NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/rec/travel/15542

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From: [e-mail] (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- China
Date: 16 Nov 1992 16:05:01 -0600
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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - China
============================================================
China - Consular Information Sheet
 November 13, 1992

Embassy and Consulate Locations:  The U.S. Embassy in China is
located at Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, Beijing - telephone (86) (1)
532-3831.  There are U.S. Consulates General at Number 1 South
Shamian Street, Shamian Island 20031, Guangzhou - telephone (86)
(20) 669900 Ext. 1000; in Shanghai, located at 1469 Huai Hai Middle
Road - telephone (86) (21) 433-6880; in Shenyang at #40 Lane 4,
Section 5, Sanjing Street, Heiping District - telephone (86) (24)
220000; in Chengdu at the Jinjiang Hotel, 180 Renmin Road -
telephone (86) (28) 582222, Ext. 131.

Country Description:  The People's Republic of China has a stable
communist government.  It has a developing economy, some sectors of
which are industrialized.  Modern tourist facilities are not widely
available except in major cities.

Entry Requirements:  Passports and visas are required.  A transit
visa is required for any stop (even if one does not exit the plane
or train) in China.  Specific information is available through the
Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China at 2300 Connecticut Avenue
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: [202] 328-2500, or from one of
the Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York,
or San Francisco.

Medical Facilities:  The quality of medical care in China is
uneven.  Competent, trained doctors and nurses are available in
major metropolitan centers.  However, hospital accommodations are
spartan and medical technology is not up-to-date.  Doctors and
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas
coverage including provision for medical evacuation has proved to be
useful.  The Department of State's brochure "Tips for Travelers to
the People's Republic of China" contains additional information
concerning medical care in China.  This brochure is available from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.  Questions on health matters can also be
addressed to the Centers for Disease Control through its
international travelers hotline at [phone].

Information on Crime:  China has a low crime rate; however, crime
has increased in the past few years, principally in the major
cities.  Americans and other foreigners have seldom been victims of
violent crime.  Theft is the most common crime affecting visitors
and occurs most frequently in crowded public areas, such as hotel
lobbies, bars, restaurants, and public transportation sites.  Useful
information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security
while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State
pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad".  It is available from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Adoption:  Foreigners wishing to adopt a child in China can expect
to spend at least four weeks in China.  Some have spent six to ten
weeks or longer to complete the adoption process.  Current adoption
information can be obtained by calling the U.S. Department of State
[phone], or writing to The Office of Citizens Consular
Services, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail
sentences and fines.

Customs Information:  Information concerning regulations and
procedures governing items which may be brought into China is
available through the Chinese Embassy and consulates.  Students may
bring into China only a limited number of items which are considered
necessary for study and daily life.  Some Americans resident in
China have been required to pay customs duty on certain large items
each time they temporarily depart China, if required procedures were
not followed when the items were originally brought into China.

Passport Confiscation:  The confiscation of foreign passports of
persons involved in commercial disputes occurs in China.  Under such
circumstances, the U.S. Government will issue another passport to
any American citizen who applies for one.  Even if a new U.S.
passport is issued, the Chinese Government may block departure.

Dual Nationality:  China does not recognize dual nationality.  U.S.
citizens who are also Chinese nationals have experienced difficulty
entering and departing China on U.S. passports.  Dual nationals may
be subject to Chinese laws which impose special obligations.  China
requires that such persons travel on Chinese documentation.  The
United States requires that all U.S. citizens enter and depart the
U.S. on U.S. passports.  Chinese authorities have seized the U.S.
passports of dual nationals.  Dual nationals are advised to register
as U.S. citizens at the U.S. Embassy or one of the U.S. Consulates
in China.  In cases where dual nationals encounter difficulty in a
foreign country of which they are citizens, the ability of U.S.
Foreign Service posts to provide assistance may be quite limited.

Consular Access:  Consular officers are not always notified, when a
U.S. citizen has been detained.  This is particularly true when the
U.S. citizen is also a dual national, and is considered to be a
citizen of China.

Travel to Tibet:  The Chinese Government requires U.S. citizens
wishing to visit Tibet to apply in advance for approval from the
Tourist Administration of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.  More
information is available through the Chinese Embassy or a Consulate
in the United States, or while in China, at the U.S. Embassy or
nearest U.S. consulate general.

Document Seizures:  Chinese authorities have seized documents,
literature, and letters which they deem to be religious,
pornographic, or political in nature.  They have detained and
expelled individuals believed to be  engaged in proselytization or
conduct they consider immoral.

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S.
consulate general can obtain updated information on travel and
security within the country.

 No. 92-095