The Government of Canada has updated its China travel advisory due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, often with severe punishments.
Global Affairs Canada announced changes to the advisory on March 17, following the execution of four Canadians in China in recent months. All four of the individuals were "dual citizens" and were all "facing charges linked to criminal activities according to China, linked to drugs."
The Canadian government now advises travellers to exercise "a high degree of caution" in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Canada has a limited ability to provide consular assistance in China due to the level of transparency in the country's judicial system. This may also impact a traveller's ability to get effective legal counsel.
What might happen if I travel to China?
The advisory notes that travellers to China may be punished severely, even for non-violent acts, such as financial crimes. For crimes deemed serious offences, the Chinese authorities may apply the death penalty.
Travellers may also face an exit ban, but they won't know about this until they go through customs and immigration controls upon leaving the country. Chinese authorities may prevent them from returning home if their family, employer, business associates, or close companions are involved in civil or criminal business disputes, even regarding business.
Any traveller planning to visit China should obtain a visa before departing on their trip. While some visitors may be eligible for a visa on arrival, the Canadian government strongly advises them to obtain it in advance. There is no guarantee that a visa will be granted.
A special note on Canadians with dual citizenship to China
Canadians who hold dual Chinese-Canadian citizenship should always travel using their valid Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to Chinese authorities.
Dual citizens who enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card may be refused access to Canadian consular services. The Chinese government may consider them citizens of China and refuse to acknowledge access.
Canada updates United States travel advisory
Canada has also recently changed travel advice for travellers headed to the United States, urging travellers to monitor its advisories for updates amid mass detentions for travellers from around the world.
Travellers visiting the U.S. for trips over 30 days must also register their trips or face penalties, fines, or even prosecution.
With files from the Canadian Press.
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