China Travel Guide 2025: Essential Safety Tips, Visa Changes, and Key Precautions for International Visitors

Travelers considering a trip to China should be aware that, as of June 2025, the U.S. State Department advises exercising increased caution when visiting Mainland China. This advisory stems primarily from the Chinese government’s practice of arbitrarily enforcing local laws, including the use of exit bans. Foreigners, including business professionals, academics, journalists, and even those with legal ties through family, have been subject to interrogation, detention, and expulsion without transparent legal processes. This means listeners could be prevented from leaving the country for extended periods over civil disputes, investigations, or even for reasons that appear unclear. In Hong Kong and Macau, there are also warnings related to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, and in Macau, limited consular assistance should be noted in case of emergencies, so extra caution is urged for these regions as well, according to the U.S. State Department.

Entry to China has become more accessible for many nationalities in 2025, with expanded visa-free policies. For example, citizens of Italy, Australia, Spain, Germany, France, New Zealand, Belgium, the UAE, and nearly thirty other countries can now enjoy up to 30 days visa-free entry until the end of December 2025. Recent expansions also benefit travelers from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, who can visit visa-free for 30 days from June 2025 through May 2026. For visitors from the U.S., U.K., Canada, and a group of other nations, a 10-day visa-free transit policy allows for short stays in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. However, listeners are encouraged to confirm the latest entry requirements and reach out to China’s National Immigration Administration hotlines for up-to-date border entry policies.

While China is generally regarded as a safe destination in terms of crime rates and transportation, travelers should protect their belongings in crowded places, avoid unlicensed taxis, and rely on reputable transportation services. Public transit systems like the subway and high-speed trains are reliable and safe, but minor crimes like pickpocketing can occur during peak times. Food safety is mostly good in cities and tourist areas, but listeners should drink only bottled water, favor well-rated restaurants, and exercise caution with street food. Certain regions, such as Tibet and Xinjiang, may present increased risks because of local political sensitivities and should be approached with particular care and by checking travel advisories before booking any trips there.

Another key precaution for visitors is understanding China’s restrictions on internet use. Many familiar Western websites and social media platforms are blocked, so listeners planning to stay connected may want to set up a VPN before arrival, always remaining mindful of local regulations around internet access and sensitive topics.

Recent global political developments, including ongoing tensions between China and the United States, have not resulted in immediate new risks for tourists, but they do underline the need for heightened situational awareness and flexibility. It's recommended that everyone traveling to China remain alert to the possibility of sudden changes in local laws, unexpected legal complications, and the potential for increased scrutiny of foreigners. As always, listeners should enroll in their country’s traveler registry, have comprehensive travel insurance, keep embassy contact information handy, and regularly consult reliable government travel advisory pages before and during their visit for the latest updates.