Entry Guide
From visa to landing: eight key questions for travellers to China
This guide follows the eight decisions every inbound traveller actually makes: whether you need a visa, which facilitation policy you qualify for, what documents to prepare, where to apply, how to compare tour packages, how to get set up on arrival, how to verify what you book, and how to keep up with changes. Read any section on its own, or work through them as a pre-departure checklist.
Four-step self-check
Decide the route first, prepare documents second, compare prices last. Get the order wrong and everything downstream has to be redone.
- Is your nationality on the unilateral visa-free list?
- Are you transiting China to a third country (transit visa-free)?
- Are you only connecting airside, without clearing immigration?
- Are you only visiting a specific region such as Hainan?
🧾 Step 1 · Before you fly
Confirm your route, check your documents, and find the right office — settle these three before departure.
Entry Guide
Entry Guide
Entry Guide
Entry Guide
Step 2 · Choose and arrive
Compare what each package actually includes, then sort out payment, transport, hotels, tickets and connectivity.
Entry Guide
Entry Guide
Step 3 · Verify and adapt
Calibrate expectations with reviews and Q&A, and track policy and flight changes on a fixed schedule.
Entry policies change with new announcements; before you travel, always confirm against the latest notices from China’s National Immigration Administration and Chinese embassies or consulates abroad.