China Entry Process Step-by-Step: What to Expect at Immigration - Cover Image

China Entry Process Step-by-Step: What to Expect at Immigration

A complete walkthrough of China’s arrival and immigration process for first-time visitors. Updated for 2026.

Introduction

Arriving in China for the first time can feel overwhelming — different signage, fingerprinting, and unfamiliar procedures. But the process is actually straightforward once you know what to expect.

This guide walks you through every step of arriving in China, from the moment your plane touches down to stepping out of the airport.

Before You Land

Documents to Have Ready

Before landing, make sure these items are easily accessible:

  • Passport — Must be valid for 6+ months beyond your stay
  • Return/onward flight ticket — Printed or on your phone
  • Hotel booking confirmation — Printed in English (and Chinese characters if possible)
  • Completed arrival card — Available on the plane; most airlines distribute them before landing
  • China visa (if applicable) — Check it’s signed and valid

Important Apps to Download Before Arrival

Download these apps while you still have access to foreign app stores:

  1. Alipay — Link your foreign credit card for mobile payments
  2. Baidu Translate — Offline Chinese translation
  3. Google Translate — Download the Chinese language pack for offline use
  4. Apple Maps — Works in China with a local SIM card
  5. Your VPN — Install and test before arriving

Step 1: Disembark and Follow the Signs

After landing, follow the “Arrivals” (到达) signs. Most international airports in China have clear English signage, especially in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Watch for:

  • Transfer (转机) — If you’re connecting to another flight
  • Arrivals (到达) — If China is your final destination
  • Baggage Claim (行李提取) — Follow this after immigration

Step 2: Health Declaration (If Required)

As of 2026, China has lifted most COVID-era health requirements. However:

  • No health declaration form is required for most travelers
  • No COVID test is needed before arrival
  • No quarantine upon entry

If there’s a health emergency or new outbreak, requirements may change. Check the latest information before your trip.

Step 3: Immigration Clearance

This is the main step. Here’s exactly what happens:

Approach the Counter

Look for the immigration hall (边检/出入境). You’ll see two types of counters:

  • Chinese Citizens (中国公民) — Do NOT join this line
  • Foreigners (外国人) — This is your line

Present Your Passport

Hand your passport to the immigration officer, open to the photo page. They will:

  1. Scan your passport in their system
  2. Check your visa status (or verify visa-free eligibility)
  3. Ask a few questions — Usually simple ones like:
    • “What is the purpose of your visit?” → “Tourism”
    • “How long will you stay?” → “10 days”
    • “Where are you staying?” → Show your hotel booking
  4. Take your fingerprints — Place your fingers on the scanner when prompted
  5. Take a photo — Look at the camera (no hats or sunglasses)
  6. Stamp your passport — You’ll receive an entry stamp showing your permitted stay duration

Common Questions at Immigration

The immigration officer may ask:

  • Purpose of visit
  • Duration of stay
  • Hotel name and address
  • Whether you’ve been to China before
  • Your occupation (occasionally)

Keep answers short and honest. Officers at major airports generally speak basic English. If there’s a language barrier, they may call a colleague who speaks English.

Step 4: Collect Your Luggage

After immigration, follow the signs to Baggage Claim (行李提取). Check the flight information displays to find your carousel number.

Tips:

  • Airport luggage carts are usually free in China (unlike many countries)
  • If your luggage is delayed, go to the Lost & Found (行李查询) counter near baggage claim
  • Keep your baggage tag — you’ll need it for any claims

Step 5: Customs Declaration

After collecting your luggage, you’ll pass through customs. There are two channels:

Green Channel (Nothing to Declare)

Use this if you have:

  • Personal items for normal travel use
  • Less than 20,000 RMB in cash (approximately $2,800 USD)
  • Personal electronics (laptop, phone, camera)
  • No restricted or prohibited items

Red Channel (Goods to Declare)

Use this if you have:

  • More than 20,000 RMB in cash or equivalent foreign currency
  • Commercial goods or samples
  • Alcohol exceeding the duty-free allowance (1.5 liters)
  • Tobacco exceeding the allowance (400 cigarettes or 100 cigars)
  • Restricted items (certain medications, plants, animal products)

Warning: China has strict regulations on certain items. Prescription medications containing pseudoephedrine or codeine may be restricted. Check before bringing medications.

Step 6: Exit the Airport

Congratulations — you’re officially in China! Now for the practical stuff:

Get a Local SIM Card or eSIM

Physical SIM:

  • China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom kiosks are in most international arrivals halls
  • Cost: ~50-100 RMB ($7-14 USD) for a tourist SIM with data
  • Bring your passport for registration (required by law)

eSIM (Recommended for iPhone users):

  • Several providers offer China eSIMs: Holafly, Airalo, Nomad
  • Can be activated before arrival
  • No physical SIM swap needed

Exchange Money (Optional)

While mobile payments are king in China, having some cash is still useful:

  • Airport exchange counters offer competitive rates
  • ATMs are available but may charge foreign transaction fees
  • 500-1000 RMB ($70-140 USD) is usually enough for the first few days

Get to Your Hotel

Taxi/DiDi:

  • Official taxi stands are outside arrivals
  • Use DiDi (China’s Uber) — download and set up before arrival
  • Have your hotel address in Chinese characters to show the driver

Airport Express/Metro:

  • Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu have airport metro lines
  • Cheapest option (4-8 RMB / $0.50-1.10 USD)
  • Can be crowded during rush hours

Airport Bus:

  • Available at most major airports
  • Covers major hotel areas and transport hubs
  • Cost: 20-40 RMB ($3-6 USD)

Common Issues and Solutions

“Immigration officer says I can’t enter visa-free”

  • Stay calm and polite
  • Show your return ticket and hotel booking
  • If there’s a genuine issue, they may allow you to apply for a visa on the spot (available at some ports)

“I forgot to download a VPN”

  • Airport WiFi is usually accessible without a VPN for basic websites
  • You can purchase a VPN service through email once connected
  • Some hotels provide VPN access

“I can’t find my driver or taxi”

  • Use DiDi to book a ride directly
  • Go to the official taxi queue — avoid touts who approach you inside the terminal
  • Ask the airport information desk for help

“My hotel booking wasn’t recorded”

  • Chinese hotels must register foreign guests with local police within 24 hours
  • Always have a printed or digital copy of your booking confirmation
  • If staying with friends, they need to register you at the local police station

After Arrival: First 24 Hours Checklist

  • Register at your hotel (they handle police registration)
  • Set up Alipay with your foreign credit card
  • Download Baidu Maps or configure Apple Maps
  • Test your VPN connection
  • Get a local SIM card if you haven’t already
  • Find a convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) near your hotel
  • Withdraw some RMB from an ATM

Final Thoughts

China’s entry process is efficient and well-organized at major airports. The whole process from landing to exiting the airport typically takes 45-90 minutes. With the right preparation, you’ll be exploring China in no time.

The key is having your documents ready, knowing what to expect at each step, and staying patient if there are language barriers. Chinese airport staff are generally helpful, and immigration officers process millions of foreign visitors each year.

🇨🇳 More China Travel Guides:

Have questions? Leave a comment below!