Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Chinese laws prohibit public demonstrations without a valid permit obtained from the Chinese Public Security Bureau in the city where the demonstration is planned. 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. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Police reports are necessary in China in order to obtain new visas from Chinese authorities.
Chinese authorities require that travelers have valid visas to exit China and to travel and register in hotels within China. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad. Passports and visas are required. Conference and NGO Forum participants require a business visa. The length of stay is determined by the amount of time requested when applying for the visa.