China country guide: visas, airlines and living abroad

Understanding China

China requires a travel and relocation plan that reflects its geography, administrative arrangements and the traveller’s own circumstances. This guide brings together basic country information, aviation context, entry planning, longer-term residence considerations and practical preparation. A visitor, an international student, an employee and a person joining family may face different procedures even when they hold the same passport.

The country profile places China in Eastern Asia. The listed capital or administrative centre is Beijing; the language metadata lists Chinese. Currency information is presented as Chinese yuan (CNY), and the internet-domain information is .cn. These details are useful when checking application addresses, interpreting invoices, identifying local services and arranging communication. A country-code domain identifies an internet namespace; it does not, by itself, authenticate an immigration service or establish an applicant’s eligibility.

Use the guide in two stages. First, understand the destination and prepare a realistic itinerary or relocation objective. Then confirm the applicable requirements with the authority responsible for your nationality, passport type, place of legal residence and purpose of travel. The country-specific official extracts below retain their source dates and scope. They must not be read as a universal visa decision for all passports, and an airline ticket or a consultation booking does not confer permission to enter.

Demographic, geographic and transport material attributed to the CIA World Factbook comes from its final archived edition. Figures retain their original reference years and are historical background rather than a claim that every statistic is current. Government travel-advice extracts are reproduced with attribution under the Open Government Licence. The sections on preparation are practical editorial guidance; they do not invent a visa category, processing guarantee or entitlement to permanent residence. Check the linked original advice again before travel, as the published snapshot can change. Map boundaries are illustrative and do not express a position on sovereignty or disputed borders.

Country facts, geography and economic context

Historical country context, adapted from the public-domain CIA World Factbook final archive. Original dates are retained. These facts do not establish current entry or residence rights.

History and national context

Geographic position

Land area

Landscape

Climate and seasonal planning

Natural hazards

Environmental conditions

Geographic considerations

Capital and administrative centre

Regional administration

Settlement patterns

Population snapshot

Urban development

Major urban areas

Languages and communication

Religion and cultural context

Society and communities

Economic context

Industry and employment context

Agriculture

Trade and exports

Trade and imports

Legal-system background

Names and terminology

National holiday

Internet identity

Airport infrastructure

Rail infrastructure

Airlines and transport to China

Air travel to China should be planned around the actual operating airport, the operating carrier and the legal conditions at every connection. A marketed flight may be operated by another airline under a codeshare arrangement. Identify which carrier performs each sector, where checked luggage is transferred and whether a change of terminal or airport requires passing through immigration. A cheap connection is not necessarily usable if the traveller lacks the relevant transit or entry permission.

The airline information below uses IATA’s membership directory retrieved on 2026-10-10. Membership is a useful way to identify registered carriers and their airline codes, but it is not a complete census of airlines, a flight timetable or a statement that every carrier operates passenger services. Cargo airlines may also appear. Registration in China does not mean an airline serves the traveller’s departure city, and foreign airlines may be the practical option for reaching the destination. Consult the carrier and airport directly for current routes and operating restrictions.

IATA-listed carriers registered in this destination

• Air Changan — IATA designator 9H
• Air China — IATA designator CA
• Air Guilin — IATA designator GT
• Capital Airlines — IATA designator JD
• Chengdu Airlines — IATA designator EU
• China Cargo Airlines — IATA designator CK
• China Eastern — IATA designator MU
• China Express Airlines — IATA designator G5
• China Postal Airlines — IATA designator CF
• China Southern Airlines — IATA designator CZ
• China United Airlines — IATA designator KN
• Fuzhou Airlines — IATA designator FU
• GX Airlines — IATA designator GX
• Hainan Airlines — IATA designator HU
• Hebei Airlines — IATA designator NS
• JD Airlines — IATA designator JG
• Juneyao Airlines — IATA designator HO
• Kunming Airlines — IATA designator KY
• Loong Air — IATA designator GJ
• Lucky Air — IATA designator 8L
• Okay Airways — IATA designator BK
• Qingdao Airlines — IATA designator QW
• Ruili Airlines — IATA designator DR
• SF Airlines — IATA designator O3
• Shandong Airlines — IATA designator SC
• Shanghai Airlines — IATA designator FM
• Shenzhen Airlines — IATA designator ZH
• Sichuan Airlines — IATA designator 3U
• Suparna Airlines — IATA designator Y8
• Tianjin Airlines — IATA designator GS
• Urumqi Air — IATA designator UQ
• West Air — IATA designator PN
• Xiamen Airlines — IATA designator MF
• Xizang Airlines — IATA designator TV
• YTO Cargo Airlines — IATA designator YG

Before paying for flights, check the spelling of the passenger name, passport validity, baggage entitlement, change conditions and refund rules. Compare a protected through-ticket with separate tickets: a missed connection on independently booked sectors may leave the traveller responsible for replacement transport and accommodation. Keep sufficient time for immigration, security screening and baggage collection, especially when arriving in China after a long international connection.

For an island, remote settlement or seasonal route, review the consequences of cancellation as carefully as the outward journey. Weather, runway limitations and operating schedules may restrict alternatives. Keep essential medicines, identification, payment methods and a change of clothing in hand luggage. Carry the address of the first accommodation and a reliable arrival contact. Never assume that a visa exemption also removes an airline’s document checks, or that approval for the destination automatically covers a transit country.

How to plan a visa application for China

Start with the intended activity rather than the name of a visa found on a commercial website. A short holiday, attendance at meetings, a paid assignment, an academic course and joining a spouse can require different permissions. Write a short factual description of the trip, its duration, who will pay and whether any work will be performed. The responsible authority can then assess the relevant category without relying on an ambiguous description such as “business travel”.

Next, establish which rules apply to the individual passport holder. Nationality, ordinary or diplomatic passport status, dual citizenship, existing residence permits and previous immigration history can affect the route. An entry exemption offered to one nationality should not be applied to another. Likewise, a resident of a neighbouring country may still need permission based on nationality. Where a guide quotes UK travel advice, its stated British-passport scope is retained; it is not a promise that another passport receives the same treatment in China.

Identify the correct application channel through an official embassy, consulate, immigration department or government portal. Check whether the application must be made from the applicant’s country of nationality or legal residence, and whether a third-party centre is officially appointed. Search advertisements and a country-code website address are not adequate evidence of authorisation. Confirm the official fee, currency, payment method and process for obtaining a receipt before transferring money or uploading identity documents.

Build the evidence file around the published checklist for the selected category. Possible evidence can include a passport, photographs, a travel plan, accommodation details, financial records, an invitation or proof of a family relationship, but the required list must come from the authority. Names, dates and addresses should be consistent across forms and supporting documents. Explain genuine discrepancies honestly; do not alter a bank record, conceal a refusal or submit a reservation that is presented as paid when it is not.

If translations, certification or legalisation are required, establish the accepted language and format before commissioning them. A translation accepted by a university or employer may not satisfy the immigration authority. Keep the source document, translator’s certification and any required legalisation together. Ask whether a digital upload is sufficient or originals must be produced at an appointment. Where biometrics or an interview are requested, attendance arrangements and passport retention may affect other planned journeys.

Submit only after reviewing every answer and retain the application reference, payment receipt and a complete copy of the evidence. Monitor the official account or authorised communication channel for requests. Respond within the stated period and keep a record of what was supplied. Processing-time estimates are planning information rather than guarantees; do not invent a completion date for China, and avoid non-refundable commitments until the documents and travel conditions are suitable.

When a decision is issued, examine the name, passport number, entry validity, permitted duration, number of entries and any activity restrictions. An approval letter may require a later step before boarding or after arrival. If an application is refused, read the reasons and the authority’s instructions for any review, appeal or new application. A different factual situation or corrected evidence should be explained clearly; repeatedly submitting an unchanged file is unlikely to resolve the underlying issue.

China: official entry, safety and health information

Country-specific official material reproduced from UK FCDO travel advice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. The entry section is scoped to British passport holders as stated by the source; other nationalities must check their own requirements. Source last updated: 2026-08-27T23:02:55+01:00. Retrieved 2026-10-10. Read the current original advice.

Warnings and insurance

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.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of China’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

Immigration authorities may collect biometric data, including scanned fingerprints and photos, to register your entry into China.

Medical screening on arrival or during your time in China

You may need to pass through medical screening on entry into China. This may be body temperature scanning, or more rarely testing such as throat or nasal swabs, blood tests or medical examinations. You may be refused entry into China if you do not comply.

Passport validity requirements

To enter China, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you renew your passport while you are in China, contact your local exit and entry office or call the national immigration service hotline on 12367, before or immediately upon receipt.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Chinese-British dual nationals

China does not recognise dual nationality. If you were born in China to a Chinese national parent, you will be:

• considered by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality
• treated as a Chinese citizen, even if you used a British passport to enter China

If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the British Embassy will not be able to offer you help. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so. See guidance on nationality in China.

If you’re a former Chinese citizen, Chinese authorities may:

• treat you as a Chinese citizen

• refuse you access to UK consular services

This can happen even if you entered China on a UK or other foreign passport and you:

• haven’t renounced your citizenship according to Chinese law

• haven’t formally advised the Chinese authorities of your UK citizenship

• continue to maintain a Chinese passport or household registration

Authorities may not allow certain categories of Chinese citizens, such as state officials, to renounce their Chinese nationality under Chinese law.

You should get professional legal advice if you’re unsure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.

Visa requirements

Until 31 December 2026, you can enter China visa free for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits or transit. 

This policy applies to all holders of standard British passports whose nationality is listed as ‘British citizen.’ Holders of British Crown Dependency passports whose nationality is listed as ‘British citizen’ are eligible for this policy.

If you travel to China for any other reason (this includes paid work, long-term assignments, journalism, or study) or for a stay exceeding 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip to China.

If you have any doubt about your eligibility, verify the conditions for visa free entry with the Chinese Embassy in London.

If you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa free access you will be refused entry.

Holders of Emergency Travel Documents are not allowed to enter China without a visa.

Visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.

Applying for a visa

Unless you meet the requirement for visa-free access, you must arrange a visa before travelling to China.

If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa online and then go in person to a visa for China application centre. Officials will take a scan of your fingerprints as part of your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. If you’re aged 13 or under, or 71 or over, you do not have to attend in person, but someone will need to submit your application on your behalf.

The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply.

If you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland, you need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China.

Check your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you.

If you want to stay in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a residence permit.

Teaching visas

Teachers have been detained and deported for working on the wrong visa. It is your responsibility to check you’re working on the correct visa.

Working in China

You can only work in China if you have a work visa (Z visa). Tourist and business visas do not allow you to work. You must also hold a valid work permit. The local police regularly carry out checks on companies and schools. If you do not follow Chinese immigration laws, there can be serious penalties, including:

• imprisonment
• fines
• deportation
• an exit ban, which stops you from leaving China
• an exclusion order, which stops you from returning

Before you leave the UK, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK to check Z visa requirements. When submitting your application, and when you receive your work permit, check the details are correct, including the location you’ll be working in. If the details are incorrect – even if your employer or others submitted the application on your behalf – the authorities can detain you, fine you or deport you.       

If you are going to change employer once you’re in China, or change location in China with an existing employer, check with the Chinese authorities whether you need a new visa and work permit before doing so.

Vaccine requirements 

To enter China, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s China guide.

Registering with the authorities

You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreign nationals’ documentation. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of China. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Safety and security

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.

Political situation 

China is ruled by a single political party. Though China is open to foreign visitors, be aware of political and cultural sensitivities.

Avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. The Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly, and you may face arrest, detention and deportation. Foreign journalists have been intimidated, assaulted or detained for trying to report on demonstrations.

You may risk becoming a target when there is an anti-foreign feeling or attitude in China. Keep informed of developments and follow the advice of the local authorities. During periods of tension, the authorities may block:

• news reporting
• access to text-messaging
• the internet
• international telephone lines

Posting, publishing or supporting political statements critical of China or the Chinese authorities could be viewed as illegal.

Crime

Serious crime against foreign nationals is relatively rare, but incidents can happen. Take care of your belongings at major tourist sites and other busy places, particularly where foreign nationals gather.

Indiscriminate attacks using vehicles as a weapon, and knife attacks, have occurred in public places including at schools, supermarkets and hospitals. Although rare, there have been isolated violent attacks that have impacted foreign nationals.

Penalties for fighting and physical altercations can range from fines to short term detentions to longer-term criminal detentions, regardless of who was initially responsible. Compensation claims by injured parties are commonplace, again regardless of who was initially responsible.

Drink spiking and sexual assault

Do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Personal attacks and sexual assaults are rare, but they can happen, including through drinks being spiked. Women, travelling alone or with female friends, could be at higher risk.

Scams

Beware of scams in popular tourist areas. A common example is the ‘tea tasting’ or ‘massage’ scam. Friendly strangers may invite you to visit a bar, to drink tea or have a massage, and the establishment then demands a large fee. This can be followed by threats, violence or credit card fraud.

Due to the prominence of QR code usage in China, travellers are recommended to familiarise themselves with the risks of QR code phishing.

Commercial disputes

Before entering a commercial contract in China, take legal advice, both in the UK and in China. Contracts agreed in the UK are not always recognised by Chinese courts.

If you’re involved in or connected to a business or civil dispute, the Chinese authorities may impose an exit ban, which means you cannot leave China until the matter is resolved. British nationals have been detained against their will, intimidated and forced to pay money.

Violence is rare, but it can be threatened. Report any threats of violence to the Chinese police.

Laws and cultural differences 

Personal ID

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. 

National security laws

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.

Travelling to sensitive areas

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.

Religious activities and materials

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.

Criminal proceedings      

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.

Exit bans

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.

Money

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.

Illegal drugs penalties and prison sentences

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.

Internet access

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.

Drone regulations

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.

Building safety

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.

Teaching in China       

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

LGBT+ travellers

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.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Hiking

Do not hike alone in isolated areas, including on the Great Wall, due to unpredictable weather conditions and the chance of injuries. Even when hiking in a group, leave your itinerary, mobile number and expected time of return at your hotel or with a third party.      

Transport risks

Road travel 

You must have a Chinese driving licence and valid insurance to drive in China. There are harsh penalties for driving without these, including fines and detention.

Drive with caution in China. Accidents are common due to: 

• the poor quality of roads
• high volumes of traffic
• low driving standards

If you’re involved in a serious traffic accident, call the police. Do not move your vehicle until they arrive but make sure you and your passengers are in a safe place. If there are injuries, you may be held legally responsible for medical costs. You will also be held responsible if you hit a pedestrian. 

There are harsh penalties including fines, detention and imprisonment for driving under the influence of alcohol, even at very low levels. 

Rail travel

You must show your passport to buy a ticket and to board a train in China.

Trans-Mongolian Express trains (Beijing-Moscow via Ulaanbaatar) are known for smuggling. Petty theft on overnight trains is common. Search your compartment and lock the cabin door before the train leaves.

Sea travel

Mariners should avoid the disputed territory between China and other countries in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the area. ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre has further information about piracy and armed robbery.

Taxis

Avoid travelling in unmarked or unmetered taxis, as there have been incidents of sexual assault and robbery against foreign nationals. In marked taxis, make sure someone knows where you are and try to take a note of the taxi’s number.

Disputes over taxi fares can quickly escalate. Any physical altercation could lead to detention regardless of who is to blame. Insist on paying the metered fare and ask for a receipt. The receipt should have the taxi number on it.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

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. 

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. 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 

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.

Regional risks

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. 

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 

Violent unrest in Xinjiang has resulted in deaths. There are allegations that police use lethal force to disperse protests. 

The Chinese authorities have a significant security presence throughout Xinjiang, both as a visible demonstration of state control and to respond quickly and harshly to any unexpected demonstrations or outbreaks of violence. 

There have been widespread arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial detentions in Xinjiang, mainly affecting the local population, particularly Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. You may be at increased risk if: 

• you’re of Turkic descent
• you have lived previously in Xinjiang
• your appearance or practices are perceived to be Muslim
• you publicly participate in Islamic religious practices
• you’re a foreign national

Expect airport-style security measures, including passport and security checks, at shopping centres, markets and parks. You may need to give the security forces your phone number, have your photograph taken and explain why you are travelling. Organisations monitoring facilities in Xinjiang are at risk of harassment and detention.     

Always carry your passport and avoid all protests and large crowds. Do not photograph or film protests, large crowds, security officials or installations, or anything of a military nature. Mosques and other religious sites are also considered ‘sensitive’ by the authorities. 

The ability of the British Embassy to help British nationals in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is limited. 

China-Myanmar border

There is continuing violence on the Myanmar side of the China-Myanmar border, which has occasionally spilled over into China.

Health

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number

Call 120 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for China
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of China. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

See what health risks you’ll face in China, including:

• avian influenza
• dengue – present in Guangdong Province and some other parts of China, mainly during the rainy season from May to November

Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Only drink bottled water.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

If you’re take prescription medication, make sure you bring enough with you or have access to a supply in China. Certain medicines may not be available and you may be not allowed to bring others into the country. For more information, check with your GP and the Chinese Embassy before travelling. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in China

Healthcare is not free in China and can be very expensive. Make sure you have appropriate travel and medical insurance covering healthcare and medical evacuation and repatriation. For more information, see medical treatment in China. 

FCDO has a list of doctors and medical facilities in China where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro. 

Expatriates, employment and immigration in China

A temporary visit to China and permission to reside there are separate planning questions. The terms “expatriate”, “immigrant” and “resident” describe circumstances, but they do not identify an immigration category by themselves. Determine the lawful basis for the intended stay and whether the application is made before travel or through a permitted procedure after arrival. This guide does not assume that a visitor can change status locally, obtain employment or remain indefinitely.

For employment, confirm whether the prospective employer must sponsor the applicant, obtain an approval or demonstrate particular conditions before the worker applies. Ask whether the permission is tied to a specific employer, occupation or location and what happens if the employment ends. Professional licensing, recognition of qualifications and an immigration work authorisation may be separate requirements. A job offer without the required permission should not be treated as a lawful start date.

International students should verify the institution, course eligibility and the immigration requirements directly with the competent offices. Admission, tuition payment and a student visa are separate milestones. Establish whether part-time work is allowed, whether dependants can accompany the student and what options exist after the course. Do not infer work rights or a settlement route from a school’s marketing claims. Keep a budget for study, accommodation, insurance and the return journey.

For family migration, establish which relationships are recognised and what evidence is accepted. Marriage, partnership, parenthood or dependency may involve different procedures, and a family member’s nationality does not automatically settle the applicant’s rights. Check income, accommodation or sponsorship requirements where applicable. Document custody and consent for children travelling with one parent. If names differ across civil records, obtain appropriate explanations and accepted supporting documents.

Long-term residence and citizenship should be researched as distinct stages. Temporary permits can expire, require renewal or impose limits on absence. Permanent status may have separate qualifying conditions, and naturalisation may involve language, residence, conduct or other legal tests. No number of years or automatic entitlement is promised here for China. Before relying on a future route, ask the responsible authority or a qualified local adviser to identify the current provision and its conditions.

Practical preparation for living in China

The language information for China lists Chinese. Identify the language used by the office handling the application and by the intended employer, school, clinic or landlord. A multilingual country can have significant regional differences. Arrange interpretation when accuracy matters, particularly for a contract or medical consultation, and keep translated copies of essential information. Everyday language learning can help integration, but it does not replace a required certified translation.

Use Chinese yuan (CNY) as the starting point for a local budget and verify the monetary arrangements with the relevant central bank or financial institution. Avoid treating an old exchange-rate statistic as a quote for a present transaction. Separate immigration fees, transport, deposits, accommodation, utilities, insurance and professional charges. Compare the exchange rate, transfer fee and receiving-bank cost, and keep a reserve for a delayed arrival or an unexpected return journey.

An accommodation decision should follow the lawful duration and purpose of stay. Verify the property, the landlord’s authority and the contract before paying a deposit. Ask about utilities, notice periods, registration documents and refund conditions. A temporary booking can provide flexibility while the newcomer checks a neighbourhood and travel times. If accommodation evidence is needed for an application, confirm the accepted form with the authority rather than assuming that every informal invitation or booking is sufficient.

Healthcare preparation should reflect both the traveller’s health and the local services available. Review the country-specific health advice where supplied, consult an appropriate clinician for vaccinations or medication questions, and check the insurance wording. Carry prescriptions and establish the rules for importing controlled medicines. A familiar medicine brand may not be available in China; plan continuity of treatment through a legitimate provider. Insurance should cover the actual activities and circumstances of the stay.

Families should assess schools, childcare, accessibility and the effect of the move on each member’s legal status. Check enrolment documents and whether translated academic or vaccination records are required. An adult’s work permission does not necessarily give a spouse work rights or a child access to every service. A realistic plan includes transport, communication, emergency contacts and arrangements if one family member’s application is delayed or refused.

Tax residence, immigration residence and access to public services can be governed by different rules. A person may need professional advice about income earned abroad, employment deductions or obligations in both the departure and destination jurisdictions. Do not infer tax treatment from an immigration label. Keep records of arrival and departure dates, contracts and payments, and ask a qualified adviser to identify the relevant rules for the actual circumstances.

After arrival, check whether a residence card, address registration, identity number or another local procedure is required by the authorised route. Maintain a calendar of expiry dates and renewal windows using the official instructions. Keep important records securely, with a backup available if a device is lost. When leaving China, settle contractual obligations, retain payment evidence and check whether departure affects a continuing permission or a future return.

A preparation checklist for China

Prepare one coherent personal record before consulting an adviser. It should state the traveller’s nationality, passport type, current legal residence, destination, intended dates and purpose. Include dependants and all transit points. This simple profile reduces misunderstandings and helps the adviser distinguish a visitor application from employment, study or family residence. Leave out unnecessary sensitive documents until the recipient and purpose have been verified.

Create a document register with the issuing body, issue date, expiry date, language and any certification requirement for each item. Note whether an original, copy or digital version is accepted. This is particularly useful for civil records and qualifications that may take time to obtain. A well-organised file makes it easier to answer a request for additional evidence without accidentally sending contradictory versions of the same document.

Use a financial worksheet that separates the application cost from the cost of the journey and the first period in China. Record which payments are refundable and what conditions apply. A consultation charge, government visa fee, airline ticket and accommodation deposit are different transactions with different terms. Request itemised invoices and retain receipts; a single total described as a “visa package” can obscure what has actually been purchased.

Before submitting the application, read the form as a whole. Check dates against the itinerary, employment details against the contract and funds against the stated budget. Where an explanation is needed, make it factual and concise. If a representative prepares the application, review it yourself before signing. Responsibility for the truth of the information should not be delegated to an adviser or a travel agent.

Before departure, check the current official entry and travel advice, the transport operating status, the documents required at boarding and any arrival formalities. Download essential records for offline use and keep paper copies where practical. Share the itinerary with a trusted contact and confirm the first arrival transfer. A complete application file is useful, but it is the current permission and actual travel conditions that determine whether the planned journey can proceed.

Choosing assistance for a China application

Select a consultant by relevant experience and a clear written scope. Ask which part of the process the consultation covers: identifying an appropriate category, explaining a checklist, reviewing evidence or representing the applicant where permitted. The adviser should distinguish general preparation from legal representation and identify any local licensing or authorisation required for the service. A confident sales statement is not a substitute for a source-backed explanation.

Request a written fee breakdown and understand what is excluded. Government charges, translations, courier costs, appointments and further representation may be separate. Ask who will handle the file, how questions are answered and what records the customer receives. A consultant should not promise guaranteed approval or claim influence over the decision-maker. The authority responsible for China determines the outcome under the applicable rules.

When using VisaWand, compare the profile, the consultation scope and the displayed fee before booking. The consultation is an opportunity to clarify the route and preparation; it does not itself create entry permission. Keep control of original documents, email accounts and official application credentials. Provide sensitive material only through an appropriate verified channel, and ask how it will be stored, used and deleted when the service ends.