Canada Issued Travel Advisory for China

Travellers to China might want to think twice after reading the latest travel advisory update from the Government of Canada. 

After the execution of four Canadians in the last several months by the Chinese government came to light last week, Canada responded with a strong warning for people considering travel to China, adding warnings to the “risk level” information on the page. 

Previous to March 17, 2025, the section stated: “Exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”

After the update, the expanded section highlights the Canadian consulate’s limited ability to provide assistance, and the fact that visitors may be subject to severe punishments, including death, for what China deems serious offenses. It also provides brief information on “exit bans” which prevent visitors from leaving China “if you, your family or your employer and/or business associates are involved in any open civil or criminal investigations, including business disputes.”

Additionally, the government advises dual citizens to travel on their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian citizens to Chinese authorities. China does not recognize dual citizenship and people who travel on Chinese documents won’t have access to Canadian aid. The four Canadians who were executed were dual Canadian-Chinese citizens, who the Chinese government said were involved in criminal and drug activity. The Canadian government has not released details due to privacy concerns for the convicted people’s families.

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