China Arrival Guide

Airport arrival hall – the first steps after landing.

Arriving in China is less about “landing in a new country” and more about entering a tightly structured operational system. From biometric kiosks to mandatory address registration, every step is designed to capture, validate, and synchronize traveler identity in real time across national databases. Following the correct sequence — not speed — is what guarantees a smooth entry.

01 / First 10 Minutes After Landing

Airport arrival corridor – follow “Arrival / 入境” signs.

After disembarking, follow this sequence without deviation:

• Follow “Arrival / 入境” signs immediately after exiting the jetbridge
• Have your passport and arrival card QR code (screenshot on your phone) ready
• Do not join the “Chinese Citizens” queue — look for “Foreigners / 外国人” or “Transit Without Visa / 过境免签” lanes
• Proceed to the designated lane based on your entry status (visa‑free, TWOV, or regular visa)

02 / Digital Arrival Card – Mandatory for All Foreigners

Online arrival card – complete within 24 hours before landing.

Since November 20, 2025, all foreign nationals entering China (including visa‑free and transit passengers) are required to complete an electronic arrival card.^{[reference:0][reference:1]} The form is free and must be submitted within 24 hours before arrival — not earlier.

How to Fill It Out

• NIA website: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone (mobile) or s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC (desktop)^{[reference:2]}
• “移民局 12367” App: Download from iOS/Android app stores — has an English interface^{[reference:3]}
• WeChat or Alipay: Search for the “移民局 12367” mini‑program^{[reference:4]}
• Airport QR code: If you did not complete it in advance, you can scan an official QR code after landing (but expect longer queues)

Required Information

• Passport details (full name, number, expiry date) — exactly as shown on your passport
• Flight itinerary (arrival flight number and date)
• Complete street address of your accommodation — “Hilton Shanghai” alone is not enough. You must write the district and street address, e.g., “Hilton Hongqiao, 1116 Hongxu Road, Minhang District, Shanghai”
• A contact phone number (your home number with country code, or a Chinese number if you have one)
• Travel purpose (tourism / business / transit)

03 / Immigration Control – Step by Step

Step A: Document Verification

The officer will verify your passport validity (must have at least 6 months remaining), your entry eligibility (visa sticker, visa‑free qualification, or TWOV ticket), and scan your arrival card QR code. Have your passport open to the photo page.

Step B: Biometric Capture (Fingerprints + Facial Scan)

Fingerprint scanning is mandatory for most travelers aged 14–70. The officer will guide you to place your fingers on the scanner. A facial photo is also taken at the counter. If the machine fails, the officer will ask you to try again — do not rush.

Step C: Entry Stamp Issuance

Your passport will be stamped with a fixed departure deadline — this date is non-negotiable and strictly enforced. Overstaying even by one day incurs fines (500 RMB / ~$70 per day) and can affect future entries.

04 / Smart E‑Gates – Faster Clearance at Select Airports

Smart e‑gate – facial recognition clearance in ~12 seconds.

In 2026, more Chinese airports are rolling out smart immigration clearance channels (e‑gates) that use facial recognition to expedite border processing.^{[reference:6]} Where available, eligible travelers can complete entry procedures in about 12 seconds — down from the standard ~50 seconds at manual counters.^{[reference:7]}

Who Can Use E‑Gates?

• Holders of Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards
• Non‑Chinese holders of Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong/Macau
• Travelers who have pre‑enrolled their biometric data with the NIA (available at select enrollment points in major cities)

For most short‑term tourists, the first entry is still at a manual counter. However, the NIA is rapidly expanding e‑gate access. If you are a frequent visitor, ask the immigration officer about enrollment during your first entry. Once enrolled, you can use e‑gates on subsequent trips.

05 / Baggage Claim & Customs

After passing immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area. Screens display flight numbers and corresponding carousel numbers. Baggage carts are free — just pull one from the stack.

Customs Declaration

• Red channel (Goods to declare): If you are carrying more than ¥20,000 (~$2,800) in cash, high‑value items that exceed duty‑free limits, or restricted goods (e.g., commercial samples), use the red channel.
• Green channel (Nothing to declare): For most tourists. Walk through unless you are carrying anything on the restricted list.

Medicine warning: Do not bring medications containing pseudoephedrine, codeine, morphine, or strychnine — common in some cold medicines (e.g., Contac, Tylenol PM Cold). These are controlled substances in China and will be confiscated, with possible fines. Prescription drugs for personal use should be accompanied by the original prescription and package insert.

06 / Airport Exit & City Transfer

Airport taxi stand – official taxis are metered.

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)

• Maglev + Metro: Take the Maglev to Longyang Road Station (8 minutes, ¥50 / ~$7), then transfer to Metro Line 2 to the city center. Total time: 35–45 minutes.^{[reference:8]}
• Metro Line 2 direct: Slower (60–75 minutes) but cheaper (¥7–10 / ~$1–1.50).^{[reference:9]}
• Taxi / DiDi: ¥160–200 ($22–28) to central Shanghai, 45–60 minutes.^{[reference:10]}
• Airport shuttle bus: ¥18–30 ($2.50–4), multiple routes to major hotels and rail stations.^{[reference:11]}

Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)

• Airport Express: To Dongzhimen Station (20 minutes, ¥25 / ~$3.50), connects to Metro Lines 2, 10, and 13.^{[reference:12]}
• Taxi / DiDi: ¥80–120 ($11–17) to city center, 40–60 minutes.
• Airport shuttle bus: ¥20–30 ($3–4), multiple routes.

Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)

• Daxing Airport Express: To Caoqiao Station (19 minutes, ¥35 / ~$5). Connects to Metro Line 10 and Line 19.^{[reference:13]} Transfer to city center: total 50–60 minutes.
• Taxi / DiDi: ¥150–200 ($21–28) to central Beijing, 50–70 minutes.^{[reference:14]}
• Intercity train: To Beijing West Railway Station (28 minutes, ¥25–30 / ~$3.50–4). Ideal for connecting to long‑distance rail.^{[reference:15]}

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN)

• Metro Line 3: Direct connection to city center (Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe) in 40–50 minutes. ¥7–9 (~$1).
• Taxi / DiDi: ¥100–150 ($14–21) to city center, 45–60 minutes.
• Airport shuttle bus: ¥20–35 ($3–5), multiple routes to major hotels.

07 / First 24 Hours – Mandatory Accommodation Registration

Hotel reception – automatic PSB registration.

Pathway A: Hotels (Recommended)

Hotels automatically register foreign guests with the Public Security Bureau upon check‑in. You do not need to do anything beyond presenting your passport at the front desk. Stick to international chains (Marriott, Hilton, Ibis, IHG) or well‑rated hostels — some budget domestic hotels are unfamiliar with foreign passport registration.

Pathway B: Private Rentals, Airbnbs, or Staying with Friends/Family

If you are not staying in a hotel, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Bring your passport, a printed copy of your accommodation lease or the host‘s property ownership certificate, and your host if possible. The police will issue a “Registration Form of Temporary Residence.”^{[reference:17]}

New for 2026 – Online Registration Option

Since March 2026, the NIA has been piloting online accommodation registration for foreigners staying in non‑hotel accommodations in seven provinces (Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, Sichuan), with nationwide rollout planned based on pilot results.^{[reference:18]} You or your host may complete registration online through:

• NIA Government website: s.nia.gov.cn
• “NIA 12367” App (available on iOS and Android)^{[reference:19]}
• WeChat mini‑program: Search “NIA 12367”
• Alipay mini‑program: Search “NIA 12367”^{[reference:20]}

Online registration has the same legal effect as in‑person registration. Offline channels remain available for those who prefer or cannot use the digital option.^{[reference:21]}

08 / Common Arrival Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them

• Not completing the Digital Arrival Card in advance – You can do it after landing, but queues for manual counters are much longer. Complete it within 24 hours before departure and save a screenshot.
• Vague accommodation address on the arrival card – “Hilton Shanghai” will be rejected. Write the full street address with district name. Example: “Hilton Hongqiao, 1116 Hongxu Road, Minhang District, Shanghai.”^{[reference:22]}
• Joining the wrong immigration lane – Chinese citizens queue separately. Look for “Foreigners / 外国人” or “Transit Without Visa / 过境免签.”
• Not photographing the entry stamp – You need the exact departure date for hotel check‑ins and domestic flight bookings.
• Skipping accommodation registration – Even one night in a private apartment requires registration. Fines are expensive.
• Assuming all airport transport accepts cash – Many buses and metro ticket machines now prefer QR code payment. Have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up before you arrive.
• Carrying prohibited medications – Check your cold medicine for pseudoephedrine. Leave any product with that ingredient at home.

09 / Real‑World Arrival Flow – From Landing to Hotel

10 / Pre‑Departure Arrival Checklist