The United States has expanded its wrongful detention warnings to include China, placing the world's second-largest economy alongside Russia and Eritrea on a list of countries where American citizens face the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention.
- The US has issued a new travel warning for China, warning Americans of the risk of wrongful detention without fair legal process.
- Eritrea also faces a wrongful detention warning, with reports of American citizens—especially dual nationals—being detained without charge and limited diplomatic access.
- China now has the 'D' risk indicator, previously applied to Eritrea and Russia, though it remains at Level 2, advising increased caution for travelers.
- Russia carries the same wrongful detention designation but has a more severe Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory due to security risks linked to the war in Ukraine.
The US State Department updated its travel advisory on Monday, October 19, 2026, adding the “D” risk indicator to alert Americans that they could face detention without a fair legal process.
According to the State Department, Americans should exercise caution in mainland China because of the “arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the use of exit bans without a fair and transparent process under the law, and the risk of wrongful detention”.
“The U.S. Department of State has determined that Americans are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of China,” the advisory states.
The warning follows the detention of American scholar Min Zin and seismologist Youlin Chen, with the State Department formally declaring in August 2026 that Min Zin, who was arrested in June, was wrongfully held.
Washington also warned that Chinese authorities have detained Americans for activities ranging from academic research to accessing publicly available information, raising concerns about their treatment under Chinese law.
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Eritrea faces similar US detention concerns
China's new designation places it alongside Eritrea, the only African country carrying the same wrongful detention warning.
The East African country has remained under a Level 2 travel advisory since July 31, 2023, with Washington citing wrongful detention, travel restrictions, landmines and limited consular assistance.
In its latest security alert on October 9, 2026, the US Embassy in Asmara warned of rising tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia, including reports of continued fighting in northern Ethiopia near their shared border.
The embassy also warned that Eritrea does not recognise dual nationality, exposing dual US-Eritrean citizens to taxation, exit restrictions and compulsory national service, with limited diplomatic protection.
These concerns are compounded by Washington's accusations that Eritrean authorities detain American citizens without formal charges or on false allegations.
“U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Eritrea, including dual U.S.-Eritrean nationals, have been arrested and detained without charge or on false charges,” the State Department warns.
It further states that “the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Eritrean government exists”, adding that Eritrean authorities routinely deny American diplomats access to detained citizens
Russia also faces US wrongful detention warning
Russia is another major country carrying Washington's wrongful detention designation, although its travel advisory is more severe than those issued for China and Eritrea.
The US State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Russia, citing wrongful detention, terrorism, unrest and security risks linked to the continuing war in Ukraine.
In its advisory issued on December 29, 2025, Washington warned Americans against travelling to Russia because of the risk of harassment, arbitrary enforcement of local laws and detention by Russian security officials.
“The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens remains high,” the State Department warns, adding that American citizens already in Russia should leave immediately.
Washington also accuses Russian security services of arresting Americans on false charges, denying them fair treatment and securing convictions without credible evidence.
The State Department says the US Embassy in Moscow has limited ability to assist detained citizens because Russian authorities may deny American diplomats access to prisoners.