Asia and Oceania
China
|
Still current at: 03 July 2009
|
|
Updated: 18 June 2009
|
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with further amendments to the Summary and the Health section (Swine Flu information). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
-
There are confirmed cases of A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) in Mainland China. The Chinese government continues to place great emphasis on screening and surveillance, rapid detection, quarantine and treatment. Stringent measures, at airports are affecting flights into China. Shanghai's quarantine measures are reported to be particularly rigorous, and these may be replicated at other airports if the situation deteriorates. If your flight is subjected to these measures you may experience lengthy delays between landing and the transition from the airport to a designated hotel or hospital (this process regularly takes around five hours or so). Very little information is provided, and rarely anything in English, until arrival at the designated hotel/hospital.
- If any passenger has flu-like symptoms this may lead to all passengers being quarantined for up to seven days until health officials are satisfied they are free of the A (H1N1) virus. Any passenger having come into direct/indirect contact with anyone suspected of having the virus may also be quarantined. Levels of quarantine differ; all suspected victims are hospitalised, others are confined to hotel rooms, still others are asked to self-monitor and stay at home. If you intend to travel to China for any reason, please be aware that you could be quarantined if there is a suspected victim on your flight (ie not necessarily you). These measures could impact significantly on your overall travel plans. Any British national affected should report the details to the Embassy's Consular Section on (010) 8529 6600. Given the WHO’s declaration of a phase 6 pandemic alert, stringency measures may be increased by the Chinese authorities.
-
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. Their website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has additional details. Check Swine Flu for further information.
-
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 Avian and Pandemic Influenza for more details.
-
Over the past year, there have been a number of violent attacks in different parts of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region (north west China), resulting in the deaths of a number of police officers, security guards, assailants and civilians. The most recent incident, a bomb blast in Urumqi (north west China) in April 2009, killed one and injured several others. No British nationals have been affected.
-
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.
-
The tropical cyclone season in China normally runs from May to November, affecting the south eastern coastal regions of China. You should monitor local weather reports. You should monitor local weather reports. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for
more details.
-
In 2007, 605,094 British nationals visited China (Source: National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China). Most visits to China are trouble free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in China in 2008 was for replacing lost and stolen passports.
-
You are required to carry your passport at all times as the Police regularly carry out random checks, but you should take precautions against pickpocketing 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 advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
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 Terrorism Abroad.
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 down town Beijing near the Drum Tower on 9 August 2008.
You should be wary of using pedicabs in Beijing. Since late 2005, there has been an increase in the number 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.
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 on the increase. There is also a risk of attack from armed bandits in the more remote areas of China.
On the whole, travel in China remains safe and incident-free. However, you should remain alert and keep your valuables, including passport, in a safe place. In public places, ensure you keep your belongings with you at all times.
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.
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.
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.
Rail Travel
Trains are inexpensive and a generally safe mode of travel. They can be very crowded but are a popular way to travel, even for long distances.
On 28 April 2008 at least 70 people were killed and over 400 injured after two trains collided in Shandong Province. An enquiry by the Chinese authorities concluded that the crash was caused by human error. This was the most serious train crash since 2005.
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 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.
Entry requirements
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.
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 confirmed cases of A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) in Mainland China.
The Chinese government continues to place great emphasis on screening and surveillance, rapid detection, quarantine and treatment and stringent measures for detection are in place at ports of entry across China. Shanghai's quarantine measures are reported to be particularly rigorous, and these may be replicated at other airports if the situation deteriorates. If your flight is subjected to these measures you may experience lengthy delays between landing and the transition from the airport to a designated hotel or hospital (this process regularly takes around five hours or so). Very little information is provided, and rarely anything in English, until arrival at the designated hotel/hospital. Reports indicate that some passengers find the process confusing and upsetting. You should be aware that, if any passenger has flu-like symptoms this may lead to all passengers being quarantined for up to seven days, until health officials are satisfied all are free of the A(H1N1) virus. Any passenger having come into direct/indirect contact with anyone suspected of having the virus may also be quarantined. Levels of quarantine differ; all suspected victims are hospitalised, others are confined to hotel rooms, still others are asked to self-monitor and stay at home. If you intend to travel to China for any reason, please be aware that you could be quarantined if there is a suspected victim on your flight (ie not necessarily you). These measures could impact significantly on your overall travel plans. Any British national affected should report the details to the Embassy's Consular Section on (010) 8529 6600. Given the WHO’s declaration of a phase 6 pandemic alert, stringency measures may be increased further by the Chinese authorities. Baggage and freight are also under inspection.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has additional details. Check Swine Flu for further information and obtain guidance from the UK Department of Health at www.dh.gov.uk.
The WHO does not currently consider Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to be a significant threat to public health in China. See the WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/ for more details.
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.
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.
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 Uygur 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 the 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 Uygur Autonomous Region (north western China) and another in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (southern China).
Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
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.
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 safe. The only exceptions relate to entering Beichuan and Wenchuan districts where reconstruction work is ongoing. Some roads remain difficult to travel along in areas devastated by the earthquake. Wolong Panda Reserve has re-opened, but with limited facilities. You should follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local and international media for updates.
Other earthquakes to affect China have occurred 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 have also occurred in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, and Yunnan Province in 2003.
Flooding
Mud slides in the Shanxi Province in early September 2008, resulted in more than 250 deaths.
Typhoons
The tropical cyclone season in China normally runs from May to November, affecting the south eastern coastal regions of China.
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 Tropical Cyclones or contact the Japan Meteorological Agency.
General
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 Travel Insurance.
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
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 Embassy website: ukinchina.fco.gov.uk
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.
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 web-site of the British Embassy Beijing.
Tibet
There was widespread unrest and violent protests in Tibet in March 2008 in the city of Lhasa and in some Tibetan areas of the Provinces of Sichuan and Qinghai, and at Xiahe in Gansu Province in China.
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. Entry permits for such travel were suspended between March - June 2008 and then again in February - March 2009, the latter after an increased security presence in many Tibetan areas of China. On 29 March 2009 the Head of Tourism Administration for Tibet Autonomous Region confirmed that Tibet will resume receiving foreign tour groups with effect from 5 April 2009.
If you are planning a trip to Tibet or the ethnic Tibetan provinces you should continue to monitor this travel advice and the media for developments and consult your tour operator.
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
Address:
British Embassy
11 Guang Hua Lu
Jian Guo Men Wai
Beijing 100600
Telephone:
(+86) (10) 5192 4000 - Embassy
(+86) (10) 8529 6600 - Consular/Visa
Fax:
(+86) (10) 6532 1938/9
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)
Website: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.ukConsular district: Beijing, Tianjin, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Jiangxi, Hubei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Tibet.ShanghaiBritish 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.ukConsular 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.
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.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
China, Beijing, British Embassy
Address:
11 Guang Hua Lu
Jian Guo Men Wai
Beijing 100600
Telephone:
(+86) (10) 8529 6083
Fax:
(+86) (10) 6532 1938 / 9
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
