Chinese Authorities Remind Citizens Traveling to the U.S. of Entry Safety Risks

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, the Consular Department of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on its WeChat official account that approximately 20 Chinese scholars holding valid visas were recently subjected to unreasonable questioning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Seattle airport while attempting to enter the United States to attend academic conferences, and were subsequently denied entry.

The announcement pointed out that in light of continuous incidents of malicious questioning and harassment targeting Chinese scholars at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies and consulates in the U.S. remind individuals planning to travel to the United States to enhance their safety awareness and avoid entering through this airport. They are also advised to thoroughly understand U.S. entry regulations in advance and make all necessary preparations. Should they encounter questioning by U.S. law enforcement officers, they should remain calm and respond rationally.