China Entry Guide: Arrival & Immigration Process | Gochinio

Arriving in China for the first time? The entry process is generally straightforward once you know what to expect.

From completing your arrival card to passing border inspection, collecting your luggage and clearing customs, this guide walks you through the main steps you may encounter when entering China.

Quick overview:
Arrival Card → Fingerprint Collection (if required) → Border Inspection → Baggage Claim → Customs → Accommodation Registration

1. Complete Your Arrival Card

International travelers may need to complete an Arrival Card for Foreigners before passing through immigration.

Depending on your arrival airport or port, this may be completed on paper or through an available electronic or self-service system.

You may be asked to provide information such as:

• Full name and passport information
• Visa or entry information
• Purpose of your visit
• Flight or transportation details
• Address or accommodation in China

It is a good idea to have your hotel name and address available before you arrive.

Gochinio Tip: If you are unsure how to complete a field, ask an airport or immigration staff member for assistance rather than guessing.

2. Fingerprint Collection (If Required)

Some foreign travelers may be required to provide fingerprints as part of the entry process.

Depending on the airport or border checkpoint, fingerprint collection may take place at a self-service machine or during immigration inspection.

Certain travelers may be exempt depending on factors such as age, visa category or other applicable rules.

Simply follow the instructions displayed at the checkpoint or provided by immigration staff.

3. Border Inspection

Next, proceed to the immigration or border inspection counter.

Have your passport and required entry documents ready.

An immigration officer may ask a few basic questions about your visit, such as:

• What is the purpose of your trip?
• How long will you stay in China?
• Where will you be staying?

These are normal entry questions. Keep your hotel or accommodation details handy in case they are requested.

4. Collect Your Luggage

Once you have completed border inspection, follow the signs to Baggage Claim.

Check the information screens for your flight number and baggage carousel, then collect your checked luggage.

Before leaving the baggage area, make sure you have all of your belongings.

5. Go Through Customs

After collecting your luggage, proceed through customs.

Depending on what you are carrying, you will generally follow the appropriate customs channel available at your arrival point.

If you are carrying goods that must be declared, follow the customs declaration procedure and instructions at the airport.

If you're unsure whether something needs to be declared, ask a customs officer.

6. Don't Forget Accommodation Registration

After entering China, foreign visitors need to make sure their accommodation is properly registered.

Staying at a hotel?

Hotels that accept foreign guests will normally handle the registration process when you check in.

Bring your passport with you when checking in.

Staying at a private residence?

If you are staying with friends, family, in an apartment or another private residence, different registration procedures may apply.

Check the current requirements for the city where you are staying and complete any required registration within the applicable time limit.

Before Leaving the Airport

Once you've cleared immigration and customs, there are a few practical things worth sorting out early:

• Get connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi
• Set up or check your payment apps
• Confirm how you're getting to your hotel
• Keep your hotel's Chinese name and address on your phone
• Keep your passport somewhere secure

Having the Chinese version of your hotel address can be especially useful when taking a taxi or asking for directions.

Need Official Help?

For questions concerning Chinese immigration and entry procedures, you can contact the National Immigration Administration service hotline: 12367 while in China.

For rules that affect your eligibility to enter China, visa requirements or current border procedures, always check the latest information from the relevant Chinese authorities before traveling.

A Quick Checklist

Before arriving in China, keep these ready:

• Passport
• Valid visa or other applicable entry authorization
• Flight information
• Hotel/accommodation details
• Chinese address of your accommodation
• Any documents required for your particular trip

Once you're through the airport, you're ready to start exploring China.

Source & Disclaimer

This guide is based on information published by China's National Immigration Administration and is intended to make the arrival process easier to understand for international visitors.

Entry, immigration, customs and registration requirements can change. Always check the latest official information before traveling.