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Exercise a high degree of caution in China overall. 

China (PDF 1.07 MB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Exercise a high degree of caution in China overall.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Tibet and Xinjiang.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Tibet and Xinjiang due to the security situation and associated measures.

• Petty crime occurs. Criminals target travellers in crowded areas, including on public transport. Resisting can lead to violence.
• Scams targeting travellers can lead to loss of money, violence and serious assault. Report scams to the nearest police station.
• Armed attacks are a risk in remote border regions. Be careful if travelling in these areas.
• The Chinese Government strictly controls demonstrations. Authorities may arrest protesters. Avoid protests and large gatherings. Don't photograph or video protests.
• Increased security measures are in place in Xinjiang. Be ready to show photo ID if asked.
• There's civil unrest and political tension in Tibet. Get permission from Chinese authorities before you go. You can only travel to Tibet as part of an organised tour.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Tap water in China may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals.
• People have died from bird flu in China. Stay away from live poultry. When preparing food, handle poultry properly and ensure it's thoroughly cooked.
• HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in China. Take precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to the risk of infection. Ask for sterilised equipment when receiving medical treatment.
• Animal and human rabies and hand, foot and mouth disease are common. Be careful with both wild and domestic animals in China. Wash your hands carefully and regularly. Take other hygiene precautions.
• High pollution levels are a problem in major cities. Follow the advice from local authorities on days with harmful pollution.

Full travel advice:  Health

• The Australian Government can't intervene in the Chinese justice process. We also can't help if you're a dual national and don't enter China on your Australian passport.
• Chinese law treats a person aged 12 years and older as an adult. China has strict laws and severe criminal punishments including the death penalty and life imprisonment.
• You must always carry identification and show it to the police if they ask.
• Chinese authorities undertake random drug testing on foreign nationals and can prosecute individuals who return a positive test result regardless of when or where the drugs were taken.
• Many business and employment issues may be considered criminal matters in China. Penalties are severe. Get professional legal advice before entering into any employment or commercial contract in China.
• If you're a former Chinese citizen, authorities may treat you as a citizen and refuse access to Australian consular services. Get legal advice if you're unsure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of China for the latest details.
• China is gradually reintroducing visas on arrival, including transit visas. You may be permitted to enter China if you’re a foreign national holding a valid residence permit for work, personal matters or reunion. Australians should also contact the nearest  Chinese embassy or consulate  to confirm visa validity and eligibility, and other travel requirements.  

Flights between China and Australia have increased but are less frequent than pre-COVID-19. 

• China has implemented random COVID-19 testing for inbound travellers arriving at airports. Authorities have advised that no follow-up action will be taken if travellers test positive on arrival, but they may be advised to seek medical treatment.
• You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau. This will be part of the standard check-in process if you stay at a hotel. 

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• For consular services in China, contact the  Australian Embassy in Beijing  or our Consulates-General in  Shanghai ,  Guangzhou,  Chengdu , and Shenyang . 
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Petty crime.

Petty crime occurs, including:

• pickpocketing
• bag-snatching
• theft of laptops, passports and mobile phones

If you resist, you can be injured if criminals turn violent.

Criminals target travellers in crowded areas, including on transport.

People have reported  assaults  and  robberies , particularly in areas popular with expats. This includes bar and shopping precincts in major cities.

There are scams  that target travellers.

Scammers invite travellers for a massage, teahouse service, or nearby cafes and bars. They offer various reasons and may say they wish 'to practise their English'.

Afterwards, they present travellers with an inflated bill. They won't let the traveller leave until they pay the bill by credit card.

Sometimes travellers are asked to carry concealed drugs out of China.

Never carry parcels or luggage for others.

Always pack your own bags.

ATM scams occur. Sometimes scammers set up fake ATMs that take the user's card.

Only use ATMs inside a secure place such as a bank or shopping centre. Do this during daylight hours.

If you're the victim of a crime or scam, report it to the nearest police station immediately.

Always obtain a police report when reporting a crime.

Fake money scams

Be careful of scams if paying a taxi fare with a RMB100 note. The taxi driver may swap the note for a fake note. They will then return the fake note and refuse to accept it as payment because it’s counterfeit.

Armed bandit attacks are a risk in remote areas bordering:

Be careful if travelling in these areas.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Civil unrest and political tension

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

The Chinese Government prohibits demonstrations they haven't approved. Authorities may arrest protesters.

Avoid protests, demonstrations and large gatherings.

Don't photograph, film or participate in protests or other acts that authorities may consider provocative.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang)

Increased security measures are in place in Xinjiang.

People of Uyghur descent are particularly affected.

Security checks in major cities in Xinjiang are common. Be ready to show photo ID if asked.

Violent incidents causing deaths and injuries have occurred across Xinjiang.

The government may restrict movement and communications in Xinjiang with little warning.

Tibet Autonomous Region (Tibet)

In the past, protests have turned violent, and people have been killed or injured.

If you're travelling to Tibet, get permission from Chinese authorities first.

You must also apply for a Tibet Entry Permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

You can only lodge applications for Tibet Entry Permits through specialised travel agents in China.

You can only travel as part of an organised tour.

See  Travel

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Attacks could be targeted or random. They may include places travellers and expats visit.

In recent years, terrorist and other violent attacks have caused injuries and deaths in public places. Targets include railway stations and markets.

You could become the victim of violence directed at others.

Climate and natural disasters

China experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• earthquakes

Typhoons can happen along the southern and eastern coasts between May and November.

The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning.

If there's a typhoon:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights and other transport could be delayed or suspended
• access to seaports may be affected
• adequate shelter may not be available
• available transport may fill quickly

If a typhoon is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your accommodation or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• closely monitor alerts and advice from authorities such as the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• keep in contact with your friends and family

If you plan to travel, contact your airline for the latest flight information. 

• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
• China Meteorological Administration

Earthquakes and tsunamis

China can experience earthquakes and large, destructive tsunamis.

If there's an earthquake or tsunami:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media for updates

Check with the Tsunami Warning Centre  for updates on seismic activity and tsunamis.

If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you travel. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in China. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Depending on your location, tap water in China may be unsafe to drink.

Drink only bottled water with sealed lids.

Bird flu (avian influenza)

People have died from  avian influenza  in China. Avian influenza virus strains continue to circulate in poultry in China.

The primary source of infection seems to be poultry handled in poultry markets.

To protect yourself from avian influenza:

• stay away from live poultry
• don't visit live bird and animal markets, including 'wet' markets and poultry farms
• practise good personal hygiene

When preparing food, handle poultry properly. Thoroughly cook all parts of the poultry.

• Avian influenza (WHO)
• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS  is a significant risk in China.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.

If you need medical treatment, you could be exposed to unsafe blood and blood products. This is a particular risk in regional China.

Ask for sterilised equipment. You may need to pay for new syringes in hospitals or clinics.

Insect-borne illnesses

Japanese encephalitis  is widespread in rural southern China from June to August. The disease is also known as encephalitis B. A vaccine is available.

The risk of  malaria   increases during warm weather and is more significant in rural areas, particularly in the provinces of:

• Tibet (Zanbo Valley areas only)

Dengue  cases have risen sharply, especially in Guangdong and Guangzhou. Risks increase during the wet season.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis

Animal and human  rabies  are common. Health authorities report many cases each year. 

Be careful with both wild and domestic animals in China.

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)  is common. Sometimes serious outbreaks happen.

Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May. However, outbreaks can continue until October each year.

The disease mainly affects children under the age of 10 years. Adult cases, particularly in young adults, are not unusual.

People with HFMD experience fever, blisters and rashes on the hands, feet and buttocks.

The disease is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges and faeces of infected people.

To protect yourself from illness:

• wash your hands carefully and regularly
• take other hygiene precautions

High pollution levels are a problem.

Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions may be especially affected by pollution.

Authorities issue red alerts when pollution is expected to be especially bad.

When a red alert is in place, authorities:

• close schools
• limit car use
• suspend construction activity

Flights are regularly delayed in China because of smog.

Dust storms occur across the north of China. They can:

• cause eye, nose, mouth and throat irritations
• make heart and lung problems worse

Get medical advice if you're worried about air pollution.

Follow the advice from local authorities about days with bad pollution and how to reduce your exposure.

• Air Quality Index
• US Embassy, Beijing
• Air pollution

Altitude sickness

Parts of China are at altitudes of over 3,000m, including:

• parts of Xinjiang
• Western Sichuan

If you travel to those areas, you may get  altitude sickness .

People with lung, heart or chest problems should take extra care. Even if you're healthy, you can still be affected.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• coordination problems

In severe cases, fluid can build up in your lungs, brain or both, which can be fatal.

To protect yourself from altitude sickness:

• ascend slowly, especially above an altitude of 2500m
• rest when needed and don't push your body
• avoid alcohol and cigarettes

If you're affected by severe altitude sickness, get to lower ground as soon as possible.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

International standard medical services in China are expensive.

If you plan on staying in China for a while:

• find out about local health insurance
• ask your employer if they provide health cover

Some hospitals in major cities have special departments for treating foreigners.

However, the standard of medical care and the range of medications is often limited, especially outside major cities.

Medical staff in rural areas may not be adequately trained.

Hospitals and doctors may ask for an up-front cash payment before treating you. This includes emergency care.

Medical evacuation from China can be very expensive.

Medical tourism

Travel to China for  medical treatment  is increasing.

Research and choose your medical service providers carefully. Ask health professionals and former patients about the quality.

Avoid uncertified medical service providers. Their standards may be poor, and they may be unable to provide the advertised medical care.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

The Australian Government can't intervene in the Chinese justice process.

In China, authorities treat a person aged 12 years and above as an adult under the law.

If detained, a person of this age will be:

• held with adults
• subject to the same conditions and legal processes as adults

The Australian Government can't help you if you're a  dual national  and you travel on your:

• Chinese passport
• Hong Kong or Macau Mainland Travel Permit
• identity card issued by Taiwan
• any non-Australian foreign passport
• Death penalty

China has the death penalty for drug offences and other serious crimes. Under Chinese criminal law, it's possible for espionage and other national security offences to attract serious penalties, from lengthy custodial sentences to the death penalty.

If you're sentenced to death, it's unlikely that Chinese authorities will grant you leniency.

Penalties for all types of drug offences including use, possession, manufacturing, selling or trafficking are severe and include life in prison or the death penalty.

Authorities strictly enforce these laws, even for small quantities of 'soft' drugs, such as marijuana. Laws apply to people aged 12 years and older.

Authorities conduct random drug tests. Police raids on nightclubs and bars frequented by foreigners have increased, with patrons subjected to urine and / or hair tests. A positive drug test can result in fines, detention and deportation, regardless of when or where the drugs were used.

Authorities have executed foreigners for drug offences.

• Carrying or using drugs

Legal proceedings and investigations

Authorities may not allow you to leave China if you're involved in a:

• criminal matter or investigation
• civil or commercial dispute

Sometimes people are only aware of an exit ban on them once they try to leave China.

Exit bans can affect you even if you're not directly involved in the legal proceedings. Authorities have stopped some Australians from leaving China because of a dispute involving family members. Sometimes it is years before authorities allow people to leave China.

If you're involved in local legal matters:

• get professional advice
• be aware of your rights and responsibilities

China has strict laws on national security, which it updates from time to time. These laws can be interpreted broadly and applied expansively and harshly. Chinese authorities may define certain behaviours and activities as endangering national security that would not be considered as such in Australia. This could include activities that occurred outside of China.

Authorities have detained foreigners on allegations of 'endangering national security'. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws, including broadly defined National Security Laws. Under Chinese criminal law, it's possible for espionage and other national security offences to attract serious penalties, from lengthy custodial sentences to the death penalty.

In China, it's illegal to:

• test positive for drugs (even if you used drugs before you arrived in China)
• demonstrate without prior approval from the government
• preach, distribute religious literature and associate with unapproved religious groups
• take part in any Falun Gong activities
• gamble or promote gambling activities
• engage in prostitution
• take photos of military or government buildings without official approval.

If you break these laws, you could be:

Registration and identification

Under Chinese law, you must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau. You must do this within 24 hours of arriving and each time you change your residential location.

Staff do this as part of the standard check-in process if you stay at a hotel.

If you're staying elsewhere, such as with family or friends, visit the nearest police station. Present your passport and a valid Chinese visa.

You must always carry identification and show it to the police if they ask for it.

Authorities will accept your passport or a Chinese residence card as forms of identity.

If you don't register your place of residence or carry identification, authorities can fine or detain you.

LGBTQIA+ laws

Homosexuality is not illegal in China but be aware of local sensitivities.

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law
• Doing business in China

China has experienced higher numbers of commercial disputes involving Australians in recent years. 

Before starting business relationships:

• investigate the market
• conduct appropriate due diligence

Get professional legal advice before entering into any contract in China. This includes residential leases and business contracts.

Business versus criminal matters

Many business issues Australians consider civil or commercial are classified as criminal matters in China. This is especially the case if state enterprises or state assets are involved.

Penalties for commercial and economic crimes are often severe.

Cases of Australians and other foreigners being held against their will at their workplace have increased. These incidents involved other companies or employees trying to resolve business and employment disputes. They do this through protests, and often with threats of violence.

• Doing business
• Living or working overseas

Employment in China

Disputes over working and living conditions for Australians working in China are common. This is particularly the case for those teaching English.

If you’re considering travel to China for work:

• verify the true nature of the work on offer
• make sure you have the correct visa before you arrive

Authorities can fine or detain you if you don't maintain a valid visa.

Get professional legal advice before signing any contract in Australia or China.

Carefully check local laws about business or other activities you wish to undertake in China.

Employment contracts may contain conditions that disadvantage you. For example, if your contract is terminated early, conditions may state that:

• you give up your right to a return air ticket
• your employer may withhold your pay

Don't surrender your passport to your employer for 'safe-keeping.' Businesses with a good reputation won't ask you to do this.

Dual citizenship

The Chinese Government doesn't recognise dual nationality. It won't let us provide consular help to Chinese-Australian dual nationals who travel on their:

If you're a Chinese-Australian dual national:

• travel on your  Australian passport
• get a visa to China
• always present yourself as an Australian citizen

If you're a former Chinese citizen, Chinese authorities may:

• treat you as a Chinese citizen
• refuse you access to Australian consular services

This can happen even if you entered China on an Australian or other foreign passport and you:

• haven't renounced your citizenship according to Chinese law
• haven't formally advised the Chinese authorities of your Australian citizenship
• continue to maintain a Chinese passport or household registration

Authorities may not allow certain categories of Chinese citizens, such as state officials, to renounce their Chinese nationality under Chinese law.

Get professional legal advice if you're unsure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.

If your child is born in China and you plan to get Australian citizenship by descent, contact the  Australian Department of Home Affairs  for advice.

If one parent is from mainland China, authorities will consider a child born in China to be a Chinese national.

Local authorities may not recognise the child's Australian citizenship and passport.

Contact the local Entry and Exit Administration Bureau for details.

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Australians intending to travel to China should contact the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate to confirm visa  eligibility  and other travel requirements. 

China is gradually reintroducing visas on arrival, including transit visas. You may need a full visa to travel to China, even as a tourist.

If you need a full visa, you must get this before you travel.

See the  Embassy of the People's Republic of China  for eligibility requirements and visa types.

Foreigners holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters and reunion may be able to enter China without applying for new visas. Contact your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate to confirm your visa remains valid or to apply for a new visa.

If you're already travelling or living in China, contact the Foreigner's Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) for visa information.

Authorities will scan your fingerprints when you arrive if you're aged between 14 and 70 years.

Authorities have strict penalties for visa violations. Penalties include:

• fines imposed for each day overstayed, including if you’re in detention
• detention from 5 to 30 days

Make sure you leave China before your visa expires.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate of China  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

You no longer require a negative COVID-19 test to enter China. 

China has implemented random COVID-19 testing for inbound travellers arriving at airports. Authorities have advised that no follow-up action would be taken if travellers test positive on arrival, but they may be advised to seek medical treatment.

Travel to Hong Kong and Macau

Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions (SAR). They have separate visa and entry rules to mainland China.

If you plan to leave mainland China to visit Hong Kong or Macau, you may need a new Chinese visa to re-enter mainland China. Get the correct visa before you leave Australia.

You may be asked to present your previous passport and Chinese visa if you:

• intend to apply for a visa at the border of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, or Zhuhai and Macau, and
• you held a Chinese visa in a recently replaced passport

If you've visited China before, authorities may deny you a visa-on-arrival if you can't show your previous China visa.

Some visas issued in Hong Kong or at Hong Kong-Macau-Chinese mainland border crossings are valid for limited travel to designated areas only, such as:

• other areas in Guangdong Province

Using these permits to travel to other parts of China is illegal. Carefully check your visa limitations.

• Hong Kong travel advice
• Macau travel advice

Other formalities

If you’re a parent of a newborn baby born in China, you must register the child with the local Public Security Bureau. You must do this within 30 days of the child's birth and will require the child’s birth certificate for registration .

Apply for a Chinese visa in the child's passport. The child will need a valid visa to leave China.

For the registration process you need:

• the child's birth certificate
• parents' passports
• child's passport

For citizenship issues, see the 'Dual citizenship' section under  Laws .

Some countries will only let you enter if your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passports

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy, high commission or consulate .

If you get a new passport while in China, you must get a new Chinese visa. Otherwise, you won't be able to leave China.

Chinese authorities can take up to 10 working days to issue a visa. It can take longer during Chinese holiday periods.

Authorities won't speed up the process to meet your travel or flight schedule.

To replace your passport and visa:

• get an official report from the local police 
• get a replacement passport from the nearest  Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
• apply at the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau for a replacement Chinese visa in your new passport

You can use the police report when checking in to a hotel.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB).

Chinese law limits the amount of foreign currency you can carry in and out of China.

If you're carrying more than $US5,000 cash or the same amount in another currency, you must declare it when you arrive in China.

Keep the declaration. You need to show it to customs officials when you leave.

If you plan to leave China carrying more than $US5,000 or the same amount in another currency, you need permission from a Chinese bank.

You can't leave China with more than $US10,000 or the same amount in foreign currency.

ATMs are widely available in major Chinese cities. They accept all major credit cards.

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, especially in international hotels and restaurants.

In smaller cities, you may find it harder to use international cards.

Local travel

Authorities restrict travel by foreigners in China.

If you plan to travel outside major tourist areas, check that the area is 'open to foreigners'. For example, restrictions apply near military installations and some border areas.

Travel and living conditions vary greatly between cities and less developed rural areas.

In rural areas, you may have trouble accessing these services:

• landline phone
• mobile phone

Driving permit

All drivers must hold a valid Chinese driver's licence.

Foreign driver's licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) aren't valid in mainland China.

Long-term residents can apply for a Chinese driver's licence at their local Vehicle Management Office.

If you're going to China on a visa with less than 90 days validity, you may be able to get a provisional driver's licence. This will be valid for the length of your visa.

If you're hiring a car in China, check driving licence requirements with your car hire company.

Age and health restrictions apply and vary depending on the class of driver's licence.

Road travel

Travel by road is dangerous because of the following:

• poorly maintained roads
• aggressive driving

You're more likely to be killed in a car accident in China than in Australia.

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

To ride a motorcycle, you must hold a valid Chinese motorcycle licence.

Australian motorcycle licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) issued for motorcycles aren't valid in mainland China.

Rules for applying for a motorbike licence, including a provisional motorcycle licence, are similar to those for cars. Contact your local Vehicle Management Office.

You don't need a licence to ride an electric bike.

Check your insurance covers you for riding all types of motorised bikes.

Always wear a helmet.

Use only licensed taxis or limousine services with a good reputation, preferably those arranged through your hotel.

Always insist that the meter is used.

Most taxis in China don't have seatbelts.

Taxi drivers may swap legitimate RMB100 notes for fake notes. They will then return the fake note and refuse to accept it as payment because it’s counterfeit.

Ridesharing apps are widely used in major Chinese cities.

Public transport

Tour operators, public buses and ferries might not meet safety standards, especially in rural areas.

Transport operators may not:

• provide adequate safety equipment
• maintain vehicles and equipment
• have safety precautions in place

Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts.

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

• Transport and getting around safely
• Travelling by boat

Many airlines have temporarily reduced or stopped flights to China. Further travel restrictions can come into effect at short notice.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  China's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Contact your airline or travel agent for up-to-date information on domestic and international flights and transport options.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular services in China, contact the Australian Embassy in Beijing or our Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shenyang.

Check the relevant website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Embassy, Beijing

21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 Phone: (+86 10) 5140 4111 Fax: (+86 10) 5140 4292 Website:  china.embassy.gov.au Social media:  WeChat ,  X (formerly Twitter)

Australian Consulate General, Chengdu

27th Floor, Square One 18 Dongyu Street, Jinjiang District Chengdu 610016  Phone: (+86 28) 6268 5200  Fax: (+86 28) 6268 5222 Email:  [email protected] Website:  chengdu.china.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate General, Guangzhou

12th Floor, Development Centre No. 3 Linjiang Road, Zhujiang New City Guangzhou 510623  Phone: (+86 20) 3814 0111  Fax: (+86 20) 3814 0112 Website:  guangzhou.china.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate General, Shanghai

Level 22, CITIC Square 1168 Nanjing Xi Lu Shanghai 200041  Phone: (+86 21) 2215 5200 Fax: (+86 21) 2215 5252 Website:  shanghai.china.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General, Shenyang

Level 19, China Resources Building, Tower A 286 Qingnian Avenue, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004 Phone: (+86 24) 8610 6100 Fax: (+86 24) 8163 0288 Email:  [email protected] Website:  shenyang.consulate.gov.au

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Can I travel to China from Australia?

Most visitors from Australia, regardless of vaccination status, can enter China.

Can I travel to China if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Australia can enter China without restrictions.

Can I travel to China without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Australia can enter China without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter China?

Visitors from Australia are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering China.

Can I travel to China without quarantine?

Travellers from Australia are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in China?

Mask usage in China is recommended on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in China?

Restaurants in China are open. Bars in China are .

In order to reduce cross-border transmission of Covid-19, especially considering the latest developments of COVID-19 in Australia, the Embassy and Consulate-Generals of China have made major changes on the application procedures. Passengers who travel on and after 17 January, 2022  are kindly required to read and follow instructions below.

1. Please take corresponding instructions according to your vaccination status:

(1) For those who are fully vaccinated with inactivated vaccine( Sinopharm, Sinovac and etc.):

Within 48 hours before departure, the passenger should take two nucleic acid tests respectively at two qualified institutions certified by Australian government. If not available, the passenger should take two nucleic acid tests respectively at two qualified institutions certified by Australian government within 72 hours before departure, and these two tests should have a 24 hours time span between.Please notice that those who are fully vaccinated with inactivated vaccine and also with non-inactivated vaccines should be applied to this instruction.

(2)For those who are fully vaccinated with non-inactivated vaccines( Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and etc.):

Within 48 hours before departure, the passenger should take one nucleic acid and N Protein(IgM) anti-body test at a qualified institution certified by Australian government. If not available, the passenger should take two nucleic acid tests respectively at two qualified institutions certified by Australian government instead within 48 hours.

(3) For the unvaccinated or the partially vaccinated :

Within 48 hours before departure, the passenger should take one nucleic acid and IgM anti-body test at a qualified institution certified by Australian government.

2. The passengers should apply for the Electronic Health Declaration Form by logging on the website of http://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ via computer or smart phone . You can fill in the information, declare the health status and upload relevant documents online. The following documents should be uploaded for application:       

(1) Your test result reports(based on the requirements mentioned above);

(2) Flight itinerary;

(3) Passport;

(4) Chinese visa or resident permit;

(5) If you are vaccinated, please upload your vaccination certificate.

(6) If you have infection history / are a close contact / show suspected symptoms, please upload supplementary documents according to the requirements below:

Passengers with infection history:

(1) If you were diagnosed with COVID-19 or tested positive for nucleic acid rt-PCR or antibody (not due to vaccination), you are considered as having an infection history.

(2) You can apply for a health code after you infected day if you meet the following requirements:

- Take two nucleic acid tests with a sampling interval of over 24 hours, and both tests return negative results.

- Take a lung CT or X-ray and have the imaging diagnosis report before the second nucleic acid test.

- Take a self-quarantine for at least 14 days and record your daily body temperature and health conditions after the second nucleic acid test. If you develop any symptoms such as fever, cough, diarrhea during the self-quarantine, take another nucleic acid test. If the result is negative, start a 14-day quarantine again. If the result is positive, you will need to wait until you recover and redo the whole process.

- After completing the above procedures, follow this notice to perform corresponding tests before boarding. If the test result is still positive, you will need to complete the previous steps again until you meet all the requirements.

Close contacts/showing suspected symptoms

Close contacts or passengers showing suspected symptoms are required to self-quarantine for at least 14 days. Please monitor your health conditions and take nucleic acid tests on the 1st, 4th, and 7th day of self-quarantine. After completing the above procedures and the test result is negative, follow this notice to perform corresponding tests before boarding.

3.Important Reminder

(1)For your health and safety, we highly recommend you reconsider any unnecessary travels.

(2)We strongly recommend all passengers to choose direct flights to China, and we will not issue health declaration forms for those who fly to China via connecting flights.

(3)Please notice that those who take tests earlier than 14 days after your fully vaccinated will not be qualified for health declaration forms.

(4)Please download and accordingly fill in the Statement of Commitment on Personal Health Monitoring in attachment, and present the form to the airlines before boarding.  

(5)The passengers have the obligation to comply with the airlines’ COVID test, temperature check and other necessary checking for safety reasons. Refusal may face up to the cancellation of the health declaration forms.

Source：The  Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Australia

• Statement of Commitment on Personal Health Monitoring.docx

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Visit to China

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Travellers from China required to undertake COVID-19 testing before travel

The Australian Government will introduce pre-departure testing for COVID-19 for people travelling to Australia from the People’s Republic of China.

The Australian Government will introduce pre-departure testing for COVID-19 for people travelling to Australia from the People’s Republic of China including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

This measure is in response to the significant wave of COVID-19 infections in China and the potential for emerging viral variants in that country.

From 12:01am on Thursday 5 January 2023, travellers will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test within the 48hrs prior to travel and show evidence of a negative test result when travelling to Australia.

While we are no longer in the emergency phase of the pandemic response in Australia, this decision has been made to safeguard Australia from the risk of potential new emerging variants, and in recognition of the rapidly evolving situation in China and uncertainty about emerging viral variants.

In making this decision, I have been briefed extensively by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Australia now joins other countries across the world including France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Spain, the Republic of Korea, England and the United States of America in implementing similar measures.

These arrangements are precautionary and temporary and will remain under review based on the health advice and available information.

My department is working with states and territories to monitor the situation in Australia very closely. In addition, the Government continues to work closely with state and territory governments to improve our capacity to detect and rapidly respond to any new emerging variants of concern.

There is no advice to change our current approach to managing this phase of the pandemic in Australia. Fortunately, in Australia we have readily available access to vaccines and treatments, and high underlying population immunity.

Every single person eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should make an appointment as soon as they are eligible. Staying up to date with vaccinations is one of the simplest actions people can take to help protect themselves from becoming severely unwell from COVID-19. Additionally, anyone who is eligible for oral anti-viral treatments should have a plan to access those if they test positive for COVID-19.

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

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“This small but sensible move will help to protect people who are at risk of severe illness and safeguard our healthcare system.”

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Why Qantas is axing its only flights direct to mainland China

• Airline scraps flights to mainland China  
• Qantas set to boost flights to Singapore 
• READ MORE:  First of five Bonza planes leaves the country as prospects worsen for budget airline

Qantas has axed its only direct flights to mainland China  due to lack of demand - but said it may reinstate the service at a later date.

The airline will ditch its  Sydney to Shanghai service from July 28, citing half-empty planes which make the route financially unviable. 

The flights were paused for over three years during the Covid-19 pandemic and were only restarted in late October.

A network update issued on Tuesday said flights to Shanghai have been operating around half full, prompting the decision to use those A330s elsewhere.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the airline will continue to maintain a presence in China through its partners and flights to Hong Kong , and would 'look to return to Shanghai in the future'. 

The airline said it will continue to monitor the Australia-China market closely and reinstate the flights once the market has fully recovered. 

Customers booked to travel on Shanghai flights from July 28 will be entitled to a full refund, or they can contact Qantas or their travel agent to discuss rebooking on alternative routes. 

The aircrafts that had been used on this route will be redeployed to a new international route from Brisbane to Manila from October 28.

The flying kangaroo is scheduled to operate flights between the cities four days a week, for the first time in more than 10 years.

The flights add to Qantas’ existing daily service from Sydney and will add more than 100,000 seats between Australia and the Philippines each year. 

The airline will also operate 17 return flights a week between Sydney and Singapore and nine return flights a week from Brisbane to Singapore from December 11. 

Flights from Sydney to Bengaluru (commonly known as Bangalore) will also increase from five per week to daily between December and March, subject to government and regulatory approval.

Mr Wallace said these changes would 'create more choice for our corporate and leisure customers and make it even easier for them to access the places they need to travel to in Asia'.

'We’re always looking to ensure that we have the right aircraft, on the right routes and at the right time of year to best meet the needs of our customers,' he said. 

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It Just Got Easier for Americans to Visit China—Here's What to Know

By Matt Ortile

I was recently applying for a new passport, dreaming of all the new stamps and visas I’d collect, when I wondered: “Can Americans travel to China?” As it turns out, some recent policy changes out of Beijing have made it easier than ever to marvel at the Great Wall of China , take in the cosmopolitan bustle of Shanghai , and devour spicy Sichuan -style dishes at the source.

As of January 1, 2024, US travelers applying for tourist visas to China are no longer required to present proof of roundtrip tickets for travel, hotel reservations, or specific itineraries. The development came after a declaration in December by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States that states both countries mutually agreed to simplify the visa process in an effort to “facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.”

To learn more about how US passport holders can travel to China, I reached out to travel specialists with deep expertise in tourism in China and Asia more broadly: Mei Zhang, the founder of WildChina and a member of Condé Nast Traveler ’s Global Advisory Board ; and Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands , a luxury travel advisor specializing in destinations throughout Asia.

Here’s what you need to know about traveling to China with a US passport in 2024.

Can Americans travel to China?

Yes, Americans can travel to China for tourism purposes. The country previously upheld travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from early 2020 to March 2023. At the time, a quarantine period was required of anyone who entered the country; additionally, Zhang of WildChina explains, flights between the United States and China were extremely limited, and so tickets were prohibitively expensive .

Interest in travel to China has increased in recent months, says Heald of Remote Lands, thanks to the new visa application rules that have come into effect in 2024: “Even when the country opened, obtaining a visa was somewhat difficult, so it did not really see an influx of travelers from the US until this year.”

What kind of visa do I need to visit China?

US passport holders need a visa to visit China, obtained in advance of travel, i.e. there is no “visa on arrival” option. Tourist visas valid for ten years and good for multi-entry use must be acquired though a Chinese embassy or consulate, or a visa service. Currently, for US citizens, the cost for a tourist visa for travel to China is $140, whether for single-use or multi-entry use. This is a reduced fee, in effect until December 31, 2024 .

According to the Chinese embassy in the United States, the tourist visa application requirements include: a passport with at least six-months’ validity and two blank pages; a photocopy of the passport’s ID page; a completed application form, filled out online and printed; proof of residence, like a driver’s license or a utility bill; and a completed “ Where You Stay Form ” that attests the applicant is currently applying for a visa from within the US.

Admittedly, the steps are a bit more involved than the path you’d walk (or fly) to countries to which US citizens easily have access, or to destinations that offer visa-on-arrival programs. “When it feels too convoluted to navigate on your own, we recommend using a visa service like CIBT to make it easier,” Zhang says.

If you’re just transiting through China (if you have a 12-hour layover in Shanghai, for example, and want to go into the city before flying to your final stop), you’re in luck: Heald says that in certain Chinese cities, foreign nationals from 54 countries, including the US, are eligible for the 24-, 72-, or 144-hour transit visa-free policies, as long as they stay within certain areas and can present proof of confirmed dates of travel to a third country.

For first-timers visiting China, experts suggest an itinerary that includes one, two, or all three of the Chinese metropolitan triumvirate: Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.

When is the best time to visit China?

Spring and fall are the best times to travel in China, according to Zhang and Heald. “ Summer can be very hot, depending on where you are in China, and also busier than usual, since kids are on summer break and traveling with their families during this time,” Zhang says.

She also recommends to plan travel around the calendar of Chinese national holidays, since travel can be more challenging due to the heightened amount of activity. “The main holidays to avoid are Chinese New Year, the May Day holiday in the first week of May, and Golden Week, which is the first week of October).” It’s a fair point, but if those times are what work for you, don’t let the craze of the crowds stop you. I imagine it would truly be an awesome sight to see, a Chinese city or town celebrating the Lunar New Year .

I’m visiting China for the first time—what city should I visit?

Both Zhang and Heald suggest an itinerary that includes one, two, or all three of the Chinese metropolitan triumvirate: Beijing , Xi’an, and Shanghai. Go for the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in the capital, see the iconic Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and head to the Bund for the skyscraper-laden cosmopolitan side of China (where you can stay at the Peninsula Shanghai , an editor-favorite hotel featured on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List for 2024 ).

Matt Ortile

Scott Laird

Siobhan Reid

Meaghan Kenny

If you’re keen to get a little bit of all three—including the Sichuan city of Chengdu—Heald recommends the Classic China tour offered by Remote Lands that highlights some of the country’s most significant historical and cultural sites. (Also: pandas.) Speaking of nature, don’t be afraid to venture out of the cities, if time permits. For getting off the beaten path, Zhang recommends the mountainous province of Yunnan, while Heald mentions that travelers seeking spiritual experiences are going to Tibet (which requires another entry permit).

What else should Americans know before traveling to China?

It’s important to remember that the Great Firewall of China is very real: Websites like Google (including Gmail), YouTube, Facebook, and others are blocked in the country, Heald says, “especially if they touch on sensitive subjects.” She recommends downloading a VPN (virtual private network) to all of your devices before entering China, which allows you to freely use the Internet as usual. “If you do not wish to get a VPN, then plan accordingly and notify any concerned parties that you may be out of touch for a few days,” she says.

Still, China is changing at a rapid pace, Zhang notes. “Some of our recent travelers have described it as stepping into the future .” In the main cities, taxi cars are mostly electric. Sustainability is taking a leading role in development, and high-speed trains connect the entire country, with new rail lines opening regularly. Digital payments have swept every corner of the nation—“everybody from luxury stores to street food carts has a QR code”—and almost no one carries cash or credit cards. Zhang says, “For those who have visited China before, it has changed. And for those who have not visited before, you’re in for something wholly unexpected indeed.”

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What to know about KP.2 — the new COVID 'FLiRT' variant in Australia

A subvariant that quickly became the leading covid-19 strain in the united states was recently detected in australia..

Experts are continuing to urge Australians to ensure they're properly vaccinated against COVID-19. Source: AAP / Jason O'Brien

• Highly transmissible COVID subvariant KP.2, which quickly spread through the US, was recently detected in Australia.
• Experts said that, while most Australians don't face much risk, vulnerable populations should remain cautious.
• The public health advice remains the same: get vaccinated, be vigilant and stay home if symptoms appear.

What is the new COVID-19 variant?

Are the flirt variants cause for concern.

• What was thought to be a 'significant' COVID-19 milestone wasn't at all
• Why a popular COVID-19 vaccine has been withdrawn worldwide
• The push for a new COVID vaccine — and when Australians could get it

What should the general population do?

Share this with family and friends

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China accuses Australian navy helicopter of flying near airspace in ‘provocative move’

Foreign ministry says Chinese jet pilot took ‘necessary measures at the scene’ after Australia claimed flares were released in front of helicopter

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China’s foreign ministry has accused an Australian navy helicopter of deliberately flying “within close range” of Chinese airspace in a “provocative move” in the latest military altercation between the two nations.

The Australian government said China released flares in front of the helicopter in the Yellow Sea as HMAS Hobart participated in an operation to enforce United Nations sanctions against North Korea.

The Australian government has maintained the helicopter was in international waters in the Yellow Sea, between the Chinese and Korean coastlines, and strongly condemned the alleged actions of the Chinese jet pilot. But in China’s first reaction to the claims, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Australia of making “risky moves”.

“What truly happened was an Australian military aircraft deliberately flew within close range of China’s airspace in a provocative move that endangered China’s maritime and air security in the name of enforcing UN security council resolutions,” Lin said during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

Lin said the Chinese military “took necessary measures at the scene to warn and alert the Australian side”.

“The way the situation was handled was consistent with our law and regulations, professional and safe,” he said.

On Monday, the Australian defence minister, Richard Marles, described the incident as “unprofessional”, “unsafe and completely unacceptable”, saying serious concerns had been raised with China’s government.

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Lin said China had raised its own “serious protests” with the Australian government, and stated that Australia should “immediately stop the provocations and hypes to prevent misunderstanding and miscalculation”. His statement did not mention, or deny, claims of the use of flares.

Donald Rothwell, a leading professor of international law at the Australian National University, said the Australian government’s reference to “international waters in the Yellow Sea” was ambiguous. He said China, South Korea and North Korea had all asserted maritime claims in the Yellow Sea and there were no agreed maritime boundaries.

The encounter occurred about 7.30pm on Saturday. Defence sources said Australian destroyer HMAS Hobart was in international waters in the Yellow Sea, participating in Operation Argos to enforce international sanctions against North Korea.

A navy Seahawk helicopter, attached to HMAS Hobart, was conducting what was described as a routine flight when it was said to have been intercepted by a Chinese J-10 fighter jet.

Marles accused the Chinese jet of dropping flares near the helicopter, 300 metres in front and 60 metres above it. He said the Australian pilot had to take evasive action to avoid the flares. No injuries were reported but Marles said the consequence of being hit by the flares would have been “significant”.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the Australian defence force personnel had been “going about their job” in international waters and airspace while enforcing sanctions.

“That is part of Australia being good global citizens and Australian defence force personnel should not be at risk whilst they’re doing that,” he told reporters in Rockhampton.

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Albanese brushed off opposition criticism about the strength of Labor’s response and insisted that his government had “made very strong representations at every level to China about this incident, which we regard as unprofessional and unacceptable”.

But Albanese reiterated that it was important for Australia to maintain dialogue with China, and confirmed that the Chinese premier, Li Qiang, would visit in June.

The shadow defence minister, Andrew Hastie, accused Albanese of being “weak in his response” to the “pattern of aggressive behaviour that we’ve seen from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army towards the ADF over the last two years”.

“I think it is high time the prime minister raised this with president Xi [Jinping],” Hastie told Sky News. “He needs to have a man-to-man conversation, set a boundary and draw a line in the sand.”

The assistant US secretary of state, Daniel Kritenbrink, said on Tuesday that the US was “deeply concerned” about the incident and expressed solidarity with Australia.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Canberra, Kritenbrink said the incident was part of a broader trend in which China’s military was becoming “more aggressive and assertive at operating in waters and airspace on the periphery of China”.

Kritenbrink expressed concerns that such dangerous behaviour could “lead to an accident and worse”.

He praised Australia for helping to enforce UN sanctions related to North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs, and urged China to do more to implement those sanctions “rather than engaging in conduct that is viewed as unsafe”.

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‘Unacceptable’: Australian PM criticises China over fighter jet incident

Protests lodged after Chinese aircraft fired flares in path of an Australian navy helicopter above international waters.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Beijing of “unacceptable” conduct after reports a Chinese fighter jet fired flares in the flight path of an Australian navy helicopter over international waters.

The MH60R Seahawk helicopter was flying above the Yellow Sea on Saturday as part of the United Nations’s efforts to enforce sanctions on North Korea when a Chinese Air Force J-10 jet dropped flares above and several hundred metres ahead of it, Australia’s Department of Defence said late on Monday evening.

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“We’ve just made it very clear to China that this is unprofessional and that it’s unacceptable,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Australia’s Nine Network on Tuesday.

Albanese said Australia has raised its concerns through diplomatic and military channels, although Beijing had yet to respond.

The Australian Defence Force personnel were “in international waters, international airspace, and they’re doing work to ensure that the sanctions that the world has imposed through the United Nations on North Korea, due to their intransient and reckless behaviour, are enforced,” he said.

“They shouldn’t have been at any risk,” he added.

This is the second such incident in six months after Canberra in November said a Chinese destroyer had injured Australian Navy divers in Japanese waters by deliberately blasting them with sonar pulses.

Beijing’s foreign ministry denied deploying the sonar, and said no harm had been caused.

Albanese made a breakthrough trip to China last year, hailing improved economic ties after years of bickering and reprisals.

But tensions remain when it comes to security, as Australia moves closer to the United States in an effort to counter China’s expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to visit Australia next month, Albanese noted.

“We will make our position clear as well in discussions,” he said.

‘Breach of international law’

On Monday, Defence Minister Richard Marles said the flares were 300 metres (986 ft) in front of the helicopter and 60 metres (197 ft) above it, forcing the pilot to “take evasive action in order to not be hit by those flares.”

The minister said the consequence of being hit by the flares would have been significant. In the event, no injuries or damage were reported.

Australian National University navy expert and former naval officer Jennifer Parker told the public broadcaster ABC that the Chinese use of flares was “incredibly dangerous” and could have led the engines to shut down.

“This isn’t normal by any stretch of the imagination,” she said. “Impeding its flight path I would interpret as a breach of international law.”

In 2022, Australia lodged a protest after a Chinese navy vessel pointed a laser at an Australian military aircraft close to Australia’s northern coast.

In a separate incident in 2022, Australia said a Chinese fighter aircraft “ dangerously intercepted ” an Australian military surveillance plane above the disputed South China Sea, releasing a “bundle of chaff” containing pieces of aluminium that were ingested into the Australian aircraft’s engine.

Chinese navy ships have been tracked off Australia’s coast several times in recent years, including monitoring exercises with the US military.

Chinese Australians' travel plans up in the air as COVID-19 surge grips China ahead of Lunar New Year

Chinese Australian Emma Wei was evacuated from Wuhan with her two kids three years ago, but she has booked tickets to return and see her ailing grandfather as China eases travel restrictions.

For her upcoming trip to China, Ms Wei will have to do several COVID tests and doesn't mind the additional steps required to re-enter Australia, which were recently announced by the health minister.

"The Chinese government requires a 48-hour pre-departure PCR test en-route to China," she told the ABC.

"On my return, I will be required to take another 48-hours pre-departure PCR test by the Australian government."

China has skyrocketing case numbers and from 12:01am on Thursday, travellers like Ms Wei will have to show Australian authorities evidence of a negative result from a COVID test before she returns.

"I think it is fair enough unless requirements escalate to forced quarantines … I don't think it is discriminative as it is really due to the severe nature of the COVID-19 situation in China."

She had thought about taking the whole family back with her initially, but the high cost of air travel deterred her.

"I cannot afford the air tickets for the whole family to go as it would easily be over $10,000 — too expensive for me," she said.

Another Chinese Australian citizen keen to make the trip to China is Sydney businessman Jeff Suo.

He booked a flight to China as soon as he heard quarantine requirements for travellers arriving in the country had been scrapped.

"Both of my parents are old, and it's a Chinese tradition to go home at the Chinese New Year to reunite with your family," Mr Suo said.

"There is an old Chinese saying that when your parents are alive, there is always a place to come.

"I want to cherish every reunion with them at home."

When he arrives in China, Mr Suo will join hundreds of millions of people visiting family across the country as the spring festival travel season, also called Chunyun, gets underway on January 7.

The world's largest human migration comes as Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 22, welcoming in the Year of the Rabbit and marking the first time in three years there have been no COVID-19 restrictions on people travelling at this time in China.

But the new year holiday period comes at a difficult time in the pandemic, when positive cases in China are soaring and the Chinese government has relaxed quarantine measures for overseas travellers from January 8.

Bobo Law moved to Melbourne from Hong Kong and has plans to travel back there in a few months.

She said she understood the requirements imposed by Canberra, and didn't want a new variants coming to Australia.

"I think the government wants to do it because it wants to protect people in Australia. Why not?"

Ms Law also said she believed there was an issue with a lack of accurate statistics on cases numbers and deaths coming out of China.

The World Health Organization has asked Chinese officials to provide real-time information on the COVID wave in China to the international community, including genomic sequencing that identifies new variants.

Analysts estimate 9,000 people a day are dying with COVID in China, but official government information show very low figures .

China says restrictions on travellers 'unnecessary'

With a lack of data from China, governments around the world including the US, UK, Japan, France, Israel, Spain, Italy, Taiwan and South Korea have implemented new restrictions on travellers from China.

In Australia, from January 5, people arriving from China will be required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test and show evidence of a negative result.

"There are concerns, in an environment of cases spreading so quickly, about the possibility of the emergence of a new variant," Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said on Sunday.

But on Monday night it was revealed that Australia's Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly told Mr Butler there was not a "sufficient public health rationale" for the move .

Professor Kelly advised in the absence of any "specific threat" from a COVID-19 variant, and with high vaccination rates in the country, any restrictions or additional requirements on China were unnecessary. 

When asked repeatedly about the new travel requirements some countries were imposing, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin said in the past few days "medical experts from different countries have said that entry restrictions on travellers arriving from China are unnecessary".

"For all countries, COVID response measures need to be science-based and proportionate and apply equally to people of all countries without affecting normal travel and people-to-people exchange and cooperation," he said.

"We hope that all parties will follow a science-based response approach, and work together to ensure safe cross-border travel, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and contribute to global solidarity against COVID and the world economic recovery."

'I want to wait and see'

As infections surge and the international community reacts, many Chinese Australians are not sure if now is the best time to travel back to China.

Bing Liu, who has lived in Australia for more than 20 years, is one of them.

"The current COVID situation in China is still rather unstable, so I want to wait and see," Ms Bing said.

The restrictions for people travelling from China back to Australia have also made her think twice about visiting China now.

Ms Bing caught the virus in Australia and her two elderly parents also got COVID at a nursing home in China.

"Currently, nursing homes in China are managed under a closed-loop, so even if I manage to go back to China, I probably won't be able to see my parents."

After many years working from home, Ms Bing has now decided to take her long service leave this year to travel around Australia and Asia instead.

'Hasn't crossed my mind'

Yan Wei's daughter passed her Year 12 exams this year with flying colours, and if it were not for the pandemic, Mrs Yan said she would definitely consider taking her family back to China for a visit.

Mrs Yan was in Shanghai at the end of 2019 and early 2020 when the first COVID outbreak emerged in Wuhan.

Three years on, she is not so sure about travelling to China.

"Honestly, it hasn't crossed my mind."

Mrs Yan said almost all of her extended family in China have been infected with COVID since early December when restrictions in China were eased.

"Thankfully they are in the process of recovering," she said.

China's abrupt COVID-19 policy change

The opening up of travel to and from China this spring holiday season came as a surprise to many Chinese Australians.

For nearly three years, China had maintained a strict COVID-zero policy, a suite of harsh restrictions including lockdowns, mass testings and limited travel designed to keep infections under control.

But in December, after a series of lockdown-related protests, Beijing abruptly began easing COVID rules , then announced it would resume issuing passports for tourism .

In late December, President Xi Jinping made his first public comments on COVID since his government changed course.

In a televised speech to mark the New Year, Mr Xi said China had overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges in the battle against COVID, and that its policies were "optimised".

"Since the outbreak of the epidemic … the majority of cadres and masses, especially medical personnel, grassroots workers, braved hardships and courageously persevered," he said. 

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Starved for tourists, San Francisco turns to Chinese influencers

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For Alex Bao, a travel influencer known as “Super Bao” on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, a bowl of cioppino was the highlight of his trip to San Francisco in late March.

"The seafood caught that very day, cooked with a rich tomato soup base, paired with a crispy piece of bread," Bao gushed to his 1.27 million followers on Weibo, “is simply perfect.”

Bao's posts on Weibo and other Chinese social media sites in early May garnered thousands of likes and hundreds of comments. He was then invited to share his experiences on a popular radio station, Beijing Joy FM, to recommend San Francisco’s attractions. His objective was clear—to showcase the city to his Chinese audience and help bring more Chinese tourists to San Francisco and California.

“I must follow this [food tour] itinerary,” one Weibo user commented on his post. Bao responded, “A must-do! Go eat them! Haha” with smirking emojis.

But Bao’s boosterism didn’t come for free. Visit California, a state-affiliated nonprofit with a mission of promoting tourism, invited him to San Francisco and sponsored his trip.

It’s not the first time Visit California has worked with foreign influencers to champion the Golden State, but the practice stalled during the pandemic. Now, the group is homing in on influencers from a specific country—China—whose tourists’ spending power is more important than ever as cities like San Francisco scramble to recover badly needed tourism revenue. 

Because China is reopening now, the agency confirmed that Bao and three other travel bloggers with massive followings are the first group of Chinese influencers that the organization sponsored to come to California since the pandemic. They are expecting more partnerships like this with influencers from different countries, too.

Bao’s trip was meant to spotlight food and wine, while the other three influencers focused on culture, lifestyle , and outdoor road trips in Southern California and along Highway 1 .

The total cost of Bao’s trip is unclear, but the agency said it partnered with airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and restaurants to host Bao's weeklong journey in Northern California, which included stops in Napa Valley and Tri-Valley.

‘It has changed but also hasn’t changed’

Bao has visited San Francisco before, and he said he came away with some new impressions of the city this time.

“San Francisco—it has changed but also hasn't changed,” Bao told The Standard in Mandarin on Wednesday. “It's still the same old San Francisco. The diversity, restaurants and entertainment venues look quite nice and the same.”

But the city doesn’t feel as lively as it did before the pandemic, he said. He pointed out construction work is seemingly all over town but said Presidio Tunnel Tops , which opened in 2022, amazed him.

Bao is a solo traveler who can produce content independently and speaks fluent English, having lived overseas. This makes him especially competitive in the travel influencer and marketing industry, and he often receives offers of free trips from Western travel agencies.

The local tourism nonprofit San Francisco Travel collaborated with Visit California to provide guidance and recommendations for Bao.

During his trip, Bao indulged in wine and Italian food in North Beach, dining at the iconic Sotto Mare, where he ordered the cioppino, and other famous restaurants like Tommaso's, Tony's Pizza Napoletana and Liguria Bakery. He also visited the Presidio and tried the newly opened fine-dining Mediterranean establishment Dalida, and he sampled a wine flight at Jax Vineyards’ tasting room in SoMa.

“Promise me you will try these restaurants in San Francisco,” Bao posted on Xiaohongshu , a popular social media site among younger Chinese people living in their home country and abroad. "They are awesome(绝了)!”

Courting China's tourists

Travelers from China play an outsize role in California and San Francisco's tourism industry, because they spend more money in the city than visitors from other parts of the U.S. As the country reopens, China is expected to be the top overseas market for the number of tourists visiting San Francisco and the amount of tourist dollars spent in the city, according to the Global City Travel database by Oxford Economics .

Though these numbers are bouncing back, they still aren’t where they were before the pandemic. Roughly 370,000 Chinese visitors are expected to come to San Francisco and San Mateo County, where the San Francisco International Airport is located, in 2024, spending more than $800 million. In 2019, the arrival and spending numbers were 518,000 and $1.2 billion, respectively.

Mayor London Breed personally met with multiple airlines in China last month to encourage them to offer more flights to San Francisco. 

According to the Mayor’s Office, there are 25 flights per week between China and San Francisco. The city is expecting that number to increase to 35 by the end of the calendar year—an improvement but still below the roughly 50 flights per week before the pandemic. 

“Mayor London Breed is proud that SFO is leading the way in the recovery of China flights compared to all other U.S. airports,” said the Mayor’s Office in a statement.

Visit California also recently introduced a new slogan, describing the state as an “ultimate playground,” while Gov. Gavin Newsom stood on top of the Golden Gate Bridge touting a strong comeback in tourism numbers and “the beauty and magnificence of the San Francisco Bay.”

Lori Lincoln, San Francisco Travel's vice president, said she was thrilled to see Bao’s posts on Chinese social media. She’s looking forward to more of China’s influencers coming to the city as sponsored guests in the future.

“Firsthand reporting like [Bao’s],” she said, “will help attract more visitors from China.”

Han Li can be reached at [email protected]

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