China issues US travel warning for citizens after ‘malicious questioning’ at airport

China's foreign ministry has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens of security risks when travelling to the United States, specifically cautioning against entry via Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The warning follows an incident where approximately 20 Chinese scholars, holding valid US visas, were reportedly subjected to "unreasonable questioning" by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Seattle airport and subsequently denied entry.

Citing "repeated incidents of malicious questioning and harassment targeting Chinese scholars" at the same airport, the ministry urged nationals planning trips to the US to "strengthen safety awareness" and "avoid entering through this airport". Citizens were also advised to "make all necessary preparations" and to "respond calmly and rationally" if questioned by US law enforcement officers.

Last year several countries reiterated that foreign visitors who commit alleged visa violations, even accidental, risk arrest at the US border.

Changes to US immigration policy since the re-election of Donald Trump have increased traveller anxiety surrounding detainment and deportation at border crossings and airports.

After taking office, President Trump ordered much tougher controls on “all aliens seeking admission to the United States,” demanding they are “vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible”.

Reports of tourists being detained for visa infractions and heightened security screenings have raised further questions on the risk of US travel.

Even those with valid visas have expressed concerns that devices will be confiscated, social media accounts will be checked or that changes to gender policy will cause problems with passports and travel documents.

The UK Foreign Office does not advise British travellers against going to the US and holidaymakers are unlikely to encounter any issues if they follow entry conditions.

However, FCDO travel advice on visa requirements when entering the US warns: “You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry.

“The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules.

“If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK.”