Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs safety advisories before you travel; steer clear of any locations marked “Do Not Travel”

1. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs safety advisories before you travel; steer clear of any locations marked “Do Not Travel”

Cost: It’s free. Simply browse the Chinese Consular Service website — it takes just a few minutes.

In plain terms: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs classifies overseas safety risks into four levels, with the highest level labeled “Do Not Travel.” As of September 15, 2026, avoiding high‑risk countries and regions has been codified in administrative regulations. When processing travel documents or at border control, officials will remind travelers and may even advise them against going. A quick glance at that page before departure is all you need.

Benefit: The Ministry publishes safety advisories ranked from low to high risk: “Exercise Caution,” “Increase Safety Precautions,” “Travel with Care,” and “Do Not Travel.” The new regulation effective September 15, 2026, also spells out citizens’ obligations: “Chinese nationals should pay attention to overseas safety advisories and destination‑specific risk warnings, and avoid traveling to or staying in high‑risk countries or regions.” It further mandates that immigration authorities — responsible for issuing travel documents and border checks — warn and, if necessary, dissuade anyone planning to visit such areas. The original wording reads: “For Chinese citizens intending to travel to countries or regions with the highest risk level or where incidents threatening personal safety occur frequently, authorities must, when appropriate, dissuade them from going.”

Evidence grade: A

Sources: State Council of China (2026). Regulations on Exit and Entry Management (National Order No. 841). <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202607/content_7077173.htm> (Article 2); State Council of China (2023). Regulations on Consular Protection and Assistance (National Order No. 763). <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202307/content_6891761.htm> (19, 21); Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Security Reminder. <https://cs.mfa.gov.cn/zggmzhw/lsbh/aqtx/>

Notes: Advisories are updated as situations evolve; this guide does not list them, so be sure to check the page yourself before you travel. As of September 7, 2026, the “Do Not Travel” warnings covered Eswatini (August 25, 2026), Palestine (October 10, 2023), Sudan (April 17, 2023), Afghanistan (February 17, 2023), Syria (January 4, 2023), Peru (December 29, 2022), Somalia (November 24, 2022), as well as specific warnings for northern Myanmar and certain provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travel agencies also have a duty to inform clients; before joining a tour, you can request a written summary of destination risks.