Is Foshan safe to visit right now? (November 2026)

Travel advisories for China

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory is Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, dated October 19, 2026. This advisory is country-level for China, not specific to Foshan.
• The UK FCDO advice, last updated August 27, 2026, is also issued at the country level and includes general guidance for regions of China, not a Foshan-specific assessment.
• The UK FCDO notes that terrorist attacks in China cannot be ruled out, and while foreigners have not been specifically targeted, attacks may happen in places visited by foreigners. Extra caution is advised during national holidays and at public transport hubs.
• Serious crime against foreign nationals is described as relatively rare, but travelers should watch their belongings at major tourist sites and busy places. Isolated violent attacks affecting foreign nationals have occurred, including vehicle and knife attacks in public places such as schools, supermarkets, and hospitals.
• The FCDO warns of common scams in tourist areas, including the tea tasting or massage scam, where friendly strangers lead visitors to an establishment that then demands a large fee, sometimes followed by threats or violence. Travelers should also be aware of QR code phishing risks given the widespread use of QR codes in China.
• Regarding personal safety for those traveling alone, the FCDO advises that drinks should never be left unattended or accepted from strangers, since drink spiking and sexual assault, while rare, can occur; women traveling alone or with female friends may face higher risk. Travelers should always carry their passport, as police conduct random ID checks and do not accept printed copies.
• The FCDO also highlights risks under Chinese national security laws, which have broad scope and can lead to detention even without intent to break the law, and advises avoiding demonstrations, large gatherings, and sensitive political topics, as well as exercising added caution when taking photographs or visiting areas with large ethnic minority populations.