From documents to vaccinations, here’s everything you’ll need to bring with you for travel to China.
Whether you’re looking to enter China, visit Hong Kong, or explore the Tibet Autonomous Region, there are strict entry and exit requirements that must be observed. Carrying the proper travel documents, such as the correct visa and health records, can protect you abroad—and it protects Chinese citizens too.
China Travel Requirements: Know Before You Go
China Required Documents
- Passport: You’ll need to travel with a valid passport that has at least two blank pages. It should also be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel.
- Valid Visa: Though the Chinese government permits some foreign travelers to visit China visa-free, most are required to have a valid visa for tourism or business. In some cases, you can submit your visa application online or through the Chinese embassy in your country.
- Entry and Exit Forms: Required for all passengers arriving in China by air or sea.
China’s entry rules may vary by country. Confirm if you need any other travel documents to enter China by contacting Entriva, or your country’s Chinese embassy.
How Do I Obtain a Passport?
If you do not already have a passport, you can apply for one at your local passport office. The process typically takes four to six weeks, so make sure to apply well in advance of your trip. If you already have a passport, make sure to check its expiration date and renew it if necessary.
To get a United States passport, an American citizen needs to follow these steps:
- Fill out form DS-11: The DS-11 form is available online or can be obtained at a passport acceptance facility.
- Gather required documents: You will need to provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate) and a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license).
- Get a passport photo taken: Your photo must meet specific requirements, such as size, lighting, and positioning.
- Pay the application fee: The fee varies depending on the type of passport and processing time selected. The average processing time for a new passport is four to six weeks, but expedited services are available for an additional cost.
- Submit your application in person: You can submit your application at a passport acceptance facility, which can be found at many post offices, courthouses, and libraries.
- Track your application status: You can check the status of your passport application online or by phone.
How Do I Obtain A Valid Chinese Visa?
You can obtain a Chinese tourist visa or business visa by applying online through a visa service provider like Entriva, or through the Chinese government’s official website. The application process typically takes four to five days, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Make sure to apply for your visa well in advance of your trip to allow for processing time.
How Do I Obtain An Entry and Exit Form?
China’s entry and exit forms can be obtained on the plane or at the airport upon arrival in China. Make sure to fill it out completely and accurately, as it will be checked by immigration officials.
China Health Requirements and Screenings
To keep yourself and the rest of the country healthy and safe, monitor local media ahead of your trip for any health-related issues, keep an eye on any China travel restrictions that may be developing, pay attention to your health post-arrival, and perhaps most importantly, be aware of—and follow— China’s health requirements for entry.
COVID-19
As of August 28, 2023 China dropped all remaining COVID testing requirements for entry into the country. This is seen as a symbolic ending of China’s COVID entry requirements, which were among the most stringent in the world.
US travelers don’t need to provide proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter China. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you still be up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations prior to traveling and follow any necessary safety protocols.
As an ongoing global health issue, COVID-19 restrictions and requirements are subject to change. Be sure to check for updates from the website of your nearest Chinese embassy. You can also find updated recommendations from the US Embassy in Beijing.
Vaccinations
While China doesn’t have any vaccine requirements, the CDC recommends the following vaccinations prior to traveling:
- COVID-19: Highly recommended
- Cholera: Recommended
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers at least one year old and infants ages six to 11 months
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers ages 60 or older
- Yellow fever: Required if coming from known yellow fever–infected country or region
- Japanese encephalitis: Recommended if coming from infected area
- Rabies: Recommended
- Typhoid: Recommended
- Tick-borne Encephalitis: Recommended
Prescriptions
If you need to bring prescription medication with you during your trip, you should:
- Check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to ensure the medication is legal and can be brought into the country under Chinese law
- Carry the medications in their original packing
- Bring a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor
- Declare your medications to local authorities at China customs and immigration
Medical Records
Foreign nationals traveling to China for medical treatment will need to provide necessary documents, such as medical records, proof of needed medical treatment, information about the hospital you’ll be at, and any other relevant health records.
Travel Insurance
Overseas medical costs can add up, so while it’s not required, acquiring travel medical insurance for your trip is highly recommended. Look at plans that cover emergency services, medical evacuation, violent incidents, and catastrophic natural events and decide what best meets your needs.
Preparing for Your China Trip
Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a China visa. Start your visa application process.
For more information on other aspects of travel to China, including travel restrictions, visa extensions, health and safety, and culture and traditions, visit our China content hub.