US Warns Americans Visiting China Of Exit Bans, Arbitrary Arrests And Surveillance

September 10, 2026

Washington: The United States has updated its China travel advisory, warning American citizens about arbitrary law enforcement, surveillance, exit bans and the risk of unjust arrest or detention while visiting mainland China.

The US State Department has maintained its Level 2 travel advisory for mainland China, asking US citizens to exercise increased caution. The advisory was issued on September 4 and was publicised this week by the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.

Americans should exercise increased caution “due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the use of exit bans without a fair and transparent process under the law, and the risk of unjust arrest or detention,” the State Department said.

US Warns Americans About China Exit Bans, Detention Risk

The State Department said China’s national security, counterespionage and data security laws give officials broad authority to detain or question foreign nationals.

According to the advisory, this could put Americans at risk while they are conducting routine business, carrying out research or engaging in public expression.

US citizens who could face particular scrutiny include people of Chinese heritage, individuals involved in business disputes and those connected to US companies involved in disputes in China.

The advisory also identified travellers with current or past affiliations with US law enforcement, the military, intelligence agencies or the federal government. People travelling under US government-funded programmes could also face risks.

US citizens may be detained without being informed about the accusations against them or being given access to consular assistance, the department warned.

Journalists, academics, businesspeople and former government personnel were among the groups the State Department said had faced questioning, detention or expulsion.

China May Use Exit Bans To Pressure Individuals, US Says

The advisory said China had used exit bans to compel people to participate in investigations, settle civil disputes in favour of Chinese citizens or pressure relatives and associates to return to the country.

It said such restrictions had also been used to gain leverage over foreign governments.

Travellers may not discover that they are subject to an exit ban until they attempt to leave China, according to the advisory.

“There may be no available legal process to contest an exit ban in a court of law,” the State Department said.

US Warns Americans About Digital Surveillance In China

The State Department also issued a warning about digital surveillance in China.

Americans travelling to or from China should assume that Chinese security services can read emails, text messages and social media posts sent to or from China, the advisory said.

The updated warning highlights concerns for American travellers who may face increased scrutiny because of their background, occupation, government affiliations or involvement in business and legal disputes.