China Entry Requirements: Visa-Free & Customs Rules

Learn about China entry requirements & rules, including 30-day visa-free waivers, 240-hour transit policies, required documents, customs rules for foreigners worldwide.

China Entry Requirements New Updates 2026

Entry Requirements for Global Travelers to China

Credit: Wikipedia

China Visa-Free Entry Options

China offers two main visa-free entry pathways for eligible travelers:

1. 30-Day Unilateral Visa Waiver: Nationals of 50 countries may enter China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits, conferences, sports competitions, or study tours (≤30 days).
2. 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit: For travelers transiting through China to a third country, 55 countries are eligible for a 10-day stay without a visa.

General China Entry Requirements for Global Travelers

China 30-Day Visa Waiver

China 30-Day Visa Waiver - Full Country List (50 Nations)

Rules for China 30-Day Visa Waiver

• Passport: It must be a regular passport (temporary/emergency passports are invalid).
• The way to get there: You can take a plane, a ship, a train, or even a private car/ship, just complete the additional documents for the private car when needed.
• Multiple entry: Multiple entries are allowed, with no restrictions on the number of entries or the duration of stay, but each entry must not exceed 30 days.
• Minors: Children follow the same rules as adults - they only need a valid ordinary passport.

China 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit

China Visa-Free Transit - Full Country List (55 Nations)

Key Requirements for China 240-Hour Transit

• Document Requirements:
• • Valid passport (with at least 3 months remaining validity from the date of arrival)
  • Confirm the connecting flight ticket to a third country/region (fixed date, seat and destination)
  • Complete the "Landing Card for Foreigners in Transit"
• Travel Restrictions:
• • One must set off for a third country (without returning to the country of origin).
  • Permitted areas: 24 provinces (such as Hainan, Guizhou, Anhui, Taiyuan/Datong in Shanxi, Nanchang/Jingdezhen in Jiangxi)
  • Inter-provincial travel is permitted within eligible regions

Required Documents for China Entry

Credit: Wikipedia

Mandatory Documents for China Entry

1. Valid Passport: Ordinary passport (no temporary/emergency passport)- no damage, no missing pages. It needs to be valid throughout your entire stay (at least 3 months in transit).
2. Travel Tickets:
3. • 30-day visa-free admission: Confirm round-trip flight tickets.
   • 10-day transit: Confirm the connecting flight ticket to the third country.
3. China Arrival Card: Starting from November 20, 2025, you can fill it out online 24 hours before your arrival. You can also use electronic devices or paper forms at the airport.

Recommended Supporting Documents for China Entry

What is China Arrival Card?

Credit: Wikipedia

The China Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering China (including visa-free and transit visitors) except 7 exempt groups. It’s required for entry via air, sea, or land.

Who Needs It?

All foreigners coming to China for tourism, business, transit or visiting relatives, regardless of their visa status, must fill out this card. Exemptions apply to holders of Chinese Foreign Permanent Residence ID cards, non-Chinese with valid Hong Kong/Macau Resident Permits (entering from HK/Macau), group visa holders, 24-hour direct transit passengers staying in the port’s restricted area, cruise ship passengers using the same vessel, pre-approved express entry travelers, and foreign crew of entry/exit transport vehicles.

How & When to Complete It

• Official Channels: NIA website, “Immigration Bureau 12367” app/WeChat/Alipay mini-program, or on-site paper forms/self-service kiosks.
• Timing: Complete online 24–72 hours before arrival (recommended) or on-site (may cause delays).
• Process: Select language → fill in info → submit → save the generated QR code (screenshot it—no internet needed at immigration).

Required Information

This card requires the filling in of personal basic information (name, nationality, date of birth, passport number and validity period matching the full name on the passport), travel details (flight/train/ship number, port of entry, date of arrival), accommodation information (hotel name and address or your host's address in China), contact number (international or Chinese) and travel purpose (such as tourism, business, transit).

Customs & Declarations for China Entry

China Entry Prohibited Items (Do Not Bring)

Things You Must Declare

• Cash: 50,000 RMB or its equivalent (approximately 7,000 US dollars) or more.
• Valuable items: Items worth more than 5,000 RMB (such as laptops, cameras, and jewelry) can be declared when leaving the country to avoid tax payment.
• Product: Samples or gifts not for personal use.
• Medications: Prescription drugs - Bring your doctor's certificate and the original packaging.

Tips for a Smooth China Entry

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Pre-Departure

1. Check if you need a visa: Make sure your country is on the visa-free list (if not, apply for a visa in advance).
2. Passport inspection: The goal is a validity period of at least six months (safer) and two blank pages.
3. Advance reservation: Book tickets for hotels and popular attractions (especially during peak seasons such as holidays).

During Travel

1. Carry documents with you: Keep your passport, entry card and air ticket in a safe but easily accessible place.
2. Useful apps: Download wechat (for messaging and payment), Baidu Maps (navigation), and translation applications.
3. Cash and cards: Bring RMB cash and international credit cards. It's very easy to find ATMs in the city.
4. Health preparation: Bring basic medications (and prescriptions if necessary) and travel insurance.

Entry/Exit

1. Arrival Card: Fill it out accurately. Errors may cause delays.
2. Comply with customs regulations: All necessary items must be declared and no prohibited items should be carried.
3. Boarding in advance: Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before the departure of the international flight to allow time for security checks and immigration.

Final Checklist for China Entry

Remember: Even with visa-free entry, you must complete the arrival card (digital or paper) and meet all entry requirements 

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