China Travel Advisory 2025: Essential Safety Tips for US Travelers Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Changing Regulations

As of early May 2025, anyone considering travel to China should exercise increased caution. The U.S. Department of State currently assigns Mainland China a Level 2 travel advisory, which means travelers should be aware of the risks of the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, especially regarding exit bans. Americans and other foreign nationals have previously faced interrogation, detention, and even expulsion under Chinese national security laws. This includes not just tourists, but also businesspeople, former government personnel, academics, journalists, and relatives of Chinese citizens who may be involved in legal disputes. The advisory notes that exit bans can be imposed without a fair or transparent legal process, and the local legal system can apply the law arbitrarily, making it difficult for foreign visitors to anticipate or navigate potential legal issues.

For travelers heading to Hong Kong and Macau, increased caution is also advised because of unpredictable law enforcement actions. In Macau, there is a limited ability to access emergency consular services, making assistance in a crisis less reliable. According to the U.S. State Department, these advisories reflect an evolving risk environment in the region, with law enforcement activity at times targeting foreigners or foreign interests.

Travel within China has otherwise largely returned to pre-pandemic normalcy, with no special Covid-19-related restrictions or entry requirements. Most travelers, including those from the United States and United Kingdom, can visit many regions of China for up to 10 days without a visa. Mask-wearing is no longer mandatory, though in crowded places like airports and subway stations, many locals still practice voluntary masking. All major attractions are open, and tourism in historic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an is largely unaffected by the weather. The spring months, particularly April and May, are considered among the best for visiting China thanks to mild weather, though listeners should be aware that attractions may become crowded during the “golden weeks,” notably the first week of May.

Recent news has also been dominated by ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China. In April 2025, both governments issued travel advisories against each other's countries, citing deteriorating trade relations and security situations. China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism reminded its citizens to fully assess the risks of visiting the United States, and the U.S. maintained a Level 2 advisory for China. This shift to a less severe advisory came after some U.S. citizens previously detained in China were released as part of a prisoner swap in late 2024.

Safety while traveling in China includes taking practical precautions. The CDC recommends always wearing seat belts, choosing official taxis or public transportation, avoiding travel at night, and being cautious about road conditions and vehicle safety standards. Travelers should consider bringing helmets if planning to use bikes or motorcycles and should only drive in China if they have the proper permits and insurance coverage.

Air travel regulations have recently changed. As of March 2025, China Airlines prohibits the use or charging of power banks and spare lithium batteries during flights. Scams via email or phone calls targeting travelers are also increasingly reported, so heightened vigilance is advised.

In summary, listeners considering a trip to China should monitor travel advisories closely, remain vigilant about legal and safety risks, and take standard precautions for health, transportation, and personal security. The ongoing geopolitical climate means advisories could change rapidly, so checking with official resources before departure is essential.