Get In - Entering China

Get in

Immigration

Main article: Visa requirements for China

China has exceptionally complicated visa requirements. If you are planning to use visa-free entry or transit without a visa, read up carefully and make sure you fulfill all the requirements, or risk being denied entry. If you’re applying for a visa, make sure all your documentation is in order before applying for your visa, or risk being denied if even one required document is missing. That said, the Chinese government has been rapidly liberalizing its visa requirements. Hong Kong and Macau have their own visa requirements; see those articles for details.

When entering or departing mainland China, citizens of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are required to use the Chinese citizen lanes and not the foreigner lanes at immigration.

From 15 November 2025, foreigners may submit a digital arrival card online prior to arrival in place of the paper arrival card. Once completed, you will be issued a QR code that you should download onto your smart phone in case the immigration officer asks to see it. The paper arrival card is still available for now.

Foreigners are required to register their place of lodging with the local police. In general your hotel should do this for you, but if you’re staying somewhere unusual (such as with friends), you might have to do it yourself. Make sure the registration gets done, at least in the first place you stay after entering China, as failing to do it can cause problems getting a Chinese visa in the future.

Customs

Each visitor aged 18 and over is entitled to a duty-free allowance of up to 1.5 L of alcoholic beverages, and up to 400 cigarettes, 20 cigars or 500 g of tobacco. The allowance is halved if you enter Mainland China through Hong Kong and Macau.

For other goods, there is a duty-free relief of ¥2,000 for foreigners and ¥5,000 for Chinese citizens. Per an updated agreement between Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, the duty-free relief for Chinese citizens returning from Hong Kong and Macau (excluding those entering from Hengqin Port) is ¥15,000, with an additional ¥3,000 relief for goods purchased in duty-free shops.

You are required to declare to customs if you are carrying more than ¥20,000 in Chinese currency or more than US$5,000 worth of foreign currency in or out of the country. If you are doing business in China, you may need to file some advance paperwork to prove that you earned your money legally and paid all your taxes before you can take it out of the country.

By plane

Transiting through Hong Kong and Macau If arriving in Hong Kong or Macau there are ferries that can shuttle passengers straight to another destination such as Shekou or Bao’an Airport in Shenzhen, Macau Airport, Zhuhai and elsewhere without actually “entering” Hong Kong or Macau. A shuttle bus takes transit passengers to the ferry terminal so their official entry point, where they clear immigration, will be the ferry destination rather than the airport. The ferries do have different hours so landing late at night may make it necessary to enter either territory to catch another bus or ferry to one’s ultimate destination. For example, it would be necessary to clear immigration if going from Hong Kong International Airport to Zhuhai via the Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal in Kowloon. The most recent information on the ferries to Hong Kong can be found at the Hong Kong International Airport website.

The main international gateways to mainland China are Beijing (PEKIATA & PKXIATA, for all airports BJSIATA), Shanghai (PVGIATA) and Guangzhou (CANIATA). The explosive growth of commercial aviation in China has led to the proliferation of international gateways to the country. Local governments also frequently subsidize international flight routes serving their cities, so these services may be much cheaper. In particular, Chengdu (CTUIATA & TFU IATA), Chongqing (CKGIATA), Kunming (KMGIATA) and Urumqi (URCIATA) are emerging as major Chinese hubs, with flights to destinations in North America, Europe, Oceania and Central Asia.

Airline tickets are expensive or hard to come by around Chinese New Year, the Chinese golden weeks and university holidays.

If you live in a city with a sizeable overseas Chinese community, check for cheap flights with someone in that community or visit travel agencies operated by Chinese. Sometimes flights advertised only in Chinese newspapers or travel agencies cost significantly less than posted fares in English. However if you go and ask, you can get the same discounted price.

Airlines

The three largest, and state-owned airlines are flag carrier Air China (中国国际航空), as well as China Eastern Airlines (中国东方航空) and China Southern Airlines (中国南方航空), based respectively in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou Other airlines include XiamenAir (厦门航空), Hainan Airlines (海南航空), Shenzhen Airlines (深圳航空) and Sichuan Airlines (四川航空). Chinese aviation regulations allow usage of mobile phones with flight mode when the aircraft is moving, and some larger flights may even offer Wi-Fi.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific can connect from many international destinations to all the major mainland cities. Other Asian carriers with good connections into China include Singapore Airlines, Japan-based Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, South Korea-based Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, and Taiwan-based China Airlines and EVA Air. Check the individual city articles for details. See Discount airlines in Asia for some additional options to reach China and to get around within it.

By train

Train travel to China was once possible all the way from western Europe, but the Russia-Ukraine war makes this impractical. Some international services suspended during COVID-19 have also yet to restart.

• North Korea — Train 95/85 (aka. 51/52) connects Pyongyang with Dandong everyday, and further K27/28 to Beijing four times per a week.
• Russia — A few trains have resumed as of March 2026: daily 401/2 between Grodekovo in Pogranichny, Primorsky Krai and Suifenhe, and 353/4 between Irkutsk/Chita and Manzhouli (twice a week on both ways). All other Trans-Siberian Railway trains to China are still suspended until future notices.
• Mongolia — From Ulaanbaatar, there are daily trains to Erenhot (681-686), Hohhot twice a week (4652/3/4/1, called 033/4 in Mongolia, requires a change of trains at Erenhot), and Beijing once a week (K23/4, or 023/4).
• Kazakhstan & Central Asia — A tourism train between Xi’an and Almaty, the Y29/30, started running in 2025, with an interchange in Khorgos. The 054/3 runs from Astana to Dostyk; passengers then have to do a cross-border transfer to 5801-6 at Alashankou to go to Urumqi.
• Laos — Two daily trains run between Vientiane and Kunming, D87/88 (to Kunming South station) and D83-86 (to Kunming station), stop at Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Muang Xay, and Boten in Laos, and Mohan, Xishuangbanna, Pu’er and Yuxi in China. See Laos–China Railway for detailed info.
• Vietnam — Train T8701/2 (MR1/2 in Vietnam) from Gia Lam, Hanoi to Nanning in Guangxi, where you may choose to transfer Z5/6 to Beijing. Alternatively, you can take a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, walk or take a taxi across the border to Hekou, and take a train from Hekou North to Kunming.
• Hong Kong — frequent daily high-speed rail services link West Kowloon Station in Hong Kong with Shenzhen and Guangzhou, with long-distance services continuing on to major cities across China such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming and Xi’an. There are also overnight high-speed sleeper trains to Shanghai and Beijing every Friday to Monday. Both Hong Kong and mainland Chinese immigration checks are conducted at West Kowloon Station, so be sure to factor in extra time for them. Alternatively, you can take the MTR East Rail to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau and cross the border on foot. Both border crossings are connected to stations on the Shenzhen Metro on the mainland Chinese side; Luohu in the case of Lo Wu, and Futian Checkpoint in the case of Lok Ma Chau. Shenzhen Railway Station is adjacent to the Lo Wu/Luohu border crossing, making it convenient for transfers to long-distance trains.
• Macau — Macau is not connected to the rail network, but Zhuhai Railway Station is adjacent to the Gongbei border crossing from the Portas do Cerco in Macau. The Hengqin Line of the Macau LRT serves Hengqin Port in Zhuhai, which is connected to Hengqin Railway Station, where you can transfer to suburban trains headed for Zhuhai station. Both Macau and mainland immigration and customs checks are conducted at Hengqin Port.

By road

China has land borders with 14 countries. Mainland China also has land borders with the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, which are similar to international borders. Most of the border crossings in western China are in remote mountain passes, which while difficult to reach and traverse, often reward travelers willing to make the effort with breathtaking scenic views. From south through west to northeast:

Hong Kong

See the Hong Kong article for more information on road border crossings into mainland China from Hong Kong. Cycling into mainland China is only permitted through the Heung Yuen Wai/Liantang border crossing.

A visa on arrival is available for some nationalities at the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang crossing if you do not plan to travel beyond Shenzhen, but visas must be arranged in advance for all other crossings.

Macau

The two border crossings are at the Portas do Cerco/Gongbei and the Lotus Bridge. A visa-on-arrival can be obtained by certain nationalities at the Portas do Cerco provided you don’t travel beyond Zhuhai.

Vietnam

For most travelers from Southeast Asia, Hanoi is the origin for any overland journey to China. There are 8 major crossings—four to Guangxi and the rest to Yunnan:

• Huu Nghi (Dong Dang), Tan Thanh or Coc Nam/Youyiguan (友谊关)
• Mong Cai/Dongxing (东兴), buses run between both cities everyday.
• Ta Lung/Shuikou (水口)
• Tra Linh/Longbang (龙邦)
• Lao Cai/Hekou (河口)
• Ma Lu Thang/Jinshuihe (金水河)
• Thanh Thuy/Tianbao (天保)
• Xin Man/Dulong (都龙)

Laos

From Luang Namtha you can get a bus to Mengla. You must have a Chinese visa beforehand as there is no way to get one on arrival (240-hour TWOV is only valid for railway enter). Since 2011, Lantouy/Mengkang checkpoint also opened for 3rd countries in same way.

Also, there is a direct Chinese sleeper-bus connection from Luang Prabang to Kunming (about 32 hours). You can jump in this bus at the border, when the minibus from Luang Namtha and the sleeper meet. Don’t pay more than ¥200, though.

Myanmar (Burma)

Entering China from Myanmar is possible at the Muse/Ruili, Pang Hseng/Wanding, Kanpitetee/Houqiao, Chinshwehaw/Mengding, Mongla/Daluo and Pang Kham/Menglian border crossings, but permits must be obtained from the Burmese authorities (or for Pang Kham case, Wa State authorities) in advance. Generally, these are only available for residents of the border area and people on guided tours.

India

The Nathu La Pass between Sikkim in India and Southern Tibet is not open to tourists, and both countries require special permits to visit. Another possible way for Buddhist pilgrims is Gunji/Pulan.

Nepal

The road from Nepal to Tibet passes near Mount Everest, and through amazing mountain scenery. Entering Tibet from Nepal is only possible for tourists on package tours, but it is possible to travel into Nepal from Tibet. When in guided tours, travellers may hop at Kodari/Dram or Yali/Burang.

Pakistan

The Karakoram Highway from northern Pakistan into Western China is one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It’s closed for tourists for a few months in winter. Crossing the border is relatively quick because of few overland travelers, and friendly relations between the two countries. Preliminary customs inspection is done on the spot, while immigration and customs inspection are done at suburban Tashkurgan. A bus runs between Kashgar (China) and Sust (Pakistan) across the Kunerjab pass.

Tajikistan

There is a single border crossing between China and Tajikistan at Kulma/Karasu, which is open on weekdays from May to November. A bus operates across the border between Kashgar in Xinjiang and Khorog in Tajikistan. Ensure both your Chinese and Tajik visas are in order before attempting this crossing.

Kyrgyzstan

It is possible to cross the Torugart pass from Kyrgyztan, but the road is rough and the pass is only open during the summer months (June–September) every year. It is possible to arrange crossings all the way from Kashgar, but ensure that all your visas are in order.

Alternatively, while less scenic, a smoother crossing is at Irkeshtam to the south of Torugart.

Kazakhstan

The border crossing closest to Almaty is at Khorgos. Buses run almost daily from Almaty to Ürümqi and Yining. No visa-on-arrival is available so ensure that both your Chinese and Kazakh visas are in order before attempting this. Another major crossing is at Alashankou (Dostyk on the Kazakh side). There are also Maykapshagay/Jeminay, Bakhty and Kholzhat/Dulata for interests of snow mountains.

Mongolia

There are four border crossings open to foreigners between Mongolia and China:

• Sonbuir/Arxan (Inner Mongolia)
• Zamyn Uud/Erenhot (Inner Mongolia)
• Bichig/Zhuen Gadabuqi or Zuun Khatavch (Xilingol, Inner Mongolia)
• Bulgan/Takeshiken (Xinjiang)

Other crossings open to nationals are: Khabirga/Arihashate, Bayinkhushu/Ebudug, Gasonsukhaitu/Ganqimaodu, Sibkurun/Ceke, Khanji/Mandula in Inner Mongolia, or Burgastai/Laoyemiao, Bulgan Tag/Wulasitai, Sagsai/Hongshanzui in Xinjiang.

Russia

The most popular border crossing is at Manzhouli in Inner Mongolia, connects Zabaykalsk, buses between Dalian and Novosibirsk cross here. Farther east, there are land border crossings at Suifenhe (Pogranichny), Heihe (Blagoveshchensk), and Hunchun (Kraskino). Ensure both your Russian and Chinese visas are in order before attempting the crossing.

North Korea

Crossing overland from North Korea at the Dandong/Sinuiju border crossing is fairly straightforward if you have arranged it as part of your North Korean tour. The other border crossings along the Yalu and Tumen rivers may not be open to tourists. Your tour company must ensure that your Chinese and North Korean visas are in order before attempting this.

Others

Travelers cannot cross the borders with Afghanistan and Bhutan.

By boat

There are a number of boats to China by sea and river:

• Hong Kong and Macau: There is regular ferry and hovercraft service between Hong Kong and Macau and the rest of the Pearl River Delta, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai. The ferry services from Hong Kong International Airport allow arriving passengers to proceed directly to mainland China without having to clear Hong Kong immigration and customs.
• Japan: A ferry service to Shanghai from Osaka and Kobe, Japan. Service is once or twice weekly, depending on the season and takes about 2 days.
• Russia: There are also ferries across the Amur between Heihe and Blagoveshchensk, Fuyuan and Khabarovsk.
• South Korea: A ferry service to Shanghai and Tianjin from Incheon, a port close to Seoul. Another line is to Qingdao or Weihai from Incheon or Dalian from Incheon.
• Taiwan: Hourly ferries (18 departures per day) run from Kinmen to Xiamen, with the journey time either 30 minutes or one hour depending on port. There is also a regular ferry between Kinmen and Quanzhou with 3 departures per day. A twice-daily ferry links Matsu with Fuzhou, with journey time about 2 hours. From the Taiwanese main island, there are weekly departures from Taichung and Keelung aboard the Cosco Star to Xiamen and Damaiyu, Taizhou.
• Thailand: Golden Peacock Shipping company runs a speedboat three times a week on the Mekong river to Jinghong in Yunnan from Chiang Saen (Thailand). Passengers are not required to have visas for Laos or Myanmar, although the greater part of the trip is on the river bordering these countries. Tickets cost ¥650.
• Cruise ship: In the fall, several cruise lines move their ships from Alaska to Asia and good connections can generally be found leaving from Anchorage, Vancouver, or Seattle.

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Content adapted from Wikivoyage, used under CC BY-SA 3.0.