The U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for mainland China, warning Americans that routine activities, private messages and even casual photos could lead to detention, surveillance or being barred from leaving the country.
The Oct. 19 advisory keeps China at a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” rating but adds new detail about the risks travelers face, including wrongful detention and so-called exit bans that can trap people in the country for years.
“The U.S. Department of State has determined that Americans are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of China,” the advisory states. Officials say those detained may have limited contact with family or U.S. officials and could remain in custody for extended periods.
The advisory also warns that electronic communications sent to or from China may not be private. “Assume that China’s security services can read your emails, texts and social media posts if you send them to or from China,” the advisory states. The State Department said some travelers have been detained or deported over private messages critical of Chinese authorities, even when those messages were sent from outside the country.
Beyond detention, the advisory flags the risk of exit bans, which can prevent Americans from leaving China even if they have not been formally detained. Chinese authorities have used these bans during investigations and business or civil disputes, and they have at times extended to relatives of people under investigation, including children.
Many travelers don’t find out they’re subject to a ban until they try to leave. “U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart China,” the State Department said. Some bans have lasted years, and the department notes there may be no clear legal avenue to challenge them.
The State Department is advising anyone planning to visit China to travel with a U.S. passport and a valid Chinese visa, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and set up regular check-ins with family or an employer while abroad.
A travel expert’s advice
Bobby Laurie, a longtime travel expert and former flight attendant, urged travelers to be cautious about what they photograph and where they go. “Be aware of your surroundings. Think before you take a picture,” Laurie said.
“This is one of those situations where maybe you were spotted taking pictures of law enforcement on the street, or you were somewhere you shouldn’t have been. Maybe you were inadvertently near a protest … on the streets,” he said. “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.”
Laurie recommended bringing a stripped-down phone or device with only what’s needed for the trip, and leaving confidential information at home.
Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. State Department for further comment.
