>Travel Requirements
Passport
 
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  Passport
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required, except for holders of:
  1. "Returning resident permit" or "Permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents entering into or leaving from mainland" issued to residents of Hong Kong or Macao being of Chinese origin. Holders of above documents must follow the instructions written on it, regarding the entry/exit points. However, it is recommended to hold a Hong Kong (SAR China) or Macao (SAR China) passport in addition
  2. Macao (SAR China) Travel Permit
  3. ID card issued by GuangDong PSB
  4. PRC Travel Permit
  5. Nationals of Lithuania, Poland, Romania Russian Fed. And Ukraine holding a Seaman Book or Seafarer's Identity document
  6. International travel document issued to nationals of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova (Rep. of), Russian Fed. and Turkmenistan. Passengers must travel in a group organized by authorized travel agency of both countries
  7. Documents issued by U.N. for stateless persons and refugees
  8. German identity documents issued to minors ("Kinderausweis")
    However, if being under 10 years of age the document does not contain a photo of the child and immigration officers will decide on each case.

    Admission and transit restrictions:
    The following documents are not recognised by China (People's Rep.):

    • Travel documents issued by Chinese Taipei to residents of Chinese Taipei. In order to enter China (People's Rep.), residents of Chinese Taipei are required to hold "Permit for Taiwan residents entering into and leaving from mainland"
    • British passports endorsed "British national (overseas). in order to enter China (People's Rep.), holders of BNO passports are required to hold a "Returning Resident Permit" together with their Hong Kong ID.
    Military:
    same regulations as for passengers apply.
    Additional information:
    Passengers holding passports showing visa/entry stamps for Chinese Taipei have to comply with the normal entry regulations only.
  Visa
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Warning:
Passengers not complying with the entry or transit regulations will be deported by same or returning aircraft. Fines for the transporting carriers varying between CNY 500 and CNY 2,000 will be levied for each passenger arriving in China (People's Rep.) without proper travel documents, with an additional fine which varies between CNY 5,000 and CNY 10,000.


Visa is required, except for:

  1. Nationals of China (People's Rep.)
  2. Those mentioned in "Passport" 1.)
  3. Nationals of Belarus, Georgia, Moldova (Rep. of), Russian Fed. and Turkmenistan travelling in a group organized by authorized travel agency of both countries holding:
    • Normal passports; or
    • International travel document, see "Passport" 6.)
      Note: visa exemption does not apply to nationals of Azerbaijan
  4. Holders of normal passports for a max. stay of 15 days, provided being nationals of Brunei, Japan And Singapore
  5. Holders of normal, diplomatic or service passports for a max. stay of 30 days, provided being nationals of San Marino
  6. Holders of normal passports with passport number prefixed with "E", diplomatic or official passports, provided being nationals of Mongolia
  7. Holders of normal, diplomatic or official passports provided being nationals of Vietnam. Normal passports must have a sheet attached on the visa page showing in red capitals "AB" and an additional validity date
  8. Holders of normal passports endorsed "For Public Affairs", diplomatic or service passports provided being nationals of: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Korea (Dem. People's Rep), Laos, Fyrom (Former Yugoslav Rep. of Macedonia), Moldova (Rep. of), Romania, Serbia & Montenegro, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
  9. Holders of normal passports endorsed "For Public Affairs", diplomatic, official or service passports provided being nationals of: Bangladesh, Cuba, Guyana and Pakistan
  10. Holders of normal passports endorsed "For Public Affairs", diplomatic, service or special passports provided being nationals of Turkey
  11. Holders of diplomatic passports being nationals of Russian Fed.
  12. Holders of diplomatic or service passports provided being nationals of:
    Belarus, Cyprus, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Maldives, Poland, Seychelles, Slovenia, Venezuela
  13. Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports provided being nationals of:
    • Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Equatorial Guinea, Jamaica, Mexico, Myanmar, Tanzania, Thailand, Uruguay;
    • Philippines, for a max. stay of 30 days
  14. Holders of diplomatic, service or special passports provided being nationals of: Albania, Jordan, Peru, Slovak Rep.
  15. Holders of diplomatic, service, official or special passports provided being nationals of Ecuador and Sudan
  16. Tourists travelling in a group organized by a Chinese international tour operator or registered travel agency for a stay of max. 6 days provided the following conditions are met:
    • Being a national of a country having diplomatic relations with China (People's Rep.), (see "Visa" 1.)) and
    • Arriving from Hong Kong or Macao to take a trip to Zhujian Delta in GuangDong province; and
    • Entering/travelling and departing only from the cities: Dongguan, Foshan, Guangzhou, Huizhou, Jiangmen, Shantou, Shenzheng, Zhaoqing, Zhongshan, Zhuhai;
  17. Holders of "Permit for Taiwan residents entering into and leaving from mainland" issued to residents of Chinese Taipei, who can obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of max. 3 months at Fuzhou, Shanghai or Xiamen airports only, provided holding:
    Travel documents and Taiwanese Identity Document valid for at least 3 months upon entry; and -return ticket; and -2 photo's. Passengers may depart from any city
  18. Those holding residence permits for China (People's Rep.)
  19. Holders of an apec (see terms & definitions) business travel card, provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to China (People's Rep.); (TWOV)
  20. Passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours to a third country by same or first connecting aircraft and holding documents and confirmed tickets for their onward journey. Leaving the airport transit area is allowed. Overnight facilities are available outside the airport. TWOV facility is not applicable to:
    • Holders of travel documents issued by Hong Kong (sar China) and Macao (SAR China), who need a special travel permission. If holding passports TWOV is allowed;
    • Holders of British passports endorsed "British National (Overseas)", who are required to hold a "Returning Resident Permit" together with their Hong Kong ID;
    • Holders of "Permit for Taiwan residents entering into and leaving from mainland" issued to residents of Chinese Taipei;

    Nationals of the following countries provided arriving at and departing from Shanghai Hongqiao or Pu Dong airports only, continuing to a third country within 48 hours and holding confirmed onward tickets and all documents required for next destination: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, U.S.A.


    Merchant Seamen:
    must travel on duty and hold Seaman Book together with passport (except for those mentioned under "Passport" 5.) and Letter Of Guarantee of Shipping company. if arriving by air in order to board ship, or if arriving by ship and proceeding to airport, or if in direct transit to abroad: visa not required for those mentioned under "Passport" 5.). In all other cases, visa required, which can be obtained on arrival (see 2. "Visa"-Issue 2. and 3.). Merchant seamen must hold onward tickets and all documents required for next destination.

    Military:
    same regulations as for passengers apply.


  Visa Issue
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Prior to arrival:
By diplomatic representations of China (People's Rep.) in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Congo (Brazzaville), Cuba, Czech Rep., Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (Dem. People's Rep.), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russian Fed., Serbia & Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Slovak Rep., Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen Rep., and Zambia.

Upon arrival although it is highly recommended to obtain a visa prior to arrival:
(See note 21 below) To holders of normal passports provided arrangements have been made prior to departure to China (People's Rep.) at the following airports only (prior confirmation from the immigration authorities that visa will be issued on arrival is required):
Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou (Baiyun airport), Guilin, Haikou, Kunming, Qingdao, Sanya, Shanghai, Shenzhen (Luohu, Shekou), Tianjin, Weihai, Xi'An, Xiamen, Yantai, Zhuhai (Gongbei).
Fee:
varies between CNY 160.- and CNY 606.-. additionally CNY 50.- will be required for photograph. Passport must contain at least one blank visa page for the sticker-type visa. A representative of the arriving carrier should be informed before arrival of the flight. Passenger must be met by a sponsor on arrival and should comply with the following conditions (sponsor must be approved by Chinese authorities).
Note:
Passengers must clear immigration at first point of arrival and airline staff must be present to assist visa issuance upon arrival:
  • If arriving at Beijing airport (see note 22 below) (prior to arrival the transporting airline must fax all documents of the passenger to the station manager) for a stay of max. 3 months. Extension up to 6 months possible by immigration judge (if coming for business purposes); One passport photo required and letter of invitation by the Chinese authorities.This letter can be issued by a special company located inside the immigration area, which can also act as sponsor;
  • If arriving at the airports (see note 23 below) of: Xiamen and Fuzhou, Shanghai or Tianjin: -for a stay of max. 1 month. Extension locally is possible; One passport photo required and letter of invitation by the Chinese authorities; Passengers must fill out an "Aliens Application Form", to be obtained from representation of China (People's Rep.) abroad or through the local immigration authorities upon arrival. Some carriers will issue this form on board their flights. False declaration on entry purpose will result in deportation on passenger's expense;
  • Visa and invitation letter not required if:
    -max. period of stay is 5 days and
    -arriving at and departing from Xiamen;
  • If arriving at other airports (see note 24 below): the airline should contact the local visa issuing department to inform them in advance and to get information on procedure. the counter and office located in the arrival hall, which issues visas on arrival, may not always be open.
  • Upon arrival although it is highly recommended to obtain a visa prior to arrival:
    (see note 21 below) a transit visa can be issued at Dalian airport only, for a stay of max. 7 days provided passenger:
    • is in transit to a third country;
    • holds confirmed onward ticket;
    • is a national of a country having diplomatic relationswith China (People's Rep.), (see "Visa" 1.).
    Fee:
    If holding photo USD 11, if not holding photo USD14.
    In addition to those mentioned in Note (see Note 21 below), this facility is also not applicable to the following passengers, who need visa prior to arrival:
    • Holders of British passports; and
    • Holders of travel documents issued by Hong Kong (sar China) and Macao (SAR China).
  • At Gongbei border point in Macao for entry into Chinese tourism zone, comprising Zhuhai and Zhangshan countries as far as Guangzhou (Canton).
  • Visas are also issued through the intermediary of various corporations for businessmen or specialized Travel Agencies for tourists.
  • Application for visas can also be made to: Tourism Bureau "China International Travel Service" (Luxingsche), Hsitan Building, Beijing.
  Visa-Additional Information
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  1. Visas are granted only for the point(s) of entry indicated on the passport. If, before arriving to such a point any passenger must transit through another place in China (People's Rep.), he will in no case be allowed to leave the airport there.
  2. Period of validity is mentioned on visas.
  3. A multiple visa is issued only to a diplomat residing in China (People's Rep.). it is still valid as long as he stays in office in China (People's Rep.), although its validity is not defined on a visa.
  4. Group visas can be issued on arrival provided conditions mentioned in "Visa" 15.) are met.
  5. Stateless persons and refugees are allowed to TWOV, but each case is studied individually by immigration.
  • Visitors must hold all documents required for next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

    Re-entry permit:
    Returning alien residents must hold residence permit. Validity of this permit ranges from 1 to 5 years provided that passport is not expired.

    Exit permit:
    Required for all passengers leaving the country. The regulations stated on this permit (place of departure, date and validity) must be strictly adhered to.
    In case of transit through a place in China (People's Rep.) not mentioned in the exit permit passenger is not allowed to leave the airport there.

Notes:
21 - Facility not applicable to:
  • Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, U.S.A. and-stateless persons and refugees.

22 - Facility not applicable to:

  • Nationals of South Africa, Vatican City;
  • Holders of British passports;
  • Holders of Chinese Taipei documents.
23 - Facility not applicable to:
  • Nationals of Israel, Korea (Rep.), South Africa, VaticanCity;
  • Holders of British passports.
24 - Holders of British passports are required to hold letter of invitation by the Chinese authorities and one passport photo.

  Health
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Required vaccination (also for transit passengers not leaving the airport) against:
Yellow fever, if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting (see note 31 below) countries with infected areas (see General Health Information).

Warning:

  • Those arriving without a yellow fever vaccination certificate will be kept in quarantine.
  • Nationals of China (People's Rep.) having stayed outside China (People's Rep.) for 3 months or more, must hold a health certificate issued by country of residence, stating that neither Aids nor sexually transmitted diseases have been determined by blood test.
Recommended:
Malaria prophylaxis. Malaria risk - including the malignant (P. Falciparum) form occurs in Hainan and Yunnan. Chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistant P. falciparum reported. risk of P. vivax malaria exists in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Sichuan, Xizang (only along the valley of the Zangbo river in the extremesouth-east) and Yunnan.

There is generally very low malaria risk (P. vivax only) inAnhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, although within these provinces this risk may be higher in areas of focal outbreak. Where transmission exists, it occurs below 1500 m: from July to November north of latitude 33 degrees north, from may through December between 33 and 25 degrees north, and throughout the year south of 25 degrees north.
There is no malaria risk in the urban areas or densely populated plain areas. In general, tourists do not need to take malaria prophylaxis unless they plan to stay in remote rural areas in the provinces listed above.

Recommended prevention in risk areas: II; in Hainan and Yunnan: IV

Notes:
31 - Not required for those not leaving the airport in the countries concerned.

  Airport Tax
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Airport Tax is levied on all passengers departing on:
  • International flights: CNY 90
  • Domestic flights (exempt are children under 2 years): CNY 50.-.
Place of payment: Airport of departure. Exempt (for international flights) are:
  • Transit passengers proceeding within 24 hours;
  • Diplomats;
  • Children under 12 years.
  Customs
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free import of

  • Cigarettes 400 (see note 51 below) or 600 (see note 52 below)
  • Two (see note 51 below) or four (see note 52 below) bottles of alcoholic beverages (each bottle not exceeding 75 centilitres)
  • A reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use during stay in China
  • Residents and non-residents with re-entry visa issued by any foreign country and carrying travel necessities not exceeding customs limitations: one video camera, one portable video recorder and one portable word processor.
    Prohibited: arms and ammunition (see note 53 below), printed matter directed against the public order and the morality of China, radio transmitters, exposed but undeveloped films, etc. All fruits, tomatoes, egg plants and red peppers.
Additional information:
  • China People's Rep. is member of the cites (see terms & definitions).
  • Antiques should be declared on arrival.
  • Pets: cats and dogs (only one pet per passenger) may be imported either as passenger's baggage or as cargo and must be accompanied by a veterinarian good health and rabies inoculation certificate, issued by government veterinary
    authority at point of origin/departure. Certificate must be valid for at least 30 days on the date of arrival. Furthermore, the date of arrival cannot be more than 12 months after the date of issue of the certificate. Cats and dogs are required to go into quarantine for at least 30 days (requirements and conditions vary per airport, depending on quarantine facilities that are available) with a prepaid fee (varies per airport) and other costs at owner's expense. Passenger should refer to transporting airline for their specific regulations.

Note: Pets are not permitted in hotels in China.
Prohibited: Birds.
Baggage clearance: baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in China.
Exempt: baggage of passengers in transit via Beijing, provided it is labeled to a destination outside China and the onward flight is within 24 hours.


Export:
free export of four cartons of tobacco products for personal use.

Additional information:
antiques should carry an authorization seal or authorization letter by the department of cultural relics. A customs declaration obtained when entering China (People's Rep.) is required in case the items will be re-exported.

Notes:

51 - if staying less than six months.
52 - if staying six months or longer.
53 - import, export and transit is allowed, provided prior authorisation is obtained from competent department. Arms and ammunition must be declared at all times.

 Currency
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Import: allowed
RESIDENTS
Local currency (Chinese Ren Min Bi-CNY):
up to max. CNY 6,000 in cash

Foreign currencies:
up to max. USD 1,000.- or equivalent in freely convertible currency in cash.
Any higher amount should be declared upon arrival

NON-RESIDENTS
Local currency (Chinese Ren Min Bi-CNY):
up to max. CNY 6,000.- in cash;

Foreign currencies:
up to max. USD 5,000.- or equivalent in freely convertible currency in cash.
Any higher amount should be declared upon arrival;

Export: allowed.
RESIDENTS and NON-RESIDENTS
Local currency (Chinese Ren Min Bi-CNY):
up to max. CNY 6,000.- in cash

Foreign currencies:
up to the amounts declared upon arrival. Any higher amount should be declared at departure.