Travel Advice For China in Modern Times

Běijīng, time in China - These travel notes correspond to EDA's assessment of the current situation. They are continually checked and adjusted as needed.

Also note the following country-independent travel information and focus topics; they are part of this travel advice.

Current Coronavirus (COVID-19)

To contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), several countries have entry and exit restrictions, as well as restrictions on travel within the country. Regulations are constantly changing.

For the regulations currently applicable in China, please note the information from the responsible Chinese authorities and contact the Chinese embassy in Bern if you have any questions.

Chinese Embassy

National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC)

Responsible companies and travel agencies provide information about transport connections.

Please also note the information and recommendations below.

Basic Assessment

The security situation is stable. However, sporadic demonstrations and clashes with security forces may occur.

Isolated attacks have been carried out in China. The Terrorism and Kidnapping section draws attention to the risks of terrorism.

terrorism and kidnapping

Avoid demonstrations of any kind and follow the instructions of local authorities.

It turns out that the Chinese authorities prohibit tourist trips to specific areas, for example, Tibet, at short notice. Discuss your travel program with your tour operator and stay in touch with them.

Specific Regional Risks

The description of danger zones is approximate; Risks cannot be confined to precisely defined areas.

Hong Kong: Demonstrations cannot be ruled out. Roadblocks and violent clashes are possible. Hong Kong's Security Act places the following vaguely defined crimes under long (up to life) prison sentences: secession, subversion, terrorism, and cooperation with foreign states. The law stipulates that these offenses will be punished even if they are committed outside Chinese territory. Entering Hong Kong or China can lead to criminal prosecution.

Before and during your trip, find out about the current situation in the media and local contacts. Avoid demonstrations of any kind and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Gansu Autonomous Region, Qinghai, Sichuan and Tibet Provinces: The situation is locally tense in the Tibetan areas of these provinces.

Avoid large crowds and demonstrations of any kind and follow instructions from local authorities (travel restrictions, etc.).

Xinjiang Autonomous Region: The relationship between different population groups has been strained for years. In recent years, riots and violence in this province have left several dead and injured. Larger cities like Urumqi, Kashgar and Hotan were particularly affected by the unrest. Chinese authorities blame the violence on separatist terrorist groups.

In Xinjiang Autonomous Region, more and more security checks (checkpoints) need to be passed. This is usually linked to an ID and body check.

In Xinjiang, be extra careful and follow instructions from local authorities (curfews, travel restrictions, etc.).

Border area with India (Aksai Chin region): Avoid the border areas (armistice line) with India; armed incidents occasionally occur there.

Crime

Thefts and thefts are increasing, especially in cities. The crime rate can vary significantly depending on the city and district. In so-called express kidnappings, the victim is forced to withdraw cash and make purchases using a credit card. Observe the following precautionary measures, among others:

Do not travel alone to sparsely populated areas.

Find out about local conditions through local contacts or at the hotel and ask if there are any areas to avoid.

Have a healthy dose of distrust when self-proclaimed “tour guides” or students offer their help.

Especially in the Shanghai and Beijing area, it happens that these foreigners are taken to a tea house, restaurant, karaoke bar, massage parlor or similar place where visitors are deceived.