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October 11, 2007 8:43
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1. RECENT UPDATES Hong Kong and Section 1 (Current Issue removed) of this Travel Report has been updated. See our Current Issues page for information on Avian Influenza. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Most Canadian visitors to China do not experience problems. Isolated acts of violence, including bombings and protests have occurred. Demonstrations are illegal and should be avoided. Participants may be subject to severe legal action. Crime against foreigners occurs, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Violent crime is relatively rare, although foreigners have been attacked and robbed, particularly in popular expatriate bar areas of Beijing and Shanghai. Foreigners have also been attacked in the shopping district of Shenzhen, located across the border from Hong Kong. Canadians should be extremely vigilant while in Shenzhen and surrounding areas. Police presence is poor in areas bordering on Burma (Myanmar), Laos, Pakistan, Siberia, and Vietnam. There is a risk of armed bandit attacks in remote parts of China. Canadians in south China should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly in commercial and public establishments. They should also monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft of mobile phones and laptop computers, is prevalent, even during the day. Travellers should be vigilant in all crowded locations, including tourist sites, trade fairs, restaurants, coffee shops, Internet cafés, markets, and department stores. Do not carry large sums of money. Secure valuables, including passports, in hotel safe-deposit facilities. Copies of passports/ID and a small supply of cash should be carried separate from other valuables. Petty crime and sexual harassment occur on buses and overnight trains. Ensure that the train compartment contains packages belonging only to you and other occupants. Store personal belongings in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Doors should be securely locked. Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships in the South China Sea occur. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Chinese authorities and was valid on April 28, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Visas must be obtained prior to departure. Foreigners have been fined or expelled for arriving without a visa. Transit visas are not required for travellers who are on continuing international flights, who hold tickets on connecting flights, or who will remain at the airport for no more than 24 hours while awaiting transit. Travellers who wish to leave the airport while awaiting transit must request a stopover permit from the Chinese border authorities at the airport. Travellers visiting The Government of the People's Republic of For further information on All foreigners (tourists, visitors, and long-term residents) must register their place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. If you are in a hotel, registration is done as part of the check-in process. Those staying with family or friends in a private home must also observe this requirement. Failure to do so can result in fines and/or detention. All travellers are subject to medical screening upon entry into Foreign visitors complete a Passenger’s Luggage Declaration before proceeding through the customs area at the Chinese port of entry. There are absolute prohibitions against arms, drugs, and plant or animal products considered infested with disease or pests. There are also restrictions on the entry of printed matter, film, photos, videotapes and CDs considered detrimental to the interests of A health declaration card must be completed upon arrival. HIV-positive status is grounds for refusal of entry or deportation. Anyone applying for permanent residence, or intending to stay or study for longer than one year, must either produce upon arrival an HIV test certificate (approved by a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad) or undergo a test within 20 days. The test should be conducted in Police authorities (Public Security Bureau) are rigorously enforcing visa validity and residency registration requirements for foreigners. There have been raids and spot-checks in residential areas of Permission is required for travel to Canadians who intend to reside in Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required Working Visa: Required A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses: China - BEIJING, Embassy of Canada Address: Consular Section, 19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chao Yang District, Beijing 100600 Tel.: 86 (10) 6532-3536 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 10800-1400125; 00800-2326-6831 Fax: 86 (10) 6532-5544 E-Mail: beijing.consular@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.beijing.gc.ca Consular district: The embassy's consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Xijiang, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangxi. China - CHONGQUING, Consulate of Canada Address: Room 1705, Metropolitan Tower, Wu Yi Lu, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing 400010 Tel.: 86 (23) 6373-8007 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 10800-1400125; 00800-2326-6831 Fax: 86 (23) 6373-8026 E-Mail: chonq@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.chongqing.gc.ca Consular district: The consulate's consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou. China - GUANGZHOU, Consulate General of Canada Address: China Hotel Office Tower, Suite 801, Liu Hua Lu, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510015 Tel.: 86 (20) 8666-0569 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 10800-1400125; 00800-2326-6831 Fax: 86 (20) 8667-0267 E-Mail: ganzucanadaconsul@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.guangzhou.gc.ca Consular district: The consulate general's consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Hainan. China - Hong Kong, Consulate General of Canada Address: 13th Floor, One Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central Hong Kong SAR Postal Address: P.O. Box 11142, Hong Kong SAR, Tel.: (852) 2810 4321 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-800-2326-6831 Fax: (852) 2847 7561 E-Mail: hkong-cs@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/asia/hongkong/menu-en.asp Consular district: The consulate general's consular district includes Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions. China - SHANGHAI, Consulate General of Canada Address: American International Centre,West Tower, Suite 604, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200040 Tel.: 86 (21) 6279-8400 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 10800-1400125; 00800-2326-6831 Fax: 86 (21) 6279-8401 E-Mail: shngi@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.shanghai.gc.ca Consular district: The consulate general's consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, and the city of Shanghai. For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Beijing and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 10800-1400125. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS Canadians of Chinese origin should be aware of serious personal security issues before travelling to China. There have been a number of recent cases of Canadian-Chinese dual nationals experiencing difficulties, even though they entered the People’s Republic of China using a Canadian passport. Dual nationality is not recognized in China. Travellers should ensure that they are well informed regarding Chinese law as it relates to determination and loss of Chinese citizenship. Recognition of Canadian citizenship is not automatic. According to the Consular Agreement between Canada and the People’s Republic of China, Chinese authorities should consider Canadian-Chinese dual nationals entering on a Canadian passport as a Canadian citizen. However, consular assistance has been denied to Chinese-Canadians even though they had entered on a Canadian passport. Canadian-Chinese dual nationals using Chinese travel documents to enter China, have and will be denied Canadian consular services. It is important to note that Chinese authorities have and will refuse Canadian consular officials access to Canadians of Chinese origin who are detained in the People’s Republic of China. For more information, see our publication entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know. You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. There is a consular agreement in place between the governments of Canada and China that obliges Chinese authorities to notify the embassy or relevant consulate without delay when a Canadian is arrested or detained, provided that the person used a Canadian passport to enter China. Canadians who are arrested or detained should state clearly to the public security authorities that they wish to contact the embassy. Detention during the investigative period before charges are laid is common and can be lengthy. The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services to Canadians who have used their Chinese or Hong Kong travel documents to enter mainland China is limited. Canadian officials are unable to assist detained Canadians who enter China with their Hong Kong ID. Furthermore, Chinese authorities will refuse Canadian consular officials access to detained Canadians of Chinese origin who have travelled to Canada on a Chinese Public Affairs passport and did not subsequently return to China, or who travelled to Canada at state expense and then did not return to China. In such cases, Chinese authorities consider these persons to be Chinese citizens until they have officially renounced their Chinese citizenship and settled any outstanding financial obligations. Canadians of Chinese origin should carefully consider these issues before returning to China. Canadians can obtain additional information from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada before departure. Canadian business travellers have been detained and had their passports confiscated as a result of business disputes with their Chinese counterparts. Seek legal advice from professionals in China, as well as in Canada, before proceeding with business agreements or arrangements. Ensure that all documents are translated, so that conditions, terms, and limitations are understood. Disputes are often costly and prolonged. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Drug offenders receive severe penalties, including the death sentence. There are restrictions on certain religious activities, such as preaching, distributing literature, and associating with unapproved religious groups, including some Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim organizations. The Falun Gong movement has been banned in Some defence lawyers may be reluctant to accept cases involving foreigners. Canadians who experience such difficulty should consult with the Embassy of Canada in Photography of military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Poor driving standards and poor road conditions make travelling hazardous. Travelling after dark outside major cities is not recommended. Canadian and international driving licences are not recognized in China. Foreigners must hold a foreigner residence permit and meet local requirements to obtain a Chinese driver's licence. Travel near military installations is restricted. China has an extensive system of passenger trains. Most trains are slow, although there are express trains on the well-travelled routes. Taxis are plentiful in major cities and can be obtained at hotels or taxi stands. Drivers generally do not speak English, so you should arrange for a Chinese-speaking person to write out your destination in detail on a card before you go. Rental cars are available only in the largest cities, generally with a driver. Ferry incidents have occurred in China due to the overcrowding of some vessels. Exercise caution and common sense when using marine transportation and do not board ferries that are overloaded. The currency is the renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of currency is the yuan. Counterfeit renminbi are relatively common, especially in southern China. It is illegal to use foreign currency. Foreign currency should be exchanged at officially approved government facilities only. Any amount over the equivalent of US$6,000 in cash (or equivalent in foreign currencies) must be declared at customs upon arrival in China. The declaration record must be retained to show officials upon departure. Permission is required from a Chinese bank in order to leave with amounts between US$6,000 and US$10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currencies). Travellers are reminded that those who abuse foreign currency regulations will be punished according to Chinese law. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at most hotels. Major credit cards are not widely accepted in China. Some Chinese banks will provide cash advances using these accounts, but they may charge for the service. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and some larger shops. It is possible to use bank cards to draw on your Canadian bank account at automated banking machines in several places. These international bank machines taking Cirrus, PLUS or Maestro are restricted to a few sites in larger cities and most international airports. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE China is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Beijing or the nearest consulate in the event of an emergency. The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from April to October. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and hamper the provision of essential services. Flooding is common in central, western, and southern China, particularly the areas bordering the Yangtze River. The Karakoram and Khunjerab pass routes can be hazardous due to landslides. Typhoons are common along the southern and eastern coasts. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. See our Current Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons. Air pollution is severe, especially in heavily industrialized areas; levels change quickly and should be closely monitored. Travellers with respiratory problems should take this health risk into account and consult with their physician prior to travelling. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Tibet, Qinghai, parts of Xinjiang, and western Sichuan are situated at altitudes over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). Travellers to these areas should obtain information on altitude sickness before departure. Hospitals that meet international standards may be found in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and a few other major cities. Travellers should ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment. To obtain a list of doctors and hospitals, contact the Embassy of Canada (address above). Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne disease, is present in areas of southern China from June to August. Several hospitals in the larger cities have special services, designed for foreigners, with English-speaking staff. Medical care in clinics offering Western-style care for foreigners is much more expensive and must be paid for on the spot, using U.S. dollars or a credit card. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Teaching English in China: There are many opportunities for teaching English in China. However, Canadians need to be well informed before signing a contract. Ensure that the contract specifies the maximum number of classroom hours per day and per week, maximum work days per week, and vacation periods. Canadians teaching in China, particularly at newly established private secondary schools and private English training centres, have often found their employers unable or unwilling to honour contract terms or to assist in obtaining Chinese employment visas and other permits required for foreigners to teach lawfully in China. Canadians considering travelling to China to work or study should be aware that they may be required to possess medical insurance (400,000 renminbi). It is recommended that this stipulation be verified with the school or employer prior to arriving in China. It is illegal to work on a tourist (L) visa. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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