Entry

Foreigners who enter China shall submit their passports, other international travel documents, visas or other entry permits to the exit/entry border inspection authorities for examination, go through the prescribed formalities, and may enter upon examination and approval.

Prohibited Entry Situations

(1) The applicant holds no valid exit/entry documents, or refuses or evades border inspection;

(2) The applicant was deported, or was ordered to be repatriated, and the No-Entry-in-to-China period has not expired;

(3) The applicant is suffering from serious mental disorders, infectious tuberculosis or other infectious diseases that may severely jeopardize public health;

(4) The applicant may endanger China's national security or interests, disrupt social and public order, or engage in other illegal or criminal activities;

(5) The applicant resorts to fraudulent acts in visa application or cannot guarantee expected expenditures during his or her stay in China;

(6) The applicant may engage in activities not conforming to the types of visa after entering China;

(7) Other circumstances in which entry is not allowed in accordance with laws or administrative regulations.

Important Notices

Fill out the Arrival Cards

When entering the country, foreign nationals need to prepare their valid entry and exit documents and fill out the Arrival Cards. The Arrival Cards can be obtained on your means of transportation or at the port of entry. Please complete the form and sign it before going through customs clearance. Foreign nationals entering the country with a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, group tourist visa or a tour group list (mutual visa exemption agreements) do not need to fill out an arrival card.

Fingerprint Retention

Fingerprints are collected for foreign nationals aged between 14 (inclusive) and 70 (inclusive) entering China. However, those who meet any of the following conditions are exempt from fingerprint collection:

(1) Individuals holding diplomatic passports or Chinese diplomatic or courtesy visas, except for people of countries with reciprocal arrangements;

(2) Individuals who are granted exemption from fingerprint collection under bilateral agreements or reciprocal arrangements;

(3) Foreign officials at or above the vice-ministerial level and their delegation members who are granted centralized entry formalities processing convenience in accordance with the relevant regulations of the Ministry of Public Security;

(4) Individuals whose ten fingerprints are incomplete or whose ten fingerprints cannot be retained;

(5) Individuals who, under special circumstances, are exempted from having their finger-prints retained with the approval of the Ministry of Public Security.

Fast Customs Clearance Conditions

Some border ports have set up fast channels. If you meet the following conditions, you may register for fast customs clearance. After registration, you can use the fast channel to pass through customs efficiently.

(1) Foreign nationals holding foreign passports and the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;

(2) Foreign nationals holding foreign electronic passports and over-6-month Chinese residence permits;

(3) Foreign crew members serving on scheduled international flights who are eligible for visa-free entry or have obtained C or Z visas, or a residence permit valid for one year (inclusive) or more.

Whether foreign nationals can use the fast channel clearance is subject to final inspection by the border inspection authorities.

Source: National Immigration Administration