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18/04/2005: "Advice for Travellers to China"
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Political Situation section. The overall level of the advice has not changed. This advice is up to date as of 18th April.
SUMMARY
· Anti-Japanese demonstrations might take place in a number of cities in China on 16-17 April and 1-4 May. Please see Political Situation section for further details.
· British nationals require visas to enter China. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival except at Hainan Island. Carefully check your visa validity as fines can be levied for overstaying.
· The threat from terrorism in China is low but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
· Serious crime against foreigners in China is rare and most visits are trouble free.
· We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Please read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" pages for further information and advice.
Crime
Serious crime against foreigners is rare. However, crime does occur in both Chinese cities and in the countryside. You should be aware that the theft of British passports, particularly in the larger cities, is on the increase. Please remember to keep your passport in a safe place at all times.
We strongly 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. Take extra care around street markets and when visiting popular expatriate bar areas after dark. Ensure you keep your belongings firmly with you at all times. Make sure you visit bar areas in company. Major tourist sites also attract thieves and pickpockets. If you resist a robbery attempt it could lead to serious violence; knives are fairly common. There has continued to be a spate of robberies, some including violence against the victim, in Shenzhen over the last few months. British nationals have been amongst the victims. Day-trippers from Hong Kong appear to be most targeted.
During the Canton Trade Fair in Guangzhou from 15-20 April and 25-30 April, visitors should take particular of their personal belongings. Petty crime is expected to increase during this period with pickpockets and other petty criminals targeting the many foreign visitors to the Fair, including in the restaurants and bars frequented by visitors.
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.
Political Situation
Anti-Japanese demonstrations
We have received unconfirmed reports of possible anti-Japanese demonstrations in a number of cities in China, including Shanghai and Guangzhou on 16 and 17 April and Bejing on 1 and 4 May. Although the demonstrations are not expected to be directed at British nationals, we advise caution and awareness in public areas where protests are taking place. Please continue to refer to the FCO website's Travel Advice, which will be updated regularly.
China is, in practice, a one party state. The National People's Congress (NPC) is indirectly elected. Direct elections for village leaders have also been conducted since 1988. They take place every three years, although it is unclear how genuine and effective they are. The legislature remains subject to Party leadership. However, since 1987 the NPC has been building its oversight capacity over the actions of the government.
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
You may face SARS monitoring measures imposed by local and provincial authorities when you travel within China.
For travel to Tibet see below.
Road/Sea/Air/Rail Safety
The poor quality of roads and generally low driving standards leads to many, sometimes serious, accidents.
You should be aware that there have been several incidents of overcrowded ferries sinking, leading to loss of life. There have been attacks of piracy in the South China Sea. We advise mariners to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.
When flying within Mainland China, you should be aware that there have been air accidents on the routes to the north and east of Beijing.
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.
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 Mainland China, but not Hong Kong. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival except at Hainan Island. Carefully check your visa validity as fines can be levied for overstaying.
If you visit Hong Kong from Mainland China you should ensure you have a double or multiple entry visa to gain re-entry to the mainland.
If you are transiting China en route to a third country, even if in direct transit, ie not leaving the aircraft during a stopover, you should ensure that you have a transit visa for both your outward and return journey.
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: Chinese representation in the UK.
This information was taken from the Governments Foreign Travel webpages.
