Planning a trip to China? Understanding China's visa requirements, 240-hour visa-free transit policy, customs rules, arrival procedures, and exit requirements can make your journey easier.
This guide answers 25 common questions about entering and leaving China, including requirements at Beijing Capital International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Foreign travelers need a valid passport or travel document and must meet the requirements of their visa, visa-free entry, or transit program. Required arrival information must also be completed.
China does not currently offer a general standalone e-Visa for tourists. Travelers who need a visa generally apply through the Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or an authorized visa application center.
A China Port Visa may be available to foreigners with urgent and necessary reasons for entering China. Applicants need supporting documents, and approval is determined by Chinese immigration authorities.
Citizens of 57 eligible countries can transit through designated Chinese ports, including Beijing Capital International Airport, without a prior visa for up to 240 hours (10 days), provided they meet all requirements. The permitted period starts from 00:00 on the day after entry.
Travelers generally need a valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, and documents proving they meet the transit requirements. The passport should generally have at least three months of remaining validity.
Travelers can move within the designated areas permitted under the 240-hour transit policy. They cannot use the policy as unrestricted visa-free entry to travel anywhere in mainland China.
A single-entry visa allows one entry into mainland China. A double-entry visa allows two entries during its validity period. The permitted length of stay is specified separately.
Apply sufficiently early to allow time for processing and additional requirements. Around one month before departure is a reasonable guideline, although there is no universal one-month legal requirement.
Passengers making a qualifying international airside connection and remaining in the designated transit area generally do not need a Chinese entry visa. Requirements can vary depending on the itinerary and nationality.
The foreigner arrival card collects basic personal, passport, travel, and accommodation information. Travelers can complete the information online before departure or electronically or on paper at the airport.
Foreign travelers may be required to provide biometric information during immigration inspection. Fingerprints are generally collected from foreign nationals aged 14 to 70, subject to applicable exemptions.
After immigration and baggage collection, travelers must complete customs procedures. Passengers with goods requiring declaration should use the declaration channel, while eligible passengers with nothing to declare can use the non-declaration channel.
Foreign currency cash equivalent to US$5,000 or more generally must be declared. Chinese currency carried in cash is subject to a separate RMB20,000 limit.
Reasonable quantities of personal medication are generally allowed. Keep medicines in their original packaging and carry a prescription or doctor's documentation. Controlled or restricted medicines may have additional requirements.
Prohibited or restricted items include weapons, ammunition, narcotic drugs, counterfeit currency, certain obscene materials, and specified animals, plants, agricultural products, and other biosecurity-sensitive goods.
Certain high-value electronic equipment that will later be taken out of China may be declared upon entry. Luxury goods are not automatically subject to declaration simply because they are expensive.
Foreign travelers must present a valid passport or travel document and complete border inspection procedures. Boarding and flight information are also checked as part of the airport departure process.
Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, deportation, or restrictions on future entry. Travelers needing more time should contact the local immigration authority before their permitted stay expires.
Foreign visitors may apply to the local exit-entry administration authority for an extension or other change to their stay authorization when eligible. Approval depends on the circumstances and applicable regulations.
Travelers must comply with Chinese animal-quarantine requirements and the destination country's rules. Health certificates, vaccinations, and other documentation may be required.
Commonly cited passenger allowances include up to 400 cigarettes and 1,500 milliliters of alcoholic beverages, but limits vary by product category and passenger circumstances. Travelers carrying cigars or other tobacco products should check the applicable current allowance.
Hotels generally register foreign guests with the authorities. Foreigners staying in private accommodation generally need to complete accommodation registration within 24 hours.
An M visa is intended for commercial and trade activities, while an L visa is for tourism. M visa applicants may need an invitation or other supporting documents from a Chinese organization.
Report the loss to the relevant Chinese authorities and contact your embassy or consulate for a replacement passport or emergency travel document. Additional immigration documentation may be required before departure.
China widely supports international bank cards, cash, and mobile-payment services such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. However, payment options for specific immigration and customs fees vary, so travelers should keep a backup payment method available.