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

Travel advisories for China

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory for China is Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, dated October 19, 2026; this advisory is issued at the country level, not specifically for Haikou.
• The UK FCDO advice is also country-level for China and notes that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, though foreigners have not been specifically targeted; travelers should take particular care during national holidays and at public transport hubs and follow local authorities' guidance.
• China's national security laws have broad scope, and the FCDO warns that visitors could be detained without having intended to break the law, including for activity that occurred outside mainland China; those with past links to foreign governments, media outlets, or NGOs may face greater scrutiny.
• The FCDO states that serious crime against foreign nationals is relatively rare but advises keeping track of belongings at major tourist sites and busy places where foreign nationals gather; isolated violent attacks, including vehicle and knife incidents, have occurred in public places such as schools, supermarkets, and hospitals.
• Solo travelers, especially women, should be cautious about drink spiking, as the FCDO notes personal attacks and sexual assaults are rare but can happen; avoid leaving drinks unattended or accepting them from strangers, and exercise added caution when out after dark.
• The FCDO warns of scams such as the 'tea tasting' or 'massage' scam in tourist areas, where friendly strangers invite visitors to an establishment that then demands a large fee, sometimes followed by threats or credit card fraud; travelers should also be aware of QR code phishing risks given the widespread use of QR codes in China.
• Travelers should always carry a passport, since the FCDO notes police conduct random identity checks and printed copies are not accepted; failure to produce ID can result in a fine or detention, and photographing or visiting sensitive or restricted areas, including military zones, can lead to detention, fines, or deportation.