U.S. Warns Travelers They Risk Years in Jail Abroad

WHO:

NY Post - The U.S. State Department warned American tourists about risks associated with travel to the destination.

Fox News - The advisory concerns Americans visiting mainland China.

Fox News - Travel expert Bobby Laurie, described as a longtime travel expert and former flight attendant, offered safety advice.

Fox News - The State Department said Americans face a serious risk of wrongful detention by the Chinese government.

WHAT:

NY Post - The State Department issued a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory, warning of elevated risks of arbitrary detention, exit bans, and digital surveillance.

Fox News - The advisory warns that routine professional, academic, and personal activities may be treated as criminal offenses under China’s broad security laws.

Fox News - The State Department said some people have been detained or deported over private messages critical of Chinese authorities, including messages sent outside China.

Fox News - People detained could spend years in jail with limited contact with family members or U.S. officials.

Fox News - Exit bans can prevent travelers from leaving China even when they have not been detained; some bans have lasted for years, and the advisory says there may be no clear way to challenge them in court.

Fox News - The advisory says relatives of people under investigation, including children, have also been affected by exit bans.

Fox News - “U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart China,” the State Department said.

Fox News - Laurie advised travelers to “Be aware of your surroundings. Think before you take a picture,” and to use a device stripped down to what they need and leave confidential information at home.

WHERE:

Fox News - The advisory applies to mainland China.

WHEN:

Fox News - The article quotes the advisory as dated “Oct. 19”; omitted because it is not a future date.

WHY:

Fox News - The advisory cites wrongful detention and restrictions on leaving China as reasons for caution.

Fox News - Exit bans have been used during investigations and business or civil disputes.

HOW:

Fox News - The advisory warns that Chinese authorities may monitor emails, texts, and social media. It states: “Assume that China’s security services can read your emails, texts and social media posts if you send them to or from China.”

Fox News - Travelers are advised to carry a U.S. passport and valid Chinese visa, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and arrange regular check-ins with family or an employer.

(UPDATED October 22, 2026 19:23 UTC)

The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to exercise increased caution when traveling to mainland China, citing risks of wrongful detention, exit bans and digital surveillance. The Level 2 advisory warns that China’s broad security laws may treat routine professional, academic or personal activities as crimes. Authorities have detained or deported people over private messages critical of the government, including messages sent from outside China. Those detained may face years in jail with limited contact with family or U.S. officials. Exit bans can also prevent travelers from leaving, sometimes for years, with no clear way to challenge them in court. Even relatives, including children, may be affected, and travelers might not learn of a ban until they try to depart. Travel expert Bobby Laurie advises keeping devices free of confidential information, thinking before taking photos and watching your surroundings.