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TRAVEL REPORT
China

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 5 has been updated.

Hong Kong and Macao are Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of China. Canadians contemplating travel to China should also review the Travel Reports for China-Hong Kong and China-Macao.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

See our Global Issues page for information on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease and pneumonic plague in China.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

China

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Please see Section 7 for information on H1N1 Flu virus screening measures.

Canadians in China should exercise a high degree of caution at all times. Isolated acts of violence, including bombings and protests have occurred.

Since July 2009, at least 184 deaths and more than 1000 injuries have been reported due to riots in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. Further unrest and sporadic acts of violence cannot be ruled out. Police and local authorities continue to monitor the situation very closely and are taking firm action. The presence of armed police remains very visible. Curfews and restrictions may be imposed on short notice. While there is no evidence to suggest foreigners were or are being targeted, Canadians should reconsider their immediate travel plans to this area. Canadians already travelling in Xinjiang should exercise a heightened degree of caution, avoid gatherings and demonstrations, follow the instructions provided by local security officials and keep Canadian consular officials apprised of their location and travel plans.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to border areas near Burma, in the province of Yunnan.

Since August 2009, violent clashes between the military and armed groups were reported in Burma’s Shan State, a region bordering the Chinese province of Yunnan. Clashes have forced thousands of people to flee Burma across the border. There is concern for the stability of the Chinese region bordering Burma's Shan State and a fear that violence may increasingly spill across the border. Canadians should exercise a high degree of vigilance.

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 abroad, 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.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

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. There is an increase in cases of extortion by rickshaw drivers, particularly in Beijing. Foreign women, travelling alone are more likely to be targeted.

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.

Trekkers should not venture alone in remote or sparsely-populated areas.

Shanghai is a relatively safe city, although you should take the same precautions against crime as you would at home. Petty crime, such as pick pocketing and purse snatching, occurs more frequently at tourist sites such as the Bund, the Yu Gardens, and in the bar area around Hengshan road. Travellers should be aware of one particular extortion scam directed at foreigners: foreigners have been approached by strangers on Nanjing East Road (Nanjing Dong Lu) and invited to a nearby establishment for a drink (usually tea or alcohol). They are then presented with an exorbitant bill and forced to pay under duress and threat of injury. In some cases, the person has been harmed. Visitors to the city should be cautious of unsolicited requests from strangers to "practice English" or to accompany them to an unknown location.

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.

Demonstrations are illegal and should be avoided. Participants may be subject to severe legal action.

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.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions 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 destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Chinese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and its consulates, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit China. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Visas must be obtained prior to departure. The visas must be acquired in the travellers’ country of residence or from the country where they hold a working visa. 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 Hong Kong or Macao from mainland China should ensure they obtain visas allowing multiple entries. Travellers should be aware that visas for mainland China can no longer be obtained in Hong Kong unless the traveller is a Hong Kong resident. For more information, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Anecdotal reports indicate that frequent travellers to China and foreign residents in the country have perceived a change in the visa administration and issuance process. Official sources advise that there is an ongoing effort to strengthen enforcement of existing rules and regulations. Foreign nationals travelling to or residing in China are recommended to thoroughly review all relevant information available regarding the visa issuance process, consult the local visa issuing offices and plan accordingly.

The Government of the People's Republic of China has modified requirements for the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens born in Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan. Visas will no longer be issued to Canadian passport holders whose place of birth is inscribed as Hong Kong HKG, Macao MAC, or (city name) TWN. Canadian passports issued to Canadians born in Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan are now issued only with the place of birth and not the three-letter country code.

For further information on China's new visa rules, please refer to the Passport Office Web site.

Police authorities (Public Security Bureau) are rigorously enforcing visa validity for foreigners. There have been raids and spot-checks in Beijing and other cities. Foreigners are obliged to carry their passport at all times and present it to police authorities on demand.

The residency registration requirement is also being rigorously enforced. 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 normally done as part of the check-in process; those staying with family or friends in a private home must register.) Failure to do so can result in fines and/or detention. Foreign nationals with resident permits are reminded to register after every re-entry into China from abroad as they are not exempted from this regulation which is now being more strictly enforced. Canadians not staying in commercial accommodation are advised to carry proof of their registration in order to avoid problems. It is mandatory for all foreigners to notify the local Public Security Bureau of their departure from China.

All travellers are subject to medical screening upon entry into China. Persons with a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius must undergo further medical examination.

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 Canada, as sanitary conditions are often substandard in local Chinese hospitals.

Foreign visitors complete a Passenger’s Luggage Declaration before proceeding through the customs area at the Chinese port of entry.

Permission is required for travel to Tibet. Travel is permitted only with an organized tour group or a package, which can be arranged through a reputable travel agency, either outside or within China. Agencies that sell packages will also take care of obtaining the necessary permit.

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 China.

Canadians who intend to reside in China are advised that only one pet (a dog or cat) per person can be imported. A Canadian animal health inspection certificate and vaccination certificate should be stamped by your local office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Animals without the proper documentation will be held in quarantine at the port of arrival and could be destroyed if the proper documentation is not provided.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Working Visa: Required

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

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 all visa requirements for this and other destinations, 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 or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions 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.

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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, China
Tel.: 86 (10) 5139-4000
Fax: 86 (10) 5139-4435
E-Mail: beijing.consular@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.china.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 - CHONGQING, Consulate of Canada
Address: Room 1705, Metropolitan Tower, Wu Yi Lu, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing 400010, China
Tel.: 86 (23) 6373-8007
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, China
Tel.: 86 (20) 8666-0569
Fax: 86 (20) 8667-2401
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, China
Postal Address: P.O. Box 11142, Hong Kong SAR,
Tel.: 85 (2) 3719 4700
Fax: 85 (2) 2847 7561
E-Mail: hkong-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.hongkong.gc.ca
Consular district: The consulate general's consular district includes Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions.

China - SHANGHAI, Consulate General of Canada
Address: Shanghai Centre, West Tower Suite 604, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai, 200040, China
Tel.: 86 (21) 3279-2800
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 10800-1400125
Fax: 86 (21) 3279-2801
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 at 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted).

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

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 Health Web site.

The Ministry of Health in China has issued a nationwide alert confirming an ongoing outbreak of an intestinal virus called enterovirus 71, or EV71. This virus causes a variant of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Regions affected by the outbreak are the provinces of Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Guangdong. Reports have also been received from Hong Kong and Macao. According to the World Health Organization, thousands of cases and more than 20 deaths have been officially reported. All of the deaths were children less than 6 years old and most were under 2 years of age. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring the outbreak. For more information, please consult the Travel Health Notice issued by PHAC.

PHAC is also monitoring an outbreak of pneumonic plague in the province of Qinghai and advises travellers to avoid exposure to persons suspected of infection with plague. Travellers should also avoid contact with rodents and take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to flea bites.

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 Global Issues page 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.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The Government of the People's Republic of China has implemented enhanced screening measures at ports of entry in response to the H1N1 Flu Virus outbreak. Travellers entering or exiting the country, or reporting for domestic flights within China, may be subjected to medical examinations and, in some cases, quarantined for up to seven days for medical observation if they are believed to have come in contact with a suspected carrier of the virus. Living conditions in the hotels/hospitals that are being used for quarantine purposes vary according to the jurisdiction.  While visitors to China may experience discomfort at the accommodation and food provided during their quarantine, the Canadian Embassy / Consulate is not able to influence either the duration of the quarantine or the quality of accommodations and food.

Passengers arriving in China will be asked by Chinese authorities to provide detailed contact information for the duration of their stay. Local Health authorities are known to follow up with this information in order to confirm if the travellers are experiencing any symptoms. Foreigners arriving in China from countries where the H1N1 virus is prevalent (including Canada) are also being asked by local authorities to refrain from going to public places for 7 days. There have been reports of meetings being cancelled with business travellers from H1N1-infected countries. Business people travelling to China are advised to seek clarifications from their Chinese contacts regarding the protocols they will follow when meeting with them.

Returning residents of China are being asked by local authorities to self-quarantine for 7 days in their own homes, even if they do not show any symptoms of the virus at the time of their entry into China.

Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne disease, is present in areas of southern China from June to August.

Hospitals that meet international standards and have English-speaking staff 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 in Beijing. 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.

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.

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8. 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.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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 dual nationals using Chinese travel documents or Hong Kong ID to enter China, have and will be denied Canadian consular services. 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.

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death 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.

Detention during the investigative period before charges are laid is common and can be lengthy.

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 or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Some defence lawyers may be reluctant to accept cases involving foreigners. Canadians who experience such difficulty should consult with the Embassy of Canada in Beijing.

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 China. Participants in Falun Gong activities or Falun Gong-related demonstrations are subject to legal action that may include detention, deportation, arrest, and imprisonment.

Photography of military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

Travellers must carry a copy of their passport with them at all times and present it to local authorities upon request.

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9. 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.

In January 2009, the Government of the People's Republic of China implemented new regulations under which foreigners driving in China face much harsher penalties if they are involved in an accident. For instance, the police officers have the right to detain and incarcerate foreigners suspected of being responsible for road accidents until their case is closed, which can take years. It is not uncommon for foreigners to be blamed to have caused accidents even though they are not at fault. Canadians should therefore carefully consider the implications of driving in China.

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. Most taxi drivers do not speak English or French, 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.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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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 (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. 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.

On July 9, 2009, an earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale hit the Yunnan Province, resulting in many injuries and causing extensive damage to infrastructure. Most of the damage was reported in the Chuxiong Prefecture. On October 6, 2008, the Damxung County in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China was struck by an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale. Several strong aftershocks followed. On May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter caused extensive damage to infrastructure, telecommunications systems and transportation routes in the province of Sichuan, The quakes caused several deaths and numerous injuries.

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 Global 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.

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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.

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 abroad, 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.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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