China
3 governments, 3 different opinions
Japan (MOFA)
Level 1
Applies to: Xinjiang Uyghur and Tibet Autonomous Regions
Level 1: Exercise Caution
MOFA issues no nationwide danger advisory, but rates the Xinjiang Uyghur and Tibet Autonomous Regions at Level 1 (Exercise Caution) due to past riots and indiscriminate attacks.
United States (State Dept)
Level 2
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detention. Dual nationals and people of Chinese descent face heightened scrutiny. (Maintained March 12, 2026.)
United Kingdom (FCDO)
The FCDO highlights the risk of arbitrary detention and exit bans, strict rules on photography near sensitive sites, scams, and the need for a VPN to access many Western apps and websites.
Japan rates Xinjiang Uyghur and Tibet Autonomous Regions at Level 1, while the US Level 2 covers the whole country. The two numbers describe different areas, so they cannot be compared directly.
The US asks for increased caution across China, citing arbitrary enforcement of local laws, exit bans, and the wrongful detention of foreign nationals. Japan's MOFA does not foreground any of that; its advisory covers only the Xinjiang Uyghur and Tibet Autonomous Regions, at its lightest category. The gap here is less about severity than about what each government counts as a risk. For most visitors the day-to-day friction is practical: Western services such as Google, LINE and WhatsApp are blocked without a VPN, foreign-issued cards often will not work (WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate), and photographing military sites, government buildings or protests can lead to detention.
What Each Government Says
Japan (MOFA)
Level 1: Exercise Caution
“MOFA issues no nationwide danger advisory, but rates the Xinjiang Uyghur and Tibet Autonomous Regions at Level 1 (Exercise Caution) due to past riots and indiscriminate attacks.”
United States (State Dept)
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detention. Dual nationals and people of Chinese descent face heightened scrutiny. (Maintained March 12, 2026.)”United Kingdom (FCDO)
See our advice before travelling
“The FCDO highlights the risk of arbitrary detention and exit bans, strict rules on photography near sensitive sites, scams, and the need for a VPN to access many Western apps and websites.”Destination Customs
Prohibited / Restricted Imports
Drones — bringing drones into Beijing is banned (effective May 1, 2026); elsewhere registration is required. Spare lithium batteries must be in carry-on (≤100Wh each).
Satellite phones and certain GPS/radio transmitters — restricted; may be confiscated.
Politically sensitive, religious-proselytising, or material deemed obscene (print or digital) — prohibited.
Foreign currency over US$5,000 or RMB 20,000 must be declared.
Medicines — carry a prescription; some psychotropic drugs are controlled.
Export Restrictions
Antiques and cultural relics made before 1949 — export controlled; an official red seal/permit is required.
Endangered-species products (ivory, certain traditional-medicine ingredients) — prohibited under CITES.
Customs rules can change. Always verify with the local customs authority or embassy before travelling. See Japan return customs guide
SAFE-SENTINEL Tips
💡 Based on all 3 sources:
- 1.Install a reputable VPN before you arrive — Google, LINE, WhatsApp, Instagram and many sites are blocked, and VPN apps cannot be downloaded once inside China.
- 2.Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay (both can link foreign cards) — cash and foreign credit cards are often not accepted.
- 3.Do not photograph military, government, police, or protest scenes — it can lead to questioning or detention.
- 4.Carry your passport at all times; hotels require it and police can ask for ID.
- 5.Personal VPN use is widely tolerated for tourists, but selling or operating unapproved VPNs is illegal — use discreetly.
- 6.Bringing drones into Beijing is banned (since May 1, 2026); register drones and check local rules elsewhere.
- 7.Download offline maps (Western map apps are unreliable) and use Didi for taxis; avoid unmetered cabs.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Travel Insurance (card benefit)
The Epos Card (no annual fee) includes overseas travel accident insurance. Covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Apply for Epos CardOverseas eSIM (TORA eSIM)
140+ countries. No pickup needed — set up instantly on your phone. Stay connected in emergencies.
View TORA eSIM* This section may contain affiliate links. This does not affect the neutrality of our content.
Emergency Contacts
Japanese Embassy
+86-10-8531-9800Local Emergency
110💡 In a panic, you won't have time to find this page. Save these numbers to your phone now.
Have you registered for Tabireji?
With Tabireji, you'll receive emergency notifications by email when something happens at your destination. Without it, evacuation notices won't reach you.
Takes about 3 minutes
Register for TabirejiHealth & Vaccination Info
Check the following official sources for infection risks and recommended vaccinations at your destination.
Sources & Freshness
⚠️ This information may not reflect the latest situation. Always check official sources before travelling.