China

Always carry your passport with you. Police carry out random checks, especially during periods of heightened security and major sporting or political events. They do not accept printed copies. Failure to produce your ID can lead to a fine or detention. 

There is a risk of detention for alleged breaking of national security laws

China’s authorities have detained foreign nationals who break national security laws. Both ‘national security’ and ‘national interest’ appear regularly in Chinese legislation and have broad scope. You may be detained without having intended to break the law. Activity that happened outside of mainland China – including online activity – could fall under the scope of mainland legislation. There is a risk of arbitrary detention, including of British nationals. 

If you’re detained on grounds of national security, you may be held for up to 6 months before formal arrest and denied legal representation before charges are brought.  

You may be at greater risk of surveillance, harassment or detention while in China if you are currently or have previously been linked to:

• foreign governments
• media outlets
• NGOs

This list is not exhaustive and may change over time. This is particularly relevant when travelling to areas with large ethnic minority populations, including but not limited to Xinjiang. See Regional risks for more information.

All foreign nationals travelling to or around ‘sensitive’ areas might attract more attention from the authorities, including when:

• taking photographs
• engaging with political groups or charities
• engaging with ethnic minority populations

Sensitivities can change over time and may heighten around particular dates or events.

There are restricted military areas, where foreigners can be detained, fined or deported if found without prior authorisation. Signs typically indicate where these areas are, but it may not always be clear.

The Chinese authorities formally recognise five religions: Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and Taoism. Only officially registered religious organisations are permitted to carry out religious activities. Even officially registered organisations must observe restrictions on some religious activities, including preaching and distributing religious materials.

Updated religious legislation (Chinese language only) entered into force on 1 May 2025, setting out rules that foreigners must abide by when practicing religion in China. The paragraph below summarises some of the key information included in the link, but local legal advice should be sought for full and further detail.

Foreigners may participate in religious activity that complies with Chinese law in registered temples, churches, or other approved temporary locations. Foreign nationals may invite Chinese religious professionals to hold baptisms, weddings, funerals, dojos, pujas, and other religious ceremonies for them. Foreigners wanting to hold religious activities or events in approved locations must meet the specific requirements and use the correct application procedures. One of these requirements (Article 10) is that Chinese religious professionals should preside over religious activity. Another (Article 16), is that group religious activities held by foreigners in China are limited to participation by foreigners in China. Collective religious events involving Chinese citizens are prohibited unless officially approved by the Chinese government. There are also rules for foreign religious professionals visiting China to give lectures or sermons, and those bringing in religious materials.

The Falun Gong movement and others that the authorities consider as ‘cults’ are banned in China.

Chinese laws and procedures relating to the arrest, detention and trial of criminal suspects are different from in the UK. For example:

• if you’re detained, only your legal representatives and consular staff from the British Embassy are allowed to visit you until your sentence is passed
• there is no trial by jury, the presiding judge or judges will reach a verdict and then pass sentence if they find the accused guilty
• if a case goes to trial, the conviction rate is 99%
• if an offence does not meet the threshold for criminal proceedings, the police still have the right to sentence someone for up to 15 days administrative detention without trial

The granting of bail is rare, and the criminal process can often last at least a year before a verdict is passed. If bail is granted the accused will not be permitted to leave China.

If you’re suspected of a crime, the Chinese authorities can stop you from leaving China by:

• withholding your passport
• applying an exit ban
• detaining you for up to 37 days without charge

The thresholds for detention and prosecution in China differ from those in Hong Kong.

You can be convicted in China of a crime committed against the Chinese State or a Chinese citizen, even if that crime was committed outside of China.

Foreign nationals can be subject to exit bans. Exit bans can:

• be put on people involved in commercial or private disputes to stop them from leaving mainland China
• relate to investigations into an individual, their family or an employer
• be used in criminal and civil matters, including business disputes

An exit ban can last for months or years or until a legal process is complete. You may not be aware you are subject to an exit ban until you try to leave mainland China.

Cashless payments through smartphone apps such as WeChat or Alipay are almost universal.

Outside major cities, credit cards are not always accepted and ATMs are limited. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes.

Counterfeit banknotes (especially 100 renminbi notes) are common, including from ATMs. Banks will not replace them. Check notes carefully before accepting them.

Possession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs, including cannabis, are serious offences in China. The Chinese authorities have a zero-tolerance policy and those caught face heavy fines, lengthy prison sentences, or the death penalty.

Airports in China have security equipment and procedures in place for scanning and detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan all the baggage of transiting passengers.

The Chinese authorities can randomly test foreign nationals for drugs, including on entry to the country. Police can also raid homes as well as nightclubs and bars. If you’re in a bar that’s raided, you will be subject to on-the-spot testing and immigration checks. This may involve:

• being kept at the location, or another location, for several hours
• giving hair and urine samples
• passport and visa checks

If you test positive, the Chinese authorities can prosecute you regardless of where or when you took drugs. Testing positive for drugs, or being found in breach of your visa conditions, can lead to heavy fines, detention and deportation.

The Chinese authorities control internet access. Internet access can be limited around key political events and dates. Some services are permanently blocked, including:

• Google
• Facebook
• YouTube
• X

Other websites may sometimes be blocked. 

China’s cybersecurity laws state that online products and services (for example, VPNs) need to be licensed by the Chinese government. See the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (in Mandarin). Make sure you stay informed and follow Chinese law.

The import, possession and use of drones and drone components are strictly regulated. Contact the Civil Aviation Administration of China before travel for the latest rules regarding registration and use.

Fire protection standards in Chinese accommodation are not always the same as in the UK. You should:

• check fire precautions, including access to fire exits
• make sure your accommodation has a working fire alarm
• regularly check fire exits are not blocked

Make sure your accommodation has a working carbon monoxide alarm. People have died of carbon monoxide poisoning due to incorrectly installed gas equipment. 

Energy UK has advice on how to stay safe and the symptoms to look out for.

Thoroughly research the school or university that is hiring you in China and make sure you’re confident they are following the law.

Same-sex relationships are legal in China, but public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK. Showing affection in public may receive negative attention. There’s no Chinese law guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

China is in an active seismic zone and can experience major earthquakes. Learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

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. You should 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.

Flooding and storms are common between May and November. You should monitor local weather reports and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.