China

Chengdu Post Closure
Due to the increasing suspension of airlinks and unprecedented operational pressures, New Zealand has temporarily withdrawn staff from its Consulate-General in Chengdu. Consular services for New Zealanders in Chengdu will be provided by the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing until further notice.

New Zealanders who require emergency consular assistance should contact the 24/7 Consular emergency line on 0800 30 10 30 (within New Zealand) or +64 99 20 20 20 (outside of New Zealand).

Crime
China has low crime rates generally, however petty theft targeting foreigners such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of passports, laptops and cellphones occurs. You should take appropriate steps to ensure that your belongings are secure, particularly on public transport, in popular tourist locations and shopping districts. New Zealanders should also be wary of ATM and credit card fraud, and only use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business. There is also some risk of receiving counterfeit currency.

There is a risk of armed banditry in remote areas bordering Pakistan, Myanmar, Laos, Viet Nam and Russia. Be vigilant if travelling in these areas.

Terrorism
Terrorist attacks are possible in China. New Zealanders in China are advised to pay close attention to their personal security at all times, monitor local media for security threats and follow any instructions issued by local authorities.

Scams
New Zealanders should be wary of scams targeting tourists when travelling in China. Common scams involve a tourist being invited for a massage, tea tasting or to a café or bar for a variety of reasons including to practice English. The tourist is then pressured to pay an exorbitant bill which may be accompanied with threats of violence, assault and credit card skimming.

Civil unrest
Demonstrations occur from time to time and there has been civil unrest in the Xinjiang Uyghur and Tibet Autonomous Regions that has sometimes led to violence. Unauthorised public gatherings may be dispersed by force. New Zealanders in China are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations and comply with any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities.

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
There have been instances of violent unrest in this region. Future incidents of violent unrest are possible and security checks, curfews and restrictions on movement may be imposed or adjusted with little warning. Carry photo identification at all times.

Tibet Autonomous Region
Travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) by foreigners requires a permit and participation in an organised tour. Entry conditions for foreigners are subject to change by the local authorities at short notice. Even if they already have been granted a travel permit, New Zealanders intending to travel to the TAR should check with their travel agent for updates before departure.

General travel advice
Visa restrictions are strictly enforced in China. If you require a full visa you must obtain this prior to travel. Transit visas (issued on arrival) are available for some short visits, however, strict conditions apply, including the need to remain within a specified area and to provide evidence of onward travel to a third destination within a specified time limit. Visa and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice, New Zealanders should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of China for up-to-date information.

Foreign nationals must register their place of residence with the Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival in China or face fines and/or detention. Registering with a hotel will often fulfil this requirement; if unsure, advice should be sought from the Chinese authorities.  New Zealanders in China are also advised to carry their passport at all times. Police undertake random checks and failure to provide identification may result in fines and/or detention.

New Zealanders should be aware that China has strict laws in relation to national security which may be interpreted broadly. You could break the law without intending to and for activities that are not illegal in New Zealand.

Chinese authorities can place an exit ban upon individuals to prevent them leaving the country. An exit ban may relate directly or indirectly to any investigation Chinese authorities deem relevant, including criminal, civil or commercial matters. You may not be aware of the exit ban until you attempt to leave China.

China does not recognise dual nationality. Dual citizens travelling to China on a Chinese passport or identity card may not be granted access to New Zealand consular assistance. Travellers should read our advice on dual citizenship here [2].

If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so.

New Zealanders are urged to take note of China’s strict, and stringently enforced, laws against the possession, use or sale of illegal substances.

New Zealanders travelling or living in China should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in China are encouraged to register their details [3] with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s SafeTravel website.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts [4]