It is more aboutimportant than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel adviceinsurance.

Before

Avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. The Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly and you travel 

NoThe travelability canof the British Embassy and Consulates to provide face-to-face assistance within China is limited, and will need to be guaranteedarranged safe.in Readadvance. allIf you’re in China and need consular support, call +86 (0)10 5192 4000 or the FCDO in London on +44 (0) 207 008 5000 or contact the advicenearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

The British Embassy and Consulates-General in thisShanghai guideand asGuangzhou wellprovide astravel supportdocumentary forservices to British nationalsnationals. abroadHowever, whichyou includes: will need to make an appointment online before coming to a Consulate. See Notarial and Documentary Services Guide.

• advice

  Following onprotests preparingand fordemonstrations travelin abroadHong Kong, there were reports of greater scrutiny from mainland authorities at border crossings between the mainland and reducingHong risks 

• informationKong when the border was last open. This included reports that travellers’ electronic devices had been checked at border crossings. You should be aware that the thresholds for women,detention LGBT+and prosecution in China differ from those in Hong Kong. See Local laws and disabledcustoms travellers 

FollowChina has a zero tolerance policy on drugs. There are severe penalties for drugs-related offences including the death penalty. Police often raid bars and contactnightclubs FCDOchecking travelfor the use of illicit substances. Raids on Twitter,private Facebookhomes have also occurred. Police also have the power to detain or prevent you from leaving China if you are involved in or connected to a business and/or civil dispute. See Local laws and customs and Safety and Instagramsecurity.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in China. Although foreigners haven’t been specifically targeted, attacks may occur in places visited by foreigners. You canshould alsotake signparticular upcare toduring getnational emailholidays notificationsor when thistransiting public transport hubs, and always follow the advice of the local authorities. Previous attacks have targeted public places including on one occasion at a railway station and an open air market in 2014. There have been no recent attacks in the main tourist areas. The risk is updated.higher in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region. You should take particular care and remain vigilant when travelling to or within Xinjiang. See Terrorism.

Travel

Do insurance 

China doesn’t recognise dual nationality. If you choosehave toboth travel,British researchand Chinese nationality you may be treated as a Chinese citizen by local authorities, even if you enter China on your destinationsBritish andpassport. getIf appropriatethis travelis insurancethe case, the British Embassy may not be able to offer you consular assistance. The FCDO has published guidance on nationality in China. InsuranceIf you’ve formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should covercarry yourevidence itinerary,that plannedyou activitieshave done so. See Local laws and expensescustoms.

High levels of air pollution can occur in anmajor emergency. urban and industrialised areas in China, and may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. You can check the pollution index levels for many cities in real time. See Health.

The typhoon season in China normally runs from May to November. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms and follow the advice of the local authorities. See Natural disasters.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.