China
Still current at: 29 January 2013
Updated: 23 January 2013
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Health section (revised advice about air pollution). The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are no travel restrictions in place in this travel advice for China, though the Chinese authorities periodically limit access to Tibetan areas
Territorial disputes between China and neighbouring countries during 2012 caused high regional tension and there were a number of demonstrations, notably anti-Japan demonstrations in several cities across China. The protests generally targeted Japanese interests, but general anti-foreign sentiment may also run high. You should avoid becoming caught up in any public demonstrations, otherwise you may become a target or face arrest, deportation or detention.
You should exercise particular caution in Tibet Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. See Domestic Unrest.
You should not attempt to travel to Tibet without the appropriate permits. The Chinese authorities periodically restrict access to Tibet without notice. See Tibet.
Foreign nationals over the age of 16 must carry their passport at all times. You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. If you stay in a hotel, your registration is done as part of the check-in process. Police carry out random checks and may detain you if you do not hold a valid visa or work permit.
There is a general threat from terrorism.
China travel advice
Be aware, particularly in the popular tourist areas of major cities, of attempts to scam tourists. A regular example is the 'Tea Tasting' scam. Scams usually involve a foreign national being invited to visit a bar / shop / cafe - for example to "practice English" or meet a girl - but results in demands for an exorbitant fee, often payable by credit card. This can result in threats of violence or credit card fraud.
In 2010, there were a number of violent attacks on school children at school premises in the mainland resulting in children and adults being killed or injured. A further similar attack took place in Henan Province in December 2012. The authorities have implemented improved security across schools. Should you have concerns about safety issues, contact the relevant school.
Commercial disputes in China are rarely handled through the civil law courts. Incidents of British nationals being detained against their will for extorting money or intimidation for other gains have increased. 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. You should report threats of violence to the Chinese police.
The poor quality of roads and generally low driving standards lead to many accidents. If you are involved in a serious accident, you may be prevented from leaving the country or detained until the case is resolved. Traffic accidents generally attract a large crowd of bystanders, some of whom may take sides (usually against the foreigner)
Tibet
There appear to be severe restrictions in place at the current time on foreign nationals travelling to Tibet.
Foreign nationals wishing to travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region must apply for a Tibet Entry Permit issued by the Tibetan Tourism Bureau. You may also require other permits for travel to particular areas of Tibet Autonomous Region, for example border areas.
Applications for Tibet Entry Permits can only be made through specialised travel agents based in China and travel can only be undertaken through organised tours. The Chinese authorities periodically suspend issuing Tibet Entry Permits to foreign nationals, and may also restrict travel to the region by those who have already obtained a permit. These restrictions can happen at any time, but in particular during sensitive periods, especially around February and March, coinciding with the Tibetan new year festival and the anniversary of certain uprisings in Tibet. Travellers to Tibet should check with tour operators or travel agents and monitor this travel advice and other media for information about travel to Tibet.
Ongoing political and ethnic tensions can lead to unrest and violent protest in Tibet. While foreigners are not normally targeted during unrest, travellers should be alert to the possibility of being caught up in unexpected demonstrations or outbreaks of violence. Local authorities will react negatively if you are found carrying letters or packages from Tibetan nationals to be posted in other countries.
The extreme altitude in Tibet may cause altitude sickness.
Photography in Buddhist monasteries requires permission; a fee, normally negotiated in advance, is payable.
China travel advice
