The United States State Department has escalated its travel advisory for Mainland China to Level 2, urging citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling there. The primary concern centers on the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, particularly regarding exit bans that have been imposed on U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals without fair or transparent legal processes.

Security measures throughout China are notably heightened, especially in sensitive regions like Xinjiang, Tibet, and Tibetan autonomous prefectures. Authorities in these areas regularly conduct security checks, maintain increased police presence and surveillance, and may impose curfews or travel restrictions on short notice. The Australian government similarly advises exercising a high degree of caution, warning that Australians face risks of arbitrary detention, exit bans, and harsh enforcement of broadly defined National Security Laws, with authorities having detained foreigners on grounds of endangering national security.

The Canadian government emphasizes that road safety presents significant challenges throughout China, with drivers frequently not respecting traffic rules and laws not being consistently enforced. Pedestrians and cyclists should exercise particular caution when crossing streets. Additionally, ferry accidents have occurred in China, and travelers are advised to use available safety equipment and avoid boarding vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Recent developments have created additional travel complications. On November 14, 2025, the People's Republic of China issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid Japan due to significant risks to Chinese nationals. This advisory followed statements from Japan's Prime Minister about potential military intervention regarding Taiwan. The impact was immediate and severe, with Chinese carriers recording approximately 491,000 cancelled tickets to Japan within days, representing 30 to 80 percent of total bookings on certain routes. The advisory specifically cited concerns about right-wing sentiment and extreme anti-China behavior in Japanese society, particularly after two Chinese tourists from Taiwan were assaulted in Tokyo.

Terrorism cannot be ruled out in China, and while foreigners have not been specifically targeted historically, attacks may occur in places visited by foreigners. Visitors should take particular care during national holidays and at public transport hubs. Additionally, facial recognition technology and video surveillance systems are widely used by Chinese law enforcement agencies to monitor and control activities, including participation in demonstrations. Privacy rights differ substantially from Western standards, and listeners should assume that local authorities have access to biometric data upon entry to the country.

China Airlines has implemented new procedures affecting travel from Shanghai, with check-in counters for all departing flights closing 45 minutes before scheduled departure time beginning December 1, 2025, requiring passengers to arrive early and complete check-in procedures in advance.

For listeners considering travel to China, the overarching recommendation is to exercise considerable caution, maintain awareness of surroundings, carry identification at all times, and stay informed of current security situations before and during travel.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI