Insurance provider warns Beijing visitors to carry sufficient I.D. Image: AFP

All travellers to Beijing should carry adequate identification and exercise vigilance, following the commencement of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Chinese authorities are expecting demonstrations and as a result have beefed up police presence in the People’s Republic capital.

“Travellers visiting Tiananmen Square and nearby precincts can expect more random identity checks,” SureSave executive director Michael McAuliffe said.

“In China, it's mandatory for all travellers to carry their passport at all times.”

Photocopies are not an accepted form of identification and fines or detention may result.

SureSave advises any travellers detained or who have lost their passport to immediately contact Australian consular officials at the Embassy in Beijing.