Entry Procedures
This information is as of 2026/08/11.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
Visa required: Visa required for most nationalities. Transit visa exemptions available.
Max stay: Up to 30 days (tourist L visa)
How to apply: Apply at Chinese embassy/consulate or visa center. Fee varies by nationality.
⚠ 144-hour visa-free transit available at major cities for eligible nationalities. Conditions apply.
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.
Blank pages: At least 2 blank pages required for entry stamps.
⚠ Must be valid for at least 6 months. One blank page needed per visa stamp.
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
Arrival card: Paper arrival/departure card distributed on flight
Documents needed: Valid passport, visa, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation.
⚠ Fill in Chinese address (hotel). Fingerprints collected at immigration.
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
Declaration threshold: Must declare USD 5,000 or CNY 20,000 or equivalent.
How to declare: Use red channel and complete customs declaration.
⚠ Strict enforcement. Gold and silver items must also be declared.
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Tobacco: 400 cigarettes (Chinese residents: 200)
Alcohol: 2 bottles (max 750ml each, max 12% for 1.5L+)
Perfume: Reasonable personal use
Other goods: CNY 5,000 for residents; CNY 2,000 for short stays
⚠ Excess duty-free goods subject to tax. Expensive items may be inspected.
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Prohibited items: Illegal drugs, weapons, explosives, counterfeit goods, obscene materials, endangered species products (CITES).
Country-specific: Certain publications, media, and GPS devices. Strict drug laws.
⚠ DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking. VPN software in a gray area. Avoid political materials.
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
General rule: Personal medications for up to reasonable supply allowed with documentation.
Restricted/banned: Strong painkillers, psychotropics. Traditional Chinese medicine exports may be restricted.
Recommended: Carry bilingual (English/Chinese) doctor's letter. Keep in original packaging.
⚠ Quantities exceeding personal use may require import permit.
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
Required: Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area.
Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis for tropical/rural areas.
⚠ Check WHO yellow fever endemic country list. Transit of 12+ hours may trigger requirement.
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
Process: Arrival → Immigration (passport control) → Baggage claim → Customs (green/red channel) → Exit.
Biometrics: Fingerprints (10-print) taken for all foreign visitors (14-70 years old). Photo taken.
Typical wait: 30-90 min at major airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). Can be longer.
⚠ Fill arrival card completely. Officer may ask about itinerary and accommodation.
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
• Have hotel address written in Chinese characters.
• Fill arrival card in advance (distributed on flight).
• VPN apps should be installed before arrival (stores blocked in China).
• 144-hour transit visa-free: do not leave the designated area/city.