China Transit Guide

China Entry Checklist for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Published 2026-10-06 · Updated 2026-10-06

China Entry Checklist for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Arriving in China for the first time is usually straightforward if you've prepared the basics. This checklist covers the steps that happen before you fly and at the border, with links to official sources for each one.

Check official sources before travel. Entry rules can change at short notice. Use the National Immigration Administration (hotline +86-12367), your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, and your airline. Checked on 6 October 2026.

1. Know which entry route you're using

There are three common routes for short visits:

  • A visa. Apply through a Chinese embassy, consulate or visa centre.
  • Unilateral or mutual visa-free entry. Ordinary passport holders of many countries can currently enter for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges or transit. For most of the listed countries the current policy runs until 31 December 2026 (Chinese Embassy in the UK).
  • 240-hour visa-free transit. For nationals of 57 countries travelling to a third country or region via China (NIA).

Not sure which applies to you? Read visa-free entry vs 240-hour transit or try our transit checker.

2. Check your passport

  • Validity: for 240-hour transit, your passport must be valid for at least three months (NIA). Other routes and airlines may have their own requirements, so check what applies to you.
  • Ordinary passport: the visa-free policies apply to ordinary passports (NIA; Chinese Embassy in the UK).
  • Same passport throughout: use the same passport for your flights, hotel bookings and train tickets.

3. Fill in the arrival card (online or paper)

Foreign visitors need to complete an arrival card. Since 20 November 2025, you can do it online before you travel through the NIA website, the NIA 12367 app, or WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. Paper cards and on-site QR codes are still available at the border (NIA, Nov 2025).

The NIA's online form is at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC.

Some groups don't need to fill one in. The NIA lists seven categories, including permanent residence holders, passengers in 24-hour direct transit, people on the same cruise ship, users of fast-track lanes, and foreign transport crew (NIA, Nov 2025). Most tourists do need to complete one.

Keep the details of your first hotel handy. You'll be asked where you're staying.

4. Prepare your documents

Have these ready, printed or on your phone:

  • Passport (and visa, if you have one)
  • Return or onward ticket. For 240-hour transit this must be confirmed, with a date and seat, to a third country or region (NIA).
  • Your first night's accommodation address
  • Arrival card confirmation, if you filled it in online

5. At immigration

  • Join the lane for foreigners.
  • Hand over your passport and answer any questions about your trip.
  • If you're using 240-hour transit, say so and show your onward ticket. Officers will check your eligibility and your permitted area.

6. Customs: what to declare

China Customs' guide for inbound passengers says you should use the red channel (goods to declare) if you're carrying, among other things (China Customs):

  • More than RMB 20,000 in cash, or foreign currency worth more than US$5,000
  • For non-residents: items worth more than RMB 2,000 that will stay in China
  • More than 1,500 ml of alcoholic drinks (12% alcohol or above)
  • More than 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 500 g of tobacco
  • Animals, plants or their products
  • Radio transmitters
  • Commercial goods or samples
  • Unaccompanied baggage

If you declare foreign currency on arrival, keep the declaration so you can take it out again on departure (China Customs).

Don't bring these

The customs guide lists items that may not be brought in, including fresh fruit, solanaceous vegetables (such as tomatoes, peppers and aubergines), live animals other than pet dogs and cats, and various animal products (China Customs). Eat that apple on the plane.

7. After you arrive: registration

Foreign visitors must have their accommodation registered. Hotels do this automatically when you check in with your passport. If you stay anywhere other than a hotel, such as with friends or in a private rental, you or your host must register with the local public security organ within 24 hours of arrival. Since 21 September 2026 you can do this online anywhere in China, through the NIA website, the "NIA 12367" app, the "NIA 12367" WeChat mini program or the Alipay mini program. Online registration has the same legal effect as registering in person, and you can still register at a local police station (NIA Announcement No. 7 of 2026). The NIA says hosts should normally help with the first online registration, because they know the address details best (NIA policy interpretation).

8. Set up payments and transport

Before you leave home:

9. Know your limits (visa-free visitors)

  • 30-day visa-free entry: up to 30 days per stay (Chinese Embassy in the UK).
  • 240-hour transit: up to 240 hours, counted from 00:00 the day after arrival, within the permitted areas only (NIA).
  • Activities: visa-free stays are for tourism, business, visits and similar purposes. Work, study and journalism need the right visa (NIA).

Printable summary

  • Entry route confirmed (visa / 30-day visa-free / 240-hour transit)
  • Passport valid long enough; ordinary passport
  • Onward or return ticket confirmed
  • Arrival card done online, or ready to fill in on paper
  • First hotel address saved
  • Staying somewhere other than a hotel? Plan to register online (NIA 12367) or at the police station within 24 hours
  • Nothing restricted in your luggage (fresh fruit, meat products etc.)
  • Cash under the declaration thresholds, or ready to declare
  • Payment app set up with a foreign card
  • 12306 account ready (if travelling by train)

Finally: check official sources before travel, especially the NIA and your airline.

Sources

Sources