FACT SHEET
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
March 20, 2008
The
XXIXth Olympic Summer Games and the Beijing Paralympic Summer Games will take
place from August 8-24, 2008, and September 6-17, 2008, respectively. There are seven major venue sites, six
outside of Beijing, including Hong Kong, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Tianjin. Equestrian
events will be held in Hong Kong and sailing events in Qingdao. Qinhuangdao,
Shanghai, Shenyang,
and Tianjin
will host the soccer preliminaries.
The
Beijing Organizing Committee for the 29th
Olympiad Games (BOCOG) website provides additional information on the XXIXth
Olympic Summer Games, including information on hotel accommodations, tickets,
transportation, and advice for spectators. Please see the
Beijing Paralympic Summer Games website for information
regarding those games. The U.S. Embassy’s Beijing Olympics website and the CDC travelers’ health website provide additional information
to American citizens planning to travel to China or Hong Kong SAR to see or
participate in the Games.
Many
U.S.
citizens will be traveling to the Olympics this summer. If you plan on being in China for events in August or
September, early preparation is the key.
Please review carefully the information presented here.
Security Assessment:
THREAT LEVELS: The threat level for terrorism against Americans in
China
remains low. However, any large-scale
public event like the upcoming Olympic Games could become the focus of
terrorist acts or other forms of violence.
There is no reason to believe that U.S. citizens are being targeted at
this time. However, recent violence in
Tibet and a purported early March failed attempt to create an explosion on a
passenger plane in flight from western China’s Xinjiang Province to Beijing are
good examples of how potentially dangerous events can occur in the run-up to
the Olympics. U.S.
citizens planning travel to China
should regularly check www.travel.state.gov
for updated travel warnings, alerts or cautions. U.S. citizens planning to attend
Olympic events or to participate in any large-scale public gatherings during
the Olympic Games are advised to use caution and to be alert to their surroundings
at all times. The threat level for political violence also
remains low. In most major metropolitan
areas, the Chinese authorities employ an overwhelming police/security presence
to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful.
Protestors must receive an official permit from municipal authorities
prior to being allowed to gather.
CRIME: Major metropolitan areas in China
are relatively safe, especially in comparison with similar sized cities in
other developing countries. A sizeable
law enforcement and security presence serves as an effective deterrent against
most types of crime, including those of a violent nature. Nevertheless, the Mission assesses that while the overall crime
threat is low, the number of criminal incidents, including those directed
against Americans, continues to rise.
Travelers
are strongly encouraged to be aware of their surroundings while in China. Continued vigilance is necessary to reduce
the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.
As a general rule, lesser developed areas in major cities have a higher
rate of crime. Statistically, more
crimes of opportunity transpire during early morning hours; for example,
individuals who frequent bars, nightclubs, and similar establishments are more
likely to be involved in physical altercations after midnight.
PRIVACY & SAFETY: All visitors should be
aware that they have no reasonable expectation of privacy in public or private
locations. All hotel rooms and offices
are considered to be subject to on-site or remote technical monitoring at all
times. Hotel rooms, residences and
offices may be accessed at any time without the occupant’s consent or
knowledge. Many hotels and apartment
buildings may be of substandard construction, lack emergency exits, fire
suppression systems, carbon monoxide monitors and standard security equipment
(locks, alarms, and personnel).
Americans traveling abroad should be reminded to review fire evacuation
procedures for hotels, apartments or offices.
PRIVATE SECTOR SECURITY: Chinese law does not permit
foreign private security officers to carry firearms in China. Foreign private security officers have no law
enforcement authority in China. Due to the increased access restrictions
around Beijing during the Olympics, the Mission recommends the use
of expeditors and/or Chinese chauffeurs to assist the movements of VIPs. To date, Beijing Olympic organizers have established
one approved private guard company during the Olympics to provide security
services, Beijing Security Service General Company.
For
additional information on safety/security in China, please see the following:
·
Department of State Worldwide Caution
·
U.S. Embassy Beijing’s Warden Messages
·
U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong Warden
Messages
·
Department of State's "A Safe Trip Abroad"
·
Department of State’s "Top 10 Tips for Travelers"
·
Beijing OSAC Crime and Safety Report 2008
Before
You Go:
One
way to make your foreign travel safer and more enjoyable is to inform yourself
about what you will find when you arrive overseas. The Department of State
publishes Country Specific Information for
both China and Hong Kong SAR that includes
information on usual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political
disturbances, usual currency and entry regulations, crime and
security--including risk of terrorism, and drug penalties. The Country Specific Information presents
information in a factual manner so that you can make your own decisions about
your travel.
·
Registration: The Department of State urges you to register with the U.S. Embassy in
Beijing or the respective U.S. Consulate in China
or Hong Kong SAR, via our Internet-Based Registration System.
Important Note: Since this
registration system site is not always available from within China, registering before
you leave home is highly recommended.
If you need to register, are already in China, and have not been successful
registering on the internet, please contact AmCitBeijing@state.gov.
Registration will help us locate you in the event
there is a general emergency or if someone in the United States needs to reach you
about an urgent matter. Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S.
Government to U.S.
citizens who are traveling to, or living in a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information
about your overseas country of residence or upcoming trip abroad. You should also leave a copy of your
itinerary, a copy of your passport data pages, and your contact information
with family or friends.
·
Dual Nationals: Dual national Americans, particularly those with dual Chinese and
American nationality, should realize that entering China using their non-U.S. passport
could mean that the Chinese Government may not afford them the consular
protections to which they are entitled. While the U.S. Government will
offer consular services to all U.S.
citizens regardless of dual nationality, use of other than a U.S. passport to enter China can make it difficult for U.S.
Consuls to assist dual national Americans who have been arrested or who have
other concerns with the Chinese Government.
Additional information about dual nationality
can be found on our web site.
Important Note:
If you are a dual American/Chinese citizen and are arrested or
detained in China, the
choice you made on which passport to use in entering China will be very important. U.S.
Embassy and Consulate officials are often denied access to arrested or detained
Americans who do not enter China
using their U.S.
passport.
·
Customs: Customs authorities from both China and Hong Kong SAR may enforce
strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export of items
such as firearms, religious materials (these are limited to personal use only),
antiquities, medications, medical equipment, business equipment, and other
items. It is advisable to contact
the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. or one
of China’s consulates in the United States for specific information
regarding customs requirements. The Hong
Kong Department of Customs and Excise provides specific information
regarding Hong Kong SAR customs requirements.
·
Authentic Goods: In many countries around the
world, including China,
counterfeit and pirated goods, including medications, are widely
available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing
them back to the United
States may result in forfeitures and/or
fines. A current list of those
countries with serious problems in this regard can be found here.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
may impose corresponding import restrictions in accordance with the Convention
on Cultural Property Implementation Act. CBP maintains general travel information. For China specific information please
see QBPC
- Quality Brands Protection Committee - China.
·
Ticket Scams: Those interested in
purchasing tickets to the Olympics Games should make sure that they order their
tickets from the official Beijing Olympics website or in
the United States
through CoSport, the designated sales agent.
Entry Requirements:
There are differing requirements for travel to and
between China
and Hong Kong SAR. Please see the Country Specific Information for China and Hong Kong for specific entry
requirements.
Important Note: Failure to
comply with entry requirements for China and Hong Kong SAR may be
strongly penalized. Persons attempting
to enter China
without a visa or a passport may be detained, arrested, or deported.
Special
Notes:
·
Re-Entry to and Transit of China: Visas are required to transit China. Persons transiting China on the way to and from Mongolia or North
Korea or who plan to re-enter from the Hong
Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions should be sure to
obtain visas allowing multiple entries.
·
Tibet: Permits are required to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas
not normally open to foreigners. Every
foreigner going to Tibet
needs to get a travel permit which can be obtained through local travel
agents. Permits cost RMB 100, are
single-entry and valid for at most three months. Most areas in Tibet are not open for
foreigners. Foreigners can be fined,
taken into custody and removed for visiting restricted areas.
For information about entry requirements and
restricted areas, travelers may consult:
Visa Office of the Embassy
of China
(PRC)
2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Room 110
Washington D.C.
20007
Phone: (202) 338-6688 and
(202) 588-9760.
·
Air Travel Confirmation: Travelers should note that
international flights departing China
are routinely overbooked, making reconfirmation of departure reservations and
early airport check-in essential. An
airport user fee for both international and domestic flights is now included in
the cost of the ticket price.
·
Exiting China: The most recent information is that China
requires that you do not exceed the expiration date of your Chinese visa. When you depart China to return home, your visa may
be checked and a fine imposed for an overstay.
While
You're There:
Since
the 2008 Olympic Games will be held in various cities throughout China and Hong Kong SAR, contact information for
all the U.S. Consulates General in China, the U.S. Consulate General
in Hong Kong SAR, and the U.S. Embassy Beijing are listed at the end of this
information sheet. U.S. consuls stand ready to assist Americans in a variety of emergency situations
overseas, including lost and stolen passports, illness, temporary destitution,
crime, or arrest. If an American citizen
becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U.S. consular officer can assist in
locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also
assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. However, payment of hospital and other
expenses is the responsibility of the traveler, and hospitals normally request
advance payment. Your medical insurance
company can advise you on whether your policy applies overseas and whether it
will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. More information can be found on the health section of State
Department’s website http://www.travel.state.gov/.
American
visitors to China
should ensure their passports are well-protected and out of reach of
pickpockets. Americans with Chinese
residence permits should carry these documents and leave their passports in a
secure location except when traveling.
All Americans are encouraged to make photocopies of their passport
bio-data pages and Chinese visas and to keep these in a separate, secure
location. If
your U.S. passport is lost
or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing or one of our U.S. Consulates General in China
or Hong Kong SAR before continuing your travel abroad or
returning to the United
States.
For more information, please see the State Department’s Frequently Asked Questions.
Note: The U.S. Embassy in Beijing and U.S. Consulates General throughout China
and Hong Kong SAR will offer expanded hours during the Olympics. Please check the Embassy website for most current
information on opening hours and other important and up-to-date information.
American
citizens who need financial assistance should explore commercial options such
as Western Union or other money wire
services, credit card advances, or automatic teller machines (ATMs) (please
note that not all ATMs accept international credit cards). In emergencies, the U.S. Embassy and
Consulates General can help you contact family and friends to have them send
money. For more information, please see
the Department of State's webpage on Providing Financial Assistance to Americans
Abroad and its link to the Department's Overseas Citizens Services Trusts.
Please
note that consular officers in our Embassy in Beijing
or Consulates General throughout China and Hong Kong SAR cannot
act as travel agents, banks, lawyers, investigators, post offices, or law
enforcement officers. They cannot find
you employment, get you residence or driving permits, act as interpreters,
search for missing luggage, or settle disputes with hotel managers. They can, however, tell you how to get help
on these and other matters.
Americans
traveling or living in China
and/or Hong Kong SAR are subject to those legal systems and can be arrested for
violating local law. The Department of
State or the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General cannot have an
American released from prison. However, U.S.
consular officers can provide other types of assistance. For more information, please see the
Department's flyer on Assistance to Americans Arrested Abroad.
Despite
the best preparation, crises like natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or
mass-transportation accidents can occur.
For information on what you can do in a crisis and how the U.S.
Government can assist you, please see the Department of State webpage on Crisis Awareness.
Health
Information:
The
Chinese health-care system and facilities in China
differ from those in the United
States.
Chinese hospitals tend to be more crowded, personnel may have limited
English-speaking skills, and medication and treatment standards are different
than what Americans might expect. The
same brand of medication taken regularly in the United
States will probably not be available in China,
and imported supplies are not typically permitted, so please check with your
physician if you must take medication daily.
Make sure to bring enough medication for the length of your trip and any
unexpected minor delays. It is important to bring your regular medications in
their original containers and a copy of all prescriptions, including the
generic names for medications. If you
take a controlled substance or an injectable medication, you should also bring
a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery. Some medications are not allowed in China,
so it is important to check customs information before traveling.
Information
on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water
precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern in China. For further information, please
consult the CDC's information about TB.
For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad
consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and the CDC travel notices pages.
More health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith. Additional information on Avian Influenza may
also be found on the State Department’s website and
the CDC’s travelers’ health website.
·
Insurance: The Department of State urges Americans
traveling overseas to ensure they have adequate medical insurance, including
insurance for medical evacuations.
Medicare recipients should know that Medicare does not cover medical
expenses abroad. For more information,
see the State Department’s flyer Medical Information for Americans Traveling
Abroad. Please note that some
private insurance companies do not cover medical care overseas, so do check
your policy before traveling and consider purchasing additional insurance. Similarly, some travelers, particularly those
who have underlying or chronic illnesses should consider purchasing medical
evacuation insurance. Policies differ
regarding their provisions so it is important to read them thoroughly. Since Chinese hospitals typically require
payment before treatment, it is important that Americans have sufficient funds
available.
Useful Contact Information:
United States:
·
Department of State's Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis
Management
·
Within U.S. and Canada:
1-888-407-4747
·
From overseas: 001-202-501-4444
·
Department of State's National
Passport Information
Center
·
Within the U.S.: 1-877-487-2778
·
TDD/TTY from within the U.S.:
1-888-874-7793
· &n