Fire and rescue services
Call 119.
Medical emergencies
Call 120.
Police
Call 110.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in China overall.
Call 119.
Call 120.
Call 110.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in China overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in China overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in China overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Tibet and Xinjiang.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Tibet and Xinjiang due to the security situation and associated measures.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Petty crime occurs, including:
If you resist, you can be injured if criminals turn violent.
Criminals target travellers in crowded areas, including on transport.
People have reported assaults and robberies, particularly in areas popular with expats. This includes bar and shopping precincts in major cities.
There are scams that target travellers.
Scammers invite travellers for a massage, teahouse service, or nearby cafes and bars. They offer various reasons and may say they wish 'to practise their English'.
Afterwards, they present travellers with an inflated bill. They won't let the traveller leave until they pay the bill by credit card.
Sometimes travellers are asked to carry concealed drugs out of China.
Never carry parcels or luggage for others.
Always pack your own bags.
ATM scams occur. Sometimes scammers set up fake ATMs that take the user's card.
Only use ATMs inside a secure place such as a bank or shopping centre. Do this during daylight hours.
If you're the victim of a crime or scam, report it to the nearest police station immediately.
Always obtain a police report when reporting a crime.
Be careful of scams if paying a taxi fare with a RMB100 note. The taxi driver may swap the note for a fake note. They will then return the fake note and refuse to accept it as payment because it’s counterfeit.
Armed bandit attacks are a risk in remote areas bordering:
Be careful if travelling in these areas.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
The Chinese Government prohibits demonstrations they haven't approved. Authorities may arrest protesters.
Avoid protests, demonstrations and large gatherings.
Don't photograph, film or participate in protests or other acts that authorities may consider provocative.
More information:
Increased security measures are in place in Xinjiang.
People of Uyghur descent are particularly affected.
Security checks in major cities in Xinjiang are common. Be ready to show photo ID if asked.
Violent incidents causing deaths and injuries have occurred across Xinjiang.
The government may restrict movement and communications in Xinjiang with little warning.
In the past, protests have turned violent, and people have been killed or injured.
If you're travelling to Tibet, get permission from Chinese authorities first.
You must also apply for a Tibet Entry Permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
You can only lodge applications for Tibet Entry Permits through specialised travel agents in China.
You can only travel as part of an organised tour.
See Travel.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
Attacks could be targeted or random. They may include places travellers and expats visit.
In recent years, terrorist and other violent attacks have caused injuries and deaths in public places. Targets include railway stations and markets.
You could become the victim of violence directed at others.
More information:
China experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
Typhoons can happen along the southern and eastern coasts between May and November.
The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning.
If there's a typhoon:
If a typhoon is approaching:
If you plan to travel, contact your airline for the latest flight information.
More information:
China can experience earthquakes and large, destructive tsunamis.
If there's an earthquake or tsunami:
Check with the Tsunami Warning Centre for updates on seismic activity and tsunamis.
If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised, or if you:
Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you travel.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in China. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Depending on your location, tap water in China may be unsafe to drink.
Drink only bottled water with sealed lids.
People have died from avian influenza in China. Avian influenza virus strains continue to circulate in poultry in China.
The primary source of infection seems to be poultry handled in poultry markets.
To protect yourself from avian influenza:
When preparing food, handle poultry properly. Thoroughly cook all parts of the poultry.
More information:
HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in China.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.
If you need medical treatment, you could be exposed to unsafe blood and blood products. This is a particular risk in regional China.
Ask for sterilised equipment. You may need to pay for new syringes in hospitals or clinics.
Japanese encephalitis is widespread in rural southern China from June to August. The disease is also known as encephalitis B. A vaccine is available.
The risk of malaria increases during warm weather and is more significant in rural areas, particularly in the provinces of:
Dengue cases have risen sharply, especially in Guangdong and Guangzhou. Risks increase during the wet season.
To protect yourself from disease:
Animal and human rabies are common. Health authorities report many cases each year.
Be careful with both wild and domestic animals in China.
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Sometimes serious outbreaks happen.
Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May. However, outbreaks can continue until October each year.
The disease mainly affects children under the age of 10 years. Adult cases, particularly in young adults, are not unusual.
People with HFMD experience fever, blisters and rashes on the hands, feet and buttocks.
The disease is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges and faeces of infected people.
To protect yourself from illness:
More information:
High pollution levels are a problem.
Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions may be especially affected by pollution.
Authorities issue red alerts when pollution is expected to be especially bad.
When a red alert is in place, authorities:
Flights are regularly delayed in China because of smog.
Dust storms occur across the north of China. They can:
Get medical advice if you're worried about air pollution.
Follow the advice from local authorities about days with bad pollution and how to reduce your exposure.
More information:
Parts of China are at altitudes of over 3,000m, including:
If you travel to those areas, you may get altitude sickness.
People with lung, heart or chest problems should take extra care. Even if you're healthy, you can still be affected.
Symptoms of altitude sickness include:
In severe cases, fluid can build up in your lungs, brain or both, which can be fatal.
To protect yourself from altitude sickness:
If you're affected by severe altitude sickness, get to lower ground as soon as possible.
International standard medical services in China are expensive.
If you plan on staying in China for a while:
Some hospitals in major cities have special departments for treating foreigners.
However, the standard of medical care and the range of medications is often limited, especially outside major cities.
Medical staff in rural areas may not be adequately trained.
Hospitals and doctors may ask for an up-front cash payment before treating you. This includes emergency care.
Medical evacuation from China can be very expensive.
Travel to China for medical treatment is increasing.
Research and choose your medical service providers carefully. Ask health professionals and former patients about the quality.
Avoid uncertified medical service providers. Their standards may be poor, and they may be unable to provide the advertised medical care.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
The Australian Government can't intervene in the Chinese justice process.
In China, authorities may treat a person aged 12 years and above as an adult under the law.
If detained, a person of this age will be:
The Australian Government can't help you if you're a dual national and you travel on your:
China has the death penalty for drug offences and other serious crimes. Under Chinese criminal law, it's possible for espionage and other national security offences to attract serious penalties, from lengthy custodial sentences to the death penalty.
If you're sentenced to death, it's unlikely that Chinese authorities will grant you leniency.
More information:
Penalties for all types of drug offences including use, possession, manufacturing, selling or trafficking are severe and include life in prison or the death penalty.
Authorities strictly enforce these laws, even for small quantities of 'soft' drugs, such as marijuana. These laws and severe penalties also apply to minors.
Authorities conduct random drug tests. Police raids on nightclubs and bars frequented by foreigners have increased, with patrons subjected to urine and / or hair tests. A positive drug test can result in fines, detention and deportation, regardless of when or where the drugs were used.
Authorities have executed foreigners for drug offences.
More information:
Authorities may not allow you to leave China if you're involved in a:
Sometimes people are only aware of an exit ban on them once they try to leave China.
Exit bans can affect you even if you're not directly involved in the legal proceedings. Authorities have stopped some Australians from leaving China because of a dispute involving family members. Sometimes it is years before authorities allow people to leave China.
If you're involved in local legal matters:
China has strict laws on national security, which it updates from time to time. These laws can be interpreted broadly and applied expansively and harshly. Chinese authorities may define certain behaviours and activities as endangering national security that would not be considered as such in Australia. This could include activities that occurred outside of China.
Authorities have detained foreigners on allegations of 'endangering national security'. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws, including broadly defined National Security Laws. Under Chinese criminal law, it's possible for espionage and other national security offences to attract serious penalties, from lengthy custodial sentences to the death penalty.
In China, it's illegal to:
If you break these laws, you could be:
Under Chinese law, you must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau. You must do this within 24 hours of arriving and each time you change your residential location.
Staff do this as part of the standard check-in process if you stay at a hotel.
If you're staying elsewhere, such as with family or friends, visit the nearest police station. Present your passport and a valid Chinese visa.
You must always carry identification and show it to the police if they ask for it.
Authorities will accept your passport or a Chinese residence card as forms of identity.
If you don't register your place of residence or carry identification, authorities can fine or detain you.
Homosexuality is not illegal in China but be aware of local sensitivities.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
China has experienced higher numbers of commercial disputes involving Australians in recent years.
Before starting business relationships:
Get professional legal advice before entering into any contract in China. This includes residential leases and business contracts.
Many business issues Australians consider civil or commercial are classified as criminal matters in China. This is especially the case if state enterprises or state assets are involved.
Penalties for commercial and economic crimes are often severe.
Cases of Australians and other foreigners being held against their will at their workplace have increased. These incidents involved other companies or employees trying to resolve business and employment disputes. They do this through protests, and often with threats of violence.
More information:
Disputes over working and living conditions for Australians working in China are common. This is particularly the case for those teaching English.
If you’re considering travel to China for work:
Authorities can fine or detain you if you don't maintain a valid visa.
Get professional legal advice before signing any contract in Australia or China.
Carefully check local laws about business or other activities you wish to undertake in China.
Employment contracts may contain conditions that disadvantage you. For example, if your contract is terminated early, conditions may state that:
Don't surrender your passport to your employer for 'safe-keeping.' Businesses with a good reputation won't ask you to do this.
More information:
The Chinese Government doesn't recognise dual nationality. It won't let us provide consular help to Chinese-Australian dual nationals who travel on their:
If you're a Chinese-Australian dual national:
If you're a former Chinese citizen, Chinese authorities may:
This can happen even if you entered China on an Australian or other foreign passport and you:
Authorities may not allow certain categories of Chinese citizens, such as state officials, to renounce their Chinese nationality under Chinese law.
Get professional legal advice if you're unsure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.
If your child is born in China and you plan to get Australian citizenship by descent, contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs for advice.
If one parent is from mainland China, authorities will consider a child born in China to be a Chinese national.
Local authorities may not recognise the child's Australian citizenship and passport.
Contact the local Entry and Exit Administration Bureau for details.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
China has included Australia in its visa waiver program from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2025. From 30 November 2024, the visa waiver period will increase from 15 days to 30 days.
If you hold an ordinary Australian passport, you can enter China without a visa for no more than 30 days for business, tourism, visiting family and friends or transit. Different rules apply for official and diplomatic passport holders.
Australians intending to travel to China should contact the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate to confirm visa eligibility and other travel requirements.
If you need a full visa, you must get this before you travel.
See the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for eligibility requirements and visa types.
Foreigners holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters and reunion may be able to enter China without applying for new visas. Contact your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate to confirm your visa remains valid or to apply for a new visa.
If you're already travelling or living in China, contact the Foreigner's Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) for visa information.
Authorities will scan your fingerprints when you arrive if you're aged between 14 and 70 years.
Authorities have strict penalties for visa violations. Penalties include:
Make sure you leave China no more than 30 days after arriving or before your visa expires.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of China for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
China has implemented on-arrival screening for Mpox symptoms.
You no longer require a negative COVID-19 test to enter China.
Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions (SAR). They have separate visa and entry rules to mainland China.
If you plan to leave mainland China to visit Hong Kong or Macau, you may need a new Chinese visa to re-enter mainland China. Get the correct visa before you leave Australia.
You may be asked to present your previous passport and Chinese visa if you:
If you've visited China before, authorities may deny you a visa-on-arrival if you can't show your previous China visa.
Some visas issued in Hong Kong or at Hong Kong-Macau-Chinese mainland border crossings are valid for limited travel to designated areas only, such as:
Using these permits to travel to other parts of China is illegal. Carefully check your visa limitations.
More information:
If you’re a parent of a newborn baby born in China, you must register the child with the local Public Security Bureau. You must do this within 30 days of the child's birth and will require the child’s birth certificate for registration.
Apply for a Chinese visa in the child's passport. The child will need a valid visa to leave China.
For the registration process you need:
For citizenship issues, see the 'Dual citizenship' section under Laws.
Some countries will only let you enter if your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
If you get a new passport while in China, you must get a new Chinese visa. Otherwise, you won't be able to leave China.
Chinese authorities can take up to 10 working days to issue a visa. It can take longer during Chinese holiday periods.
Authorities won't speed up the process to meet your travel or flight schedule.
To replace your passport and visa:
You can use the police report when checking in to a hotel.
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB).
Chinese law limits the amount of foreign currency you can carry in and out of China.
If you're carrying more than $US5,000 cash or the same amount in another currency, you must declare it when you arrive in China.
Keep the declaration. You need to show it to customs officials when you leave.
If you plan to leave China carrying more than $US5,000 or the same amount in another currency, you need permission from a Chinese bank.
You can't leave China with more than $US10,000 or the same amount in foreign currency.
ATMs are widely available in major Chinese cities. They accept all major credit cards.
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, especially in international hotels and restaurants.
In smaller cities, you may find it harder to use international cards.
Authorities restrict travel by foreigners in China.
If you plan to travel outside major tourist areas, check that the area is 'open to foreigners'. For example, restrictions apply near military installations and some border areas.
Travel and living conditions vary greatly between cities and less developed rural areas.
In rural areas, you may have trouble accessing these services:
All drivers must hold a valid Chinese driver's licence.
Foreign driver's licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) aren't valid in mainland China.
Long-term residents can apply for a Chinese driver's licence at their local Vehicle Management Office.
If you're going to China on a visa with less than 90 days validity, you may be able to get a provisional driver's licence. This will be valid for the length of your visa.
If you're hiring a car in China, check driving licence requirements with your car hire company.
Age and health restrictions apply and vary depending on the class of driver's licence.
Travel by road is dangerous because of the following:
You're more likely to be killed in a car accident in China than in Australia.
More information:
To ride a motorcycle, you must hold a valid Chinese motorcycle licence.
Australian motorcycle licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) issued for motorcycles aren't valid in mainland China.
Rules for applying for a motorbike licence, including a provisional motorcycle licence, are similar to those for cars. Contact your local Vehicle Management Office.
You don't need a licence to ride an electric bike.
Check your insurance covers you for riding all types of motorised bikes.
Always wear a helmet.
Use only licensed taxis or limousine services with a good reputation, preferably those arranged through your hotel or one of the main ride-sharing apps.
When hailing a taxi, always insist that the meter is used.
Most taxis in China don't have seatbelts.
Taxi drivers may swap legitimate RMB100 notes for fake notes. They will then return the fake note and refuse to accept it as payment because it’s counterfeit.
Ridesharing apps are widely used in major Chinese cities.
Tour operators, public buses and ferries might not meet safety standards, especially in rural areas.
Transport operators may not:
Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts.
If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
More information:
Travel restrictions can come into effect at short notice.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check China's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
Contact your airline or travel agent for up-to-date information on domestic and international flights and transport options.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 119.
Call 120.
Call 110.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular services in China, contact the Australian Embassy in Beijing or our Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
Check the relevant website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie
Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600
Phone: (+86 10) 5140 4111
Fax: (+86 10) 5140 4292
Website: china.embassy.gov.au
Social media: WeChat, X (formerly Twitter)
27th Floor, Square One
18 Dongyu Street, Jinjiang District
Chengdu 610016
Phone: (+86 28) 6268 5200
Fax: (+86 28) 6268 5222
Email: consulate.chengdu@dfat.gov.au
Website: chengdu.china.embassy.gov.au
12th Floor, Development Centre
No. 3 Linjiang Road,
Zhujiang New City
Guangzhou 510623
Phone: (+86 20) 3814 0111
Fax: (+86 20) 3814 0112
Website: guangzhou.china.embassy.gov.au
Level 22, CITIC Square
1168 Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai 200041
Phone: (+86 21) 2215 5200
Fax: (+86 21) 2215 5252
Website: shanghai.china.embassy.gov.au
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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