Americans risk being trapped in China for years, State Department warns in updated advisory
The U.S. State Department has issued a strong warning for Americans travelling to China. Citing the risks of wrongful detention, exit bans and electronic surveillance, it said some travellers could be trapped for years without recourse.
The State Department issued an updated Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' advisory for mainland China this week. Concerns about wrongful detention and restrictions on leaving the country were cited as the main reasons.
Travellers are warned in the advisory that routine professional, academic and personal activities — which carry no risk in Western countries — may be treated as criminal offences under China's broad security laws.
The advisory also raises concerns about private communications, warning Americans that their emails, texts and social media activity could be monitored by Chinese authorities. The October 19 advisory states: 'Assume that China's security services can read your emails, texts and social media posts if you send them to or from China.'
The State Department said some people have been detained or deported over private messages considered critical of Chinese authorities, even when those messages were sent from outside China.
Elaborating on the detention risk, the advisory states: 'The U.S. Department of State has determined that Americans are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of China.' According to the department, those detained could spend years behind bars with limited contact with family members or U.S. officials.
Even without being detained, travellers could face restrictions that prevent them from leaving the country. Chinese authorities have used 'exit bans' during investigations and in business or civil disputes. The advisory notes that relatives of people under investigation, including children, have also been affected by such bans.
Most concerning of all, some travellers may not know they are banned from leaving until they try to fly home. In the State Department's words: 'U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart China.' Some bans have lasted for years, and officials warn there may be no clear way to challenge them in court.
Americans who plan to visit China are advised to travel with a U.S. passport and a valid Chinese visa, enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and arrange regular check-ins with family members or an employer.
Bobby Laurie, a longtime travel expert and former flight attendant, advised travellers: 'Be aware of your surroundings. Think before you take a picture.' In his words, incidents such as taking pictures of law enforcement on the street, or inadvertently being near a protest, could bring trouble.
Laurie added: 'Then as your trip comes to an end, you head to the airport. You scan your boarding pass, ready to get through immigration to fly home. And then you realize you're actually not allowed to fly home. There has been an exit ban placed on you.'
He said anyone travelling to China should go with a cell phone or electronic device that is stripped down to just what is needed for the trip. He also urged travellers to leave confidential information at home.
China is one of the world's most popular travel destinations. As a result, this updated warning has become important for many Americans planning to visit for leisure or work. The State Department was reached out to for further comment, but no immediate response was reported.
