Travel Restrictions: Can Americans Visit China?

As of January 1, 2024, some of the restrictions on US citizens obtaining a Chinese tourist visa have been dropped or loosened. Americans seeking a Chinese tourist visa (L-visa) no longer need to submit proof of a round-trip flight booking, a hotel reservation, an organised itinerary, or a letter of invitation. However, the US State Department lists China as a level three or orange country, which means reconsider travel. The advisory warns of the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Visa requirements for US citizens have been relaxed, but a visa is still needed

Visa requirements for US citizens travelling to China have been relaxed, but a visa is still needed

As of 1 January 2024, some of the restrictions on US citizens obtaining a Chinese tourist visa have been dropped or loosened. However, a visa is still required for US citizens to enter mainland China.

Visa requirements

Previously, Americans interested in visiting China had to endure a thorough visa process, which required pre-booking hotels and flights and handing their passports over to an embassy or consulate for an undetermined period. Now, Americans who want to get a Chinese tourist visa (L-visa) no longer have to submit proof of a round-trip flight booking, a hotel reservation, an organised itinerary or a letter of invitation.

Visa-free travel

China does offer some visa-free options for short-term travel. These include 144-hour, 72-hour, and 24-hour visa-free transit, which allows foreign travellers to enter China through designated ports and travel around a limited area for up to six days, provided they are continuing on to a third country after departing China.

COVID-19 requirements

There are no longer any COVID-19 testing requirements to enter or leave China. However, it is still advisable to take common-sense prevention measures when travelling around the country.

Other considerations

The US State Department lists China as a level three or "orange" country, which means "reconsider travel". The department cites the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions as reasons for this advisory level.

The US State Department lists China as a level three or orange country, meaning reconsider travel

The US State Department currently lists China as a Level 3 or "orange" country, meaning "reconsider travel". This advisory applies specifically to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The State Department has four warning levels, with Level 4 being "Do not travel".

The US government is asking Americans to reconsider travel to China for a number of reasons, including health and safety concerns, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

Mainland China

• Arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• The risk of interrogation and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law.
• The risk of deportation for sending private messages critical of the Chinese government.
• The risk of arbitrary exit bans, which may be used to compel individuals to participate in government investigations, pressure family members, resolve civil disputes, or gain bargaining leverage.
• The risk of additional scrutiny and harassment for dual US-PRC citizens and US citizens of Chinese descent.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)

• Arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Dramatic restrictions on civil liberties, including the 2020 National Security Law and the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which outline vaguely defined offenses such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities.
• The risk of arrest, detention, expulsion, and/or prosecution for criticising the PRC and/or Hong Kong SAR authorities.
• The risk of additional scrutiny and harassment for dual US-PRC citizens and US citizens of Chinese descent.

Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR)

• Limited ability to provide emergency consular services due to travel restrictions on US diplomatic personnel.
• Arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• The risk of additional scrutiny and harassment for dual US-PRC citizens and US citizens of Chinese descent.

The Chinese government does not recognise dual nationality

Chinese nationals who acquire a foreign nationality are obliged to renounce their Chinese nationality, which also implies that their hukou (a household registration system that regulates internal migration within mainland China) is cancelled. However, high numbers of former Chinese citizens are reportedly reluctant to cancel their hukou due to the social benefits tied to it.

Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If a dual citizen is detained or arrested, the PRC government may not notify the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulates General or allow consular access.

PRC authorities generally consider a child born in the PRC to at least one PRC-national parent to be a PRC citizen, even if the child was issued a U.S. passport at birth. If you have or had a claim to PRC citizenship and your child is born in the PRC, you may wish to contact the local Public Security Bureau and/or Entry-Exit Bureau for information on obtaining a travel document before departing the PRC with your child.

The Chinese Nationality Law clearly affirms in Article 3 that the People’s Republic of China does not recognise dual nationality for any Chinese national. Moreover, as set down in Article 9, Chinese nationals who obtain naturalisation in a foreign country will automatically lose their Chinese citizenship.

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens

As of August 30, 2023, there are no COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens travelling to China. This means that there is no need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test result, proof of vaccination, or undergo quarantine upon arrival.

However, it is important to note that China has a history of enforcing strict lockdowns during the pandemic, and the country's economic struggles due to these policies may impact your trip. There is also a risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and wrongful detentions, including the use of exit bans. Therefore, it is recommended that US citizens reconsider non-essential travel to Mainland China.

If you decide to travel to China, here are some important considerations:

• Ensure you have a valid visa and a passport with at least six months' validity remaining. Obtaining a visa typically requires submitting an application to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
• Be aware of the risk of arbitrary detention, particularly if you have a history of criticising the Chinese government or have ties to sensitive foreign entities.
• Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs, and avoid discussing politics or engaging in political demonstrations.
• Register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and stay informed about local conditions and developments.
• Be cautious when using digital payment platforms and avoid scams, such as the "Tourist Tea" scam.
• Ensure you have appropriate medical insurance and consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance.
• Be prepared for limited flight availability and long travel times when planning your trip.
• Download essential apps such as Didi, Baidu, and WeChat, and consider purchasing an international roaming plan.

By following these recommendations, you can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip to China.

China is considered very safe in terms of crime, but political expression is restricted

Americans are advised to reconsider travel to mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the risk of wrongful detention. While China is considered a safe country for tourists, there are several factors to be aware of before travelling there.

Firstly, China is considered very safe in terms of crime. Violent crime is not common in the People's Republic of China (PRC), and crime against foreigners is rare. However, it is important to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, as pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in tourist areas and crowded places. It is also important to be cautious when crossing the street, as traffic accidents pose a significant safety risk.

In contrast to the freedom of movement in China, freedom of expression is heavily restricted, particularly for ordinary citizens. The Chinese government only tolerates criticism from certain categories of people, such as senior government and Communist Party leaders, and even then, only in government-controlled forums. Ordinary citizens who express dissent or criticise the government may face prosecution and punishment. The Chinese government has broad discretion to deem information as a state secret, and individuals can be detained and prosecuted for allegedly sharing state secrets or engaging in espionage. Additionally, individuals who send private electronic messages critical of the government may be detained and/or deported.

It is important for Americans travelling to China to be aware of the local laws and cultural norms to avoid accidental violations. For example, drug use and driving under the influence of alcohol are illegal and can result in severe penalties. Additionally, participating in unauthorised political or religious activities, or activities that authorities interpret as constituting secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country, can result in criminal charges.

Frequently asked questions