Millions of Americans are set to make their way around the world over the next few months, ending the year or bringing in the new one with long-awaited vacations.
Some Americans will be heading to different continents, but the U.S. State Department is updating its travel advisory to one of the most populous countries on the planet.
An updated travel advisory from the State Department urges travelers to “exercise increased caution” in this nation due to a variety of different factors.
Level 2 Advisory Recently Updated
The updated advisory focuses on national security laws in Mainland China, and says that a number of individuals could be at risk to be targeted by Chinese authorities.
“Expansive national security, counterespionage, and data security laws grant Chinese officials broad discretion to detain or interrogate foreign nationals,” the update reads.
“This places U.S. citizens at risk for conducting even routine business, research, or expression in the public domain.”
The State Department notes that U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage or origin, those involved with business, law enforcement, military and intelligence could be at a greater risk for detainment or interrogation.
Individuals traveling on U.S. government-funded programs and those with current or former ties to the U.S. government may also be targeted.
The updated advisory also says that exit bans may be issued to U.S. citizens “without fair and transparent processes under the law.”
The State Department notes that those who are suspected of violating national security laws – knowingly or unknowingly – are often denied access to a lawyer.
U.S. citizens have been detained and prosecuted for what the State Department describes as “conducting academic and business research or accessing publicly available material.”
“Be ready for the possibility of being held in detention for an unknown amount of time,” the advisory says. “Chinese authorities may not give you a clear reason for the detention, and you may not be able to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help.”
State Department’s Advice on Traveling To China
The travel advisory notes that individuals with dual citizenship to the United States and China may be considered Chinese only, and thereby be restricted from accessing consular help if needed.
The State Department says that dual nationals are “strongly encouraged” to travel to China using an American passport with a Chinese visa.
The State Department urges travelers who visit China to enroll in its program for real-time updates from U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in the program also makes it easier for the embassy or consulate to notify travelers or their designated contacts in the event of an emergency.
Travelers are advised to develop a communication plan with their loved ones, business or sponsor organization, focusing on the frequency and method of check-ins.
