China warns citizens about UK border checks after phones seized: what travellers should know

On 27 October China's Foreign Ministry said Chinese citizens had been held for long periods and had phones seized at UK borders, and lodged representations. Here is what the UK power allows and what to do.

At the regular Foreign Ministry press conference on 27 October 2026, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the ministry and the Chinese Embassy in the UK had recently received multiple reports of Chinese citizens being held and questioned for long periods by UK border officers when entering or leaving the country, with phones and other electronic devices seized. China expressed strong dissatisfaction and serious concern, said it had lodged formal representations with London, and urged Chinese citizens planning a trip to the UK to read the embassy’s safety notice carefully.

The embassy notice was released around 20 October via the consular channel “领事直通车”. According to Xinhua, those affected included members of a business delegation, people visiting family and ordinary tourists, and UK officers cited the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. The embassy asked Chinese citizens in the UK and those planning to travel to raise their self-protection awareness, protect their property and privacy, and learn the relevant UK rules in advance. For anyone heading to the UK to study, work or join family, the border itself now needs more preparation than before.

What power the UK is using

Schedule 3 of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 allows “examining officers” at UK ports to stop, question, search and detain travellers to determine whether they appear to be engaged in “hostile activity”. Under the Home Office’s current Schedule 3 Code of Practice (revised October 2025, replacing the December 2023 Code), the power does not require reasonable suspicion, although selection must not be arbitrary; the whole examination including detention must not exceed six hours; and articles kept for examination may be retained for up to seven days (longer on other grounds, for example as evidence). A person must give the officer information in their possession that is requested, and wilfully failing to comply or obstructing a search can be a criminal offence.

A person who is formally detained is entitled to consult a solicitor in private (publicly funded) and must receive a written Notice of Detention setting out their rights and duties; if communication is difficult, officers must make reasonable efforts to find an interpreter. The Code is published on the UK government website. Chinese reports do not say which provision was applied in each case.

What to do before and at the border

1. Before you goRead the embassy notice and save the consular protection numbers and the 12308 hotline
2. Travel light on devicesCarry only the phones and laptops you need, keep sensitive work files off them and back up important data
3. Keep documents togetherPassport, visa or ETA, invitation letter, address and return details, so you can explain your trip
4. If you are stoppedStay calm, politely ask which power is being used and whether you are formally detained, ask for the written notice and an interpreter
5. If you are detainedAsk to consult a solicitor and contact the Chinese Embassy or consulate as soon as possible
6. AfterwardsNote the time, place, officer numbers and seized items, and keep receipts to follow up on their return

What it means for Chinese people moving to the UK

The notice does not change any visa rules: Chinese citizens with a valid visa or status can still enter and leave the UK normally, but checks at the border have become less predictable. Students, skilled workers and business travellers who fly between China and the UK often should plan for the possibility of questioning and allow extra connection time. Visa categories and documents are covered in our UK visa guide, and life, work and safety in the UK on the UK country page; check your passport validity before travel too, see Passport application and renewal.

Sources

1. 2026年10月27日 Foreign Ministry regular press conference (Guo Jiakun) (accessed October 2026)
2. Xinhua: Chinese Embassy in the UK reminds Chinese citizens about UK border checks (20 Oct 2026) (accessed October 2026)
3. UK Home Office: Schedule 3 Code of Practice (revised October 2025) (accessed October 2026)
4. Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, Schedule 3 (legislation.gov.uk) (accessed October 2026)