China Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the use of exit bans without a fair and transparent process under the law, and the risk of wrongful detention. Some areas have specific risks.

Read the entire Travel Advisory.

See also: Macau and Hong Kong.

National security laws

Expansive national security, counterespionage, and data security laws grant Chinese officials broad discretion to detain or interrogate foreign nationals. This places U.S. citizens at risk for conducting even routine business, research, or expression in the public domain.

The following may be targeted by Chinese authorities:

• U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage or origin
• Anyone involved in business disputes or who has ties to U.S. corporate entities involved in business disputes in China
• Anyone with a current or prior affiliation with U.S. law enforcement, U.S. military, or U.S. intelligence agencies
• Anyone traveling on U.S. government-funded programs
• Individuals with current or former connections to the U.S. government

This travel advice covers mainland China. See travel advice for the Special Administrative Regions, Hong Kong and Macao.

Flash floods along the Nepal-China border

On 26 August 2026, heavy flooding and landslides have caused widespread damage in Gyirong County in Shigatse, Tibet, near the Nepal border. Buildings, roads, other transport and communications infrastructure have been severely damaged.

The Chinese authorities and emergency services are responding. The authorities have warned of the risk of further flooding. The situation may change rapidly. Stay away from affected areas where possible. If you are travelling in the region, follow the advice of the Chinese government and local authorities and be alert to the changing situation.

If you are affected and need assistance from the UK government, call:

From China: +86 (0) 10 5192 4000

From the UK: +44 (0)20 7008 5000

Typhoons

The typhoon season in China normally runs from May to November, affecting southern and eastern coastal regions. Air travel and other forms of transport can be affected. Monitor the progress of approaching storms on the Japan Meteorological Agency and the China Meteorological Administration websites.

See guidance on tropical cyclones for advice about what to do if you are caught in a typhoon.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of China.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in China

Terrorist attacks in China cannot be ruled out.

Although foreigners have not been specifically targeted, attacks may happen in places visited by foreigners. Take particular care during national holidays and at public transport hubs, and always follow the advice of the local authorities.

Risks under Chinese national security laws

Chinese national security laws have broad scope, and you can be arrested without having intended to break the law. See advice in the Laws and cultural differences section below for more information.

This section has safety advice for regions of China. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Tibet and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)

You must get a permit to travel to Tibet and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) through a specialist travel agent in China. You must also travel on an organised tour. The Chinese authorities sometimes stop issuing permits without notice or restrict travel to Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures (TAPs) in neighbouring provinces, even if you have a permit. Check with tour operators or travel agents and other media for information.

Once in Tibet, avoid large public gatherings. Political and ethnic tensions have historically generated violent protests. Security measures will be tight. Unauthorised gatherings may be dispersed by force. Do not film or take photographs of public security forces or any altercations.

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

You must ask before you take photographs in Buddhist monasteries.

The ability of the British Embassy to help British nationals in the TAR is limited.

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

China - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in China.

Regional risks

Gyirong County - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Gyirong County due to severe flash flooding and mudslide damage, as well as the continued risk of further flooding and mudslides.

Natural disasters and climate

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.

More information on entry requirements for Tibet