Check the current US State Department travel advisory for China, which has changed over time, and be aware of local laws and exit rules.
Advisory
The US State Department has rated China at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, citing arbitrary enforcement of local laws and exit bans. Hong Kong and Macau have had separate ratings. Check the current level.
Tips
- Get a visa (or check transit rules).
- Carry your passport.
- Expect censorship: many apps are blocked.
- Use a local payment app.
Risks
Detention and exit bans are rare but possible.
Insurance
Buy travel insurance.
Official guidance
The US State Department issues travel advisories for China, with levels updated regularly. Recent advisories have urged increased caution because of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans, and noted limited consular access. Advisories for Hong Kong and Macau are separate. Check travel.state.gov for the current level before booking.
- China requires a passport valid for six months and a visa for most US citizens. A 144-hour visa-free transit applies for certain routes, and China introduced a visa-free policy for some countries in 2024.
- Foreign credit cards are less accepted. Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate, and foreign cards can be linked in newer versions.
- Many Western websites and apps, including Google services, are blocked without a VPN, and VPN use is restricted.
Practical tips
Download offline maps, set up payments before arrival, carry cash for backup, and keep copies of your passport. Air pollution varies by city, and a mask may help. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is advisable. Respect local laws, especially about photography of military sites and religious rules.
Official guidance
The US State Department has issued advisories for China, including Level 2 or 3 for risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, exit bans and surveillance. Visitors need a visa, though China has visa free options for some countries in some periods. Check State Department’s page.
Practical tips
Carry your passport, use a VPN cautiously per law, get Alipay or WeChat Pay set up since cash and cards are less accepted, and note that Google services are blocked.
Official guidance
Travel advisories from the US State Department rank countries on a scale of 1 to 4, and China has carried Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) in recent years, with warnings about arbitrary enforcement of local laws including exit bans. Check the State Department site for current status. Level 3 and 4 appear for certain regions, such as Hong Kong earlier carried a note on local law. Advice changes over time.
Practical safety
Violent crime against tourists is low, but visitors should expect surveillance, internet restrictions (VPN and Google services are restricted), and limits on payments. US citizens need a visa, though China has extended visa free transit of 240 hours for many nationalities, and visa free entry for some countries. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, carry your passport, use Alipay or WeChat Pay set up with a foreign card, and respect local laws on electronics and religious items.
Based on data from the US Department of State and the China National Immigration Administration
