Hours after lodging a protest with Beijing, India’s foreign ministry released a public advisory asking citizens “to exercise due discretion” when travelling to China or using Chinese airports as transit hubs. The advisory, posted the evening of 8 December, reiterates concerns that Indian passports—especially those showing birthplaces in Arunachal Pradesh—could be challenged by Chinese immigration officers.
![MEA issues travel advisory urging ‘due discretion’ for Indians travelling via China]()
The guidance recommends that travellers: (a) carry printed itineraries and proof of onward travel; (b) allow extended minimum-connection times; and (c) maintain easy access to the nearest Indian embassy or consulate hotline. Corporate travel managers have been advised to track employees in real time and establish contingency routing.
While advisories are non-binding, they often influence insurance coverage. Several Indian insurers confirmed that China has now moved to the “heightened risk” watch-list, potentially raising premiums for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) groups scheduled for Guangzhou and Shenzhen trade fairs in Q1 2026.
The guidance recommends that travellers: (a) carry printed itineraries and proof of onward travel; (b) allow extended minimum-connection times; and (c) maintain easy access to the nearest Indian embassy or consulate hotline. Corporate travel managers have been advised to track employees in real time and establish contingency routing.
While advisories are non-binding, they often influence insurance coverage. Several Indian insurers confirmed that China has now moved to the “heightened risk” watch-list, potentially raising premiums for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) groups scheduled for Guangzhou and Shenzhen trade fairs in Q1 2026.
