) (020) 8331 2799

Office Hours (GMT): 0100-0430 & 0530-0900

E-mail: CONS-guangzhou@fco.gov.uk

Consular district: Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, Hainan, Hunan and Jiangxi.

Chongqing

British Consulate-General
Suite 2801, Metropolitan Tower, 68 Zourong Road

Tel: (00 86) (023) 6381 0321

Fax: (00 86) (023) 6381 0322

Office Hours (GMT): 0100-0400 and 0500-0900

E-mail: CONS-Chongqing@fco.gov.uk

Consular district: Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou.

Contacts

China, Beijing, British Embassy

Address:

11 Guang Hua Lu
Jian Guo Men Wai
Beijing 100600

Telephone:

(+86) (10) 5192 4000
(+86) (10) 8529 6083 Consular assistance
(+86)(10)8454 9856 / (+86)(10)8447 7519 Visa

Fax:

(+86) (10) 5192 4239
(+86) (10) 5192 4218 Trade & Investment
(+86) (10) 8529 6081 Consular

Office hours:

Office hours, Monday-Friday
08:30-12:00 / 13:30-17:00 (Local time)
00:30-04:00 / 05:30-09:00 (GMT)
Public opening hours ›

Website: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en/