Entry Guide

Visas, transit, immigration cards, and customs — everything you need to cross the border smoothly.

Which Visa Do You Need?

China has 16 visa categories. For most travelers and workers, only 4 matter.

L Visa (Tourist)

For tourism and visiting family. Valid 30-90 days. Most nationalities apply at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center in their home country. Cost: $140-185.

M Visa (Business)

For commercial and trade activities. Requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company.

Z Visa (Work)

Required for working in China. Must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days of entry. Requires work permit notice, medical check, criminal background check, degree certificate.

F Visa (Exchange/Study)

Short-term study, cultural exchanges, academic visits under 180 days.

144-Hour Transit Without Visa

From 53 eligible countries, transiting through China to a third country — enter without a visa for up to 6 days.

Eligible (53 countries)

All EU countries, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Switzerland, Norway, UAE, Qatar, and more

Entry Ports

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Chongqing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Dalian, Tianjin, Wuhan, Kunming, Harbin

Critical Rules

  • 1.You MUST have an onward ticket to a THIRD country. London → Shanghai → Tokyo = OK. London → Shanghai → London = NOT OK.
  • 2.You cannot leave the approved area. Beijing entry = stay in Beijing/Tianjin/Hebei.
  • 3.Register at a police station within 24 hours (hotels do this automatically).
  • 4.Count from 00:00 the day after arrival. Arrive Tuesday 3pm → 144 hours start Wednesday 00:00.

Immigration Card

Blue arrival card. Fill in BLOCK CAPITALS with BLACK or BLUE pen.

1. Name: Exactly as in your passport

2. Nationality: Your citizenship

3. Passport No.: Double-check every character

4. Visa No.: On your visa sticker (ignore for transit)

5. Flight/Train No.: Your incoming flight number

6. Address in China: Hotel name + address. Blank = rejected.

7. Purpose: Tourism / Business / Work / Transit

Customs

When in doubt, declare it.

OK to Bring

Personal electronics, prescription medicine (30-day supply with doctor's note), personal toiletries, 400 cigarettes, 1.5L alcohol

DO NOT Bring

Drones (may be seized), VPN hardware, political/religious materials, $5,000+ cash undeclared, meat/fruit/plants, self-defense items