Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated its Smartraveller advisory for China on 12 November, maintaining the overall “exercise a high degree of caution” level but flagging likely crowds, traffic controls and stricter security at airports, rail stations and Hong Kong border crossings in the run-up to the 18-19 November APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen. The notice urges travellers to allow extra transit time and monitor local media for sudden movement restrictions. It reiterates that Australians can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days under the current waiver valid through 31 December 2026, yet cautions that officials may still deny entry or impose exit bans under broadly defined national-security laws. The advisory also reminds visitors that travel to Gyirong County near the Nepal border remains off-limits following August flood damage, and that other sensitive regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang require additional permits and are subject to heavy ID checks. Corporate security managers should review contingency plans for staff attending APEC-related events or supply-chain meetings in the Pearl River Delta. Companies may wish to schedule arrivals before 16 November or route through Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to avoid possible Shenzhen congestion. Dual nationals should travel on their Australian passports and be aware they may be treated as Chinese citizens once inside the mainland.
Source: DFAT Smartraveller
