China Arrival & Customs: What to Do When You Land (2026)

Land in China with no surprises — what immigration asks, how to file the customs and health declarations by QR code, and which items you cannot bring in.

First, check if you even need a visa. Use our Visa-Free Lookup → to see if your passport qualifies for visa-free entry, transit, or a regional exemption before you book anything.

At immigration (border control)

Have your passport (valid ≥6 months) and return/onward ticket ready.
Officers may ask for your hotel name/address and the purpose of your visit — keep it simple: “tourism”.
Fingerprints and a photo are taken on arrival for most visitors.
You’ll get an entry stamp. Keep your passport handy — you’ll show it again at hotels and some attractions.

Customs declaration

Before collecting luggage, complete the Customs declaration on the Customs Pocket WeChat mini-program, or on the paper form.
Declare cash over USD 5,000 (or equivalent), and any items for commercial use.
Do not bring fresh fruit, meat, seeds, or most animal/plant products — they are restricted.
Medicine for personal use is generally fine in reasonable quantities; keep the original packaging and a copy of the prescription for anything prescription-only.

Health declaration

Many airports require a health declaration via the health-declaration WeChat mini-program before clearing customs. It takes 2 minutes and gives you a QR code to show.

Common hold-ups

Name mismatch: your ticket name must match your passport exactly.
No hotel booked yet: have at least the first night’s address written down (in Chinese helps — see each city page).
Lost passport: go to the nearest police station for a loss report, then your embassy for a replacement travel document.

Tip: Save screenshots of your visa/entry stamp, hotel address in Chinese, and embassy contacts to your phone before you fly — you may not have data on arrival. An eSIM bought in advance activates the moment you land: see Internet & SIM →.

Once you’re through the door, the next two things to sort are paying for things and getting into town — see Mobile Payment → and Transport & Trains →.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fill in a customs declaration when arriving in China?

Yes. Most travellers file it in the Customs Pocket WeChat mini-program before baggage claim, or on the paper form handed out on the plane.

Do I need a hotel booking to enter China?

Officers can ask where you are staying, so have at least your first night's address ready, ideally written in Chinese as well as English.

Can I bring my prescription medicine into China?

Yes, in reasonable quantities for personal use. Keep it in the original packaging and carry a copy of the prescription.

How much cash can I bring into China?

Anything over the equivalent of USD 5,000 must be declared at customs. Smaller amounts need no declaration.

Will I be fingerprinted on arrival in China?

Most visitors give fingerprints and a photo at the border. It takes about a minute and happens before you get the entry stamp.

Last updated: 2026-08