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China
Country Specific Information
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November 26, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
The People’s Republic of China was established on October 1, 1949, with Beijing as its capital city. With well over 1.3
billion citizens, China is the world's most populous country and the third largest country in the world in terms of territory.
China is undergoing rapid, profound economic and social change and development. Political power remains centralized in the
Chinese Communist Party. Modern tourist facilities are available in major cities, but many facilities in smaller provincial
cities and rural areas are frequently below international standards. Read the Department of State Background Notes on China for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport and visa are required to enter and exit China and must be obtained from Chinese Embassies and Consulates
before traveling to China. Americans arriving without valid passports and the appropriate Chinese visa are not permitted
to enter and will be subject to a fine and immediate deportation at the traveler's expense. Travelers should not rely on
Chinese host organizations claiming to be able to arrange a visa upon arrival. Chinese authorities have recently tightened
their visa issuance policy, in some cases requiring personal interviews of American citizens. Although a bilateral United
States-China agreement provides for issuance of multiple-entry visas with validity of up to one year for tourists and business
visitors, Chinese consulates often limit visas to only one entry. Visit the Embassy of China web site at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/ for the most current visa information.
Visas are not required of aliens who hold air tickets to the final destination, have booked seats on international airliners
flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport. Persons
transiting China on the way to and from Mongolia or North Korea or who plan to re-enter China from the Hong Kong or Macau
Special Administrative Regions should be sure to obtain visas allowing more than one entry. Permits are required to visit
Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally open to foreigners. A travel permit for Tibet can be obtained through local
travel agents. Permits cost approximately renminbi (RMB) 100, are single-entry and valid for at most three months. Most areas
in Tibet are not open for foreigners except Lhasa City and part of Shan Nan. Foreigners can be fined up to RMB 500, taken
into custody, and deported for visiting restricted areas. For information about entry requirements and restricted areas,
travelers may consult the Visa Office of the Embassy of China (PRC) at Room 110, 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC
20007, or telephone (202) 338-6688 and (202) 588-9760. For a list of services and frequently asked visa questions and answers,
travelers can view the Chinese Embassy's web site at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/. There are Chinese consulates general in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Since the run-up to
the Olympics, some Americans have reported having difficulty getting visas in Seoul, South Korea or Hong Kong.
In July 2007, the Chinese government tightened its regulations for altering or renewing visas for individuals already in China.
Visitors can no longer change tourist (L) and exchange (F) -type visas to other types and many applications must now be completed
in person. There have also been reports that entry and exit violations are being more strictly enforced, with recent reports
of police, school administrators and hotel staff checking to ensure that individuals have not overstayed their visas. Visitors
are expected to register with the police within 24 hours of arrival in China. While hotels generally do this automatically
with no additional action being required from the guest, Americans planning on staying in private homes with family or friends
must go to their local police station to register. The police have been stricter in the enforcement of this rule and have
fined apartment companies, hotels and Americans for violations.
Americans who overstay or otherwise violate the terms of their Chinese visas will be subject to a maximum fine of 5,000 RMB,
departure delays and may be subject to detention. Travelers should note that international flights departing China are routinely
overbooked, making reconfirmation of departure reservations and early airport check-in essential. An airport user fee for
both international and domestic flights is now included in the cost of the ticket price. Americans are also required to have
an exit visa to leave China. Americans who lose a passport must take into consideration the time needed to get a new passport
and a new visa. Visa issuances can take as long as 7 business days.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated new procedures at entry/ exit points.
These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s)
or legal guardian if they are not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Dual national Americans, particularly those with dual Chinese and American nationality, should realize that entering China
using their non-U.S. passport could mean that the Chinese Government may not afford them the consular protections to which
they are entitled. While the U.S. Government will offer consular services to all U.S. citizens regardless of dual nationality,
use of other than a U.S. passport to enter China can make it difficult for U.S. Consuls to assist dual national Americans
who have been arrested or who have other concerns with the Chinese Government.
China does not recognize dual citizenship. U.S. Embassy and Consulate officials are often denied access to arrested or detained
Americans who do not enter China using their U.S. passport. Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States who do not carry
unexpired or otherwise clear evidence that they may re-enter the United States will encounter delays departing from China.
Lawful Permanent Residents should renew and update U.S. residence documentation prior to their departure from the United States.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Americans visiting or residing in China are advised to take routine safety precautions; that is, travelers should remain
aware of their surroundings and of events happening around them. Travelers should respect local police requirements to avoid
travel in some areas. In light of the greatly increased numbers of older Americans traveling to China, Americans should verify
with U.S. tour operators that local guides being used are familiar with medical facilities and emergency medical evacuation
procedures.
American citizens who rent apartments with gas appliances should be aware that, in some areas, natural gas is not scented
to warn occupants of gas leaks or concentrations. In addition, heaters may not always be well vented, thereby allowing excess
carbon monoxide to build up in living spaces. Due to fatal accidents involving American citizens, travelers are advised to
ensure all gas appliances are properly vented or to install gas and carbon monoxide detectors in their residences. These
devices are not widely available in China and should be purchased prior to arrival.
Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may
be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms, including computers, may be searched without the consent or knowledge
of the traveler. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result
in problems with authorities. Foreign government officials, journalists, and business people with access to advanced proprietary
technology are particularly likely to be under surveillance.
Terrorism is rare in China, although a small number of bombings have occurred in areas throughout China. Recent bombings
have generally been criminal in nature, frequently the result of commercial disputes. The vast majority of these local incidents
related to disputes over land seizures, social issues or environmental problems. While some incidents have grown to larger
scales and involved some violence, these incidents have not been directed against foreigners.
Business disputes in China are not always handled through the courts. Sometimes the foreign partner has been held hostage,
threatened with violence, or beaten up. Anyone entering into a contract in China should have it thoroughly examined, both
in the United States and in China. Contracts entered into in the United States are not enforced by Chinese courts. Care should
also be taken when entering into a lease for an apartment or house. There have been instances of foreigners being ejected
from their apartments because of lease disputes, and being prevented from re-entering, even to retrieve their belongings.
Americans doing business in China should be aware that if they become involved in a business and/or civil dispute, the Chinese
government may prohibit them from leaving China until the matter is resolved. Civil cases may sometimes be regarded as criminal
cases and the defendant may be placed in custody. Civil law disputes may take years to resolve. There are many cases of
American citizens being prevented from leaving China for months and even years while their civil cases are resolved.
U.S. citizens and business owners should be aware that many intending migrants from China will try to enlist their assistance
to secure a U.S. visa. In one common scheme, a PRC national contacts a U.S. business feigning interest in a particular product
or service. The PRC national then asks for a formal letter from the U.S. company inviting him or her (alone or with colleagues)
to come to the United States to discuss or finalize a purchase, or establish formal cooperation between the two companies.
The PRC national will then use the invitation letter when he or she applies for a U.S. visa to show he/ she has a legitimate
purpose of travel. While many such requests may be legitimate, some are not. Oftentimes, the PRC national initiating the
contact has no relationship to his/her claimed Chinese employer. In fact, it is not unusual for these individuals to be part
of elaborate human smuggling syndicates. Visa Sections at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China are regularly contacted
by U.S. businesses that unwittingly have been used to facilitate illicit migration schemes.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular tollline at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: China has a low crime rate. Pickpockets target tourists at sightseeing destinations, open-air markets, airports, and in
stores, often with the complicity of low-paid security guards. Americans are perceived as wealthy and may be specifically
targeted by petty criminals. Violence against foreigners, while rare, is on the increase. Over the past year, incidents
of violence against foreigners, including sexual assaults, have taken place, usually in urban areas where bars and nightclubs
are located. Robberies, sometimes at gunpoint, have occurred in western China and more recently in Beijing. There have been
some reports of robberies and assaults along remote mountain highways near China’s border with Nepal. Travelers are sometimes
asked by locals to exchange money at a preferential rate. It is illegal to exchange dollars for RMB except at banks, hotels,
and official exchange offices. Due to the large volume of counterfeit currency in China, unofficial exchanges usually result
in travelers losing their money and possibly facing charges of breaking foreign exchange laws. If detained by police under
suspicion of committing an economic crime involving currency, travelers may be delayed for weeks or months while police investigate
the allegations.
Recently, there have been instances in Beijing and elsewhere of mobs in bar districts attacking foreigners. Nationalism is
on the rise, and disputes among Chinese citizens or between Chinese and foreigners can quickly escalate. Caution should be
exercised when visiting bar districts late at night, especially on weekends. There have been reports of bar fights in which
Americans have been specifically targeted due their nationality. Simple arguments can turn into mob scenes and many times
have resulted in the American being detained for hours for questioning with no right to an attorney or consular officer at
that stage. Bar fights are often punished by administrative detention in a local jail for up to two weeks, usually followed
by deportation.
Travelers should have small bills (RMB 10, 20 and 50 notes) for travel by taxi. Reports of taxi drivers using counterfeit
money to make change for large bills are increasingly common, especially in Guangzhou. Arguments with taxi drivers over fares
or over choice of route usually are not easily resolved on the scene. In some cases, Americans who instigate such arguments
have been detained for questioning and have not been released until the fare is paid or a settlement is reached and the American
offers an apology. There has been an increase in the number of Americans falling victim to scams involving the inflation
of prices for tea and other drinks. Normally, the scam involves young people who approach English speaking tourists and ask
to have a cup of tea with them to practice their English. When the bill comes for the tea, the charge has been inflated to
an exorbitant amount. When the tourist complains, enforcers arrive to collect the money. A similar scam involves buying
drinks for young women at local bars.
Throughout China, women outside hotels in tourist districts frequently use the prospect of companionship or sex to lure foreign
men to isolated locations where accomplices are waiting for the purpose of robbery. Travelers should not allow themselves
to be driven to bars or an individual's home unless they know the person making the offer. Hotel guests should refuse to
open their room doors to anyone they do not know personally.
The Embassy has received some reports of fraud committed against U.S. citizens through the Internet with the intent of securing
a visa to the United States or money. A common scenario involves a Chinese national who hires a consulting company to communicate
with an American citizen on his/her behalf. The intent of the Chinese national is not always clear; however, the business
models of many of these companies are reliant on the American citizen ultimately sending money to the Chinese national for
expenses, such as English study, not knowing that the money is going to the “consultant” instead. The American citizen may
unwittingly carry on telephone conversations with a paid consultant posing as the romantic interest. In some cases, the
American citizen may travel to China to meet his/her Internet friend in person, a visa consultant accompanies the Chinese
friend and presents the American with a demand for payment of thousands of dollars in fees. At times, when the American citizen
has refused to pay, s/he has been threatened with physical violence or unlawful detention. Another common scenario involves
a Chinese person who will claim he/she or a close family member has been kidnapped or had a large sum of money stolen and
asks the American to wire them money. We want to remind American citizens that no one should provide personal or financial
information to unknown parties. For additional information on these types of scams, see the Department of State’s publication,
International Financial Scams.
Relationship fraud via the Internet is also a growing industry. While many Chinese citizens are sincere in their desire to
marry and live with Americans they meet over the Internet, some are not. It is important to remember that immigrant visas
to the United States are viewed by many Chinese as having a great deal of value, and it is not uncommon for people to enter
into relationships for the sole purpose of obtaining a visa.
Unfortunately, the Embassy is unable to carry out investigations of relationships of this sort, but all Americans are urged
to approach such Internet relationships with caution, and to be wary of situations which appear similar to that described
above.
Recently, American visitors have encountered scams at the international airports in China whereby individuals appearing to
work for the airport offer to take American tourists’ bags to the departure area, but instead they carry the bags to another
area and insist that the visitor pay an airport tax. Travelers should be advised that the airport tax is now included in
the price of the airline ticket. The airport police or security officers should be contacted if this happens.
The U.S. Embassy is aware of reports that airport thefts and robberies of travelers in China are on the rise, specifically
in the domestic airports of Beijing, Zhengzhou, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao and Taiyuan. Additionally, some Americans report
that they have been the victims of robberies while in their hotel rooms in tourist areas and some have been assaulted during
these robberies.
American visitors to China should carry their passports with them out of reach of pickpockets. Americans with Chinese residence
permits (juliuzheng) should carry these documents, and leave their passports in a secure location except when traveling.
All Americans are encouraged to make photocopies of their passport bio-data pages and Chinese visas and to keep these in a
separate, secure location, and to register with the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate General. (See “Registration/Embassy
Location” information below).
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the
local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. China has a system similar to "911" in the United States
which the Chinese can use to contact police or other emergency services. Americans can call 110 while in China to reach this
service; however, there are few to no English speakers working for this hotline.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
ENGLISH TEACHERS/SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS: Many Americans have enjoyed their teaching experience in China; others have encountered significant problems. Prospective
teachers are encouraged to read the Teaching in China Guide on Embassy Beijing’s American Citizen Services web site at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/teach.html. To assist the Embassy in providing up-to-date information to prospective teachers, Americans experiencing problems should
inform the Embassy by contacting the American Citizens Services Unit at telephone (86) (10) 8531-4000, or via e-mail at: AmCitBeijing@state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: The standards of medical care in China are not equivalent to those in the United States. Medical facilities with international
staffs are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and a few other large cities. Many other hospitals in major Chinese
cities have so-called VIP wards (gaogan bingfang). These feature reasonably up-to-date laboratory and imaging facilities.
The physicians in these centers are generally well-trained. Most VIP wards also provide medical services to foreigners and
have English-speaking doctors and nurses. Most hospitals in China will not accept medical insurance from the United States,
with the exception of the following hospitals, which are on the Blue Cross Blue Shield’s worldwide network providers - overseas
network hospitals’ list (http://www.bcbs.com/bluecardworldwide/index.html): Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Beijing United Family Hospital, Beijing Friendship Hospital, International Medical Center
in Beijing, and Peking Union Medical Center. Cash payment for services is often demanded before a patient is seen and treated,
sometimes even in cases of emergency. Travelers will be asked to post a deposit prior to admission to cover the expected cost
of treatment. Hospitals in major cities may accept credit cards for payment. Even in the VIP/foreigner wards of major hospitals,
however, American patients have frequently encountered difficulty due to cultural, language, and regulatory differences.
Physicians and hospitals have sometimes refused to supply American patients with complete copies of their Chinese hospital
medical records, including laboratory test results, scans, and x-rays.
Note: Travelers should note that commonly used American medication is generally not available in China. Medications that
bear the same or similar name to prescription medication from the United States are not always the same. Americans should
make sure to carry their prescriptions from their doctors if carrying prescription medication into China for personal use.
Ambulances do not carry sophisticated medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill Americans may be required to take taxis
or other immediately available vehicles to the nearest major hospital rather than waiting for ambulances to arrive. Generally,
in rural areas, only rudimentary medical facilities are available, often with poorly trained medical personnel who have little
medical equipment and medications. Rural clinics are often reluctant to accept responsibility for treating foreigners, even
in emergency situations.
International SOS operates modern medical and dental clinics and provides medical evacuation and medical escort services in
Beijing, Nanjing, Tianjin, Shekou and Ulaanbaatar, as well as 24hr Alarm Centers in Beijing and Hong Kong. Through its clinics
in Beijing (24 hours), Tianjin, Nanjing and Shekou, International SOS offers international standard family practice services,
emergency medical services and a range of clinical services.
For medical emergencies anywhere in mainland China, Americans can call the International SOS 24-hour "Alarm Center" in Beijing
at telephone: (86) (10) 6462-9100 for advice and referrals to local facilities. International SOS “Alarm Centers” can also
be contacted in Hong Kong at telephone: (852) 2528-9900 and in the United States at: (215) 942-8226. For a full list of International
SOS locations and phone numbers, consult the SOS web site at http://www.internationalsos.com.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China maintain lists of local English-speaking doctors and hospitals, all of which are
published on their respective ACS web pages at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in China. For further information, please consult the CDC's Travel
Notice on TB http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-TB.aspx.
Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of China. There are several laws in place that
do not permit those with HIV/AIDS to enter China, and long-term residents must obtain clearance from Chinese health authorities.
Please verify this information with the Embassy of China at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng before you travel.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL TREATMENTS: There have been increasing numbers of foreigners coming to China to receive alternative medical treatments or procedures
prohibited in the United States relating specifically to stem-cell research. Any person contemplating these treatments should
be fully aware of the risks of such procedures. The treatments can be dangerous and untested. The results are not guaranteed.
In many instances, patients going for treatment develop secondary infections that cannot be handled by these facilities.
They are transferred to hospitals for treatment and are responsible for all additional costs, including repatriation back
to the United States. In some cases, these treatments have resulted in death.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: China has no public healthcare system to provide for people without insurance or money. If you become sick or injured,
you will be expected to pay for your bills, sometimes even before treatment is offered. The Embassy and the Consulates cannot
settle bill disputes with hospitals but can assist family or friends in the United States to transfer money to China.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning China is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in
a particular location or circumstance.
The rate of traffic accidents in China, including fatal accidents, is among the highest in the world. Driving etiquette in
China is still developing. As a result, traffic is often chaotic, and right-of-way and other courtesies are often ignored.
Travelers should note that cars and buses traveling in the wrong lanes frequently hit pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrians
should always be careful while walking near traffic. Road/traffic conditions are generally safe if occupants of modern passenger
vehicles wear seatbelts. Most traffic accident injuries involve pedestrians or cyclists who are involved in collisions or
who encounter unexpected road hazards (e.g., unmarked open manholes). Foreigners with resident permits can apply for PRC
driver licenses; however, liability issues often make it preferable to employ a local driver. Child safety seats are not
widely available in China. Americans who wish to ride bicycles in China are urged to wear safety helmets meeting U.S. standards.
The number of American citizens involved in serious and deadly traffic accidents in Beijing is increasing. The Embassy strongly
encourages travelers to exercise special caution when crossing streets in China’s cities as pedestrians do not have the right-of-way.
Please note that many taxi cabs do not have functioning seatbelts for passengers.
All drivers should be aware of the Chinese regulations regarding traffic accidents. Although a recent law states that drivers
involved in a traffic accident should move their cars to the side of the road as soon as possible, in practice, the police
often conduct investigations on the scene of the accident with the cars in their original positions. Americans who cannot
express themselves clearly in Chinese should call the police as soon as possible after an accident and wait to move the cars
until the police permit it.
If called to an accident, the police may take 20 minutes or longer to arrive. Once the police arrive, they will complete
a preliminary investigation and arrange a time for you to report to the police station responsible for the accident scene.
The police will prepare a written report, in Chinese, describing the circumstances of the accident. They will present the
report to you either at the scene, or more likely at the police station, and ask you to sign it verifying the details of the
accident. Do not sign the report as is unless your Chinese is good enough to completely understand the report and you find
it totally accurate. If you either do not understand it or believe it is partly or wholly inaccurate, you may either:
1. Write a disclaimer on the report to the effect that you cannot read and understand the report and cannot attest to the
accuracy thereof, but are signing it because of the police requirement that you do so, and then sign, or
2. Write your own version of the accident, in English, on the police form and indicate that your signature only attests to
the accuracy of the English version.
Most incidents (such as an accident) will draw a crowd. Drivers should remain calm. A crowd will usually move in very close
to the accident and participants. In many cases the bystanders consider themselves to be an ad hoc jury. They may call for
money, usually from RMB 100 to 1,000, to be paid by the party they consider at fault. The amount is not necessarily relevant
to the amount of damage. A certain amount of bargaining is normal, even at accidents involving two Chinese parties. Though
a crowd may seem threatening, crowd assaults on foreigners at accidents have not been reported. If a traffic police booth
is nearby, you may wish to leave the vehicle and walk there to await the arrival of the police accident team. Alternatively,
you may walk to a shop, restaurant, or other location nearby in the immediate vicinity and wait for police.
Your vehicle should not leave the scene of an accident. Your actions may serve to further incite the crowd if they perceive
that you are fleeing to evade responsibility for your share of blame or payment of damages. The crowd may attempt to keep
your vehicle at the accident scene by standing in the way or blocking the roadway with vehicles, bicycles and other objects.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of the China National Tourist Bureau, the Chinese authority responsible for
road safety, at http://www.cnto.org/aboutchina.asp.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of China’s Civil Aviation Authority as being
in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of China’s air
carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
The Chinese have recently changed their security regulations for international and domestic travel. Please check with the
airlines and the airports for the most up-to-date information, or check the Beijing Capital Airport website at http://en.bcia.com.cn/.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Chinese customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from China
of items such as antiquities, banned publications, religious literature (which may be imported for the visitor’s personal
use only), or vehicles not conforming to Chinese standards. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of China in Washington
or one of China’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Some Americans report that items purchased in China and believed to be antiques or genuine gems are often later determined
to be reproductions. Some travelers report that this occurs even at state-owned stores and museum stores. Travel agencies
and tour guides will often escort tour groups to particular shops at which the travel agency or tour guide will share in the
profit, and may claim to guarantee the “authenticity” of items sold in those shops. Travelers are warned to be vigilant when
purchasing items in China.
China’s customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary
admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters,
located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees
the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit www.uscib.org for details.
Please see our Customs Information.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: The southeast coast of China is vulnerable to strong typhoons, usually from July to September. Travelers planning a trip
to China can obtain general information about natural disaster preparedness on the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/. Additional information about currently active typhoons can be obtained on the University of Hawaii tropical storm page
at http://www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/tropical.html.
On May 12, 2008, China's Sichuan province experienced a severe earthquake resulting in the deaths of the tens of thousands
of people. The region continues to experience aftershocks, and Americans should continue to avoid the areas of Sichuan province
most severely affected by the earthquake and be prepared for travel delays in other parts of the province. Recovery and restoration
operations in the area are ongoing; infrastructure has been damaged and road, air and rail transportation disrupted.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which, in China, differ significantly
from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating China’s laws, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in China are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Non-American foreigners have
been executed for drug offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in
a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
On March 1, 2006, a Public Security Law went into effect that gives police powers relating to the commission of a wide range
of offenses, including the authority to detain and deport foreigners. The list of offenses has been expanded to include certain
religious activities and prostitution-related crimes.
Americans in China, who are not staying at hotels, including Americans who are staying with friends or relatives, must register
with local police as soon as they arrive. Otherwise, they may be fined up to 500 RMB per day.
Americans who are questioned by police should immediately notify the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulate. Foreigners detained
for questioning may not be allowed to contact their national authorities until the questioning is concluded. Foreigners who
are detained pending trial have often waited over a year for their trial to begin. Foreigners suspected of committing a crime
are rarely granted bail. Criminal punishments, especially prison terms, are much more severe than those in the United States.
Several Americans currently incarcerated in China have been implicated in financial fraud schemes involving falsified bank
or business documents, tax evasion schemes and assisting alien smuggling, including selling passports to provide aliens with
travel documents.
In the past, protesters detained for engaging in pro-Falun Gong activities have been quickly deported from China after being
questioned. Several of these protesters alleged they were physically abused during their detention. In addition, they allege
that personal property, including clothing, cameras, and computers have not always been returned to them upon their deportation.
Chinese authorities report that while they have deported these foreigners quickly after public demonstrations in favor of
the Falun Gong, future adherents who intentionally arrive in China to protest against Chinese policy may receive longer terms
of detention and possibly face prison sentences. In one instance, an American Falun Gong practitioner who was traveling in
China on personal business was detained and asked to provide information on other Falun Gong sympathizers in the United States.
Several Americans have been detained and expelled for passing out non-authorized Christian literature. Sentences for distributing
this material may range from three to five years imprisonment, if someone is convicted. Chinese customs authorities have
enforced strict regulations concerning importation into China of religious literature, including bibles. Foreigners may import
only a “reasonable” amount of religious literature, which is for personal use only. Larger quantities will likely be confiscated
and other penalties may apply.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Americans involved in child custody disputes with Chinese national spouses should be aware that Chinese courts often refuse
to get involved in domestic disputes and may give preference to the Chinese citizen spouse and that Americans may encounter
limited appeal opportunities under the current legal system. For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages
on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in China are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the
State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within China. Americans without Internet access may register
directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or
Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
Beijing: The U.S. Embassy is located at No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing. The American Citizen Services
section can be reached at (86) (10) 8531-4000 (8:30-12:00 Mon-Fri. and 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)
or after hours at (86)(10) 8531-4000. For detailed information please visit the U.S. Embassy’s web site at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn. The Embassy consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner
Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangxi.
Chengdu: The U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu is located at Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu
610041, tel. (86)(28) 8558-3992, 8555-3119, after hours (86)(28) 1370 8001 422, and email address the consularchengdu@state.gov. This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Guizhou, Sichuan Xizang (Tibet), and Yunnan, as
well as the municipality of Chongqing.
Guangzhou: The main office of the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou is located at Number 1 South Shamian Street, Shamian
Island 200S1, Guangzhou 510133The Consular Section, including the American Citizens Services Unit, is now located at 5th Floor,
Tianyu Garden (II phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District, tel. (86)(20) 8518-7605; after hours (86)(20) 8121-6077,
and email GuangzhouACS@state.gov. This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian.
Shanghai: The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai is located in the Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038
Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200031; tel. (86) (21) 3217-4650, ext. 2102, 2013, or 2134, after hours (86) (21) 6433-3936; email
shanghaiacs@state.gov. This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
Shenyang: The U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang is located at No. 52, 14 th Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110003;
tel. (86)(24) 2322-2374; email ShenyangACS@state.gov. This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Jilin.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 22, 2008 to update sections on English Teachers/Secondary School
Teachers and Registration/Embassy Location.
