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China Travel Entry Kit

Check visa-free / 240-hour transit eligibility, make a correct 33×48mm visa photo, fill the digital arrival card, set up payments & eSIM, and grab a printable offline kit — all on your own device.

Independent guide — not a government website or travel agency. We do not issue visas, submit applications, book tickets or charge government fees. Rules change often — always confirm on the official National Immigration Administration (NIA) website and your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate before you travel.

1Check if you can enter China visa-free

Select your passport nationality. Lists verified against the official NIA announcements (see date at the bottom). The 30-day list applies to ordinary passports for tourism, business, family visits and transit.

2Make your China visa photo (33×48mm, white background)

Official printed size: 33mm wide × 48mm tall on a white background; head width 15–22mm, head height 28–33mm. Digital uploads: 354×472 to 420×560 px. Both are free below and made on your device.

I confirm this is a photo of me (or of a person I am the parent/legal guardian of), and I am authorized to use it. I agree to on-device processing.
top of head
chin
−+

Drag to center. Fit the top of your head and chin between the two lines (head should be roughly 60–70% of the photo height).

Processing locally on your device…

The on-device background tool couldn’t start.
The local engine file may be missing or blocked. A photo taken against a plain white wall still works.

Compliance self-check

This tool sizes the photo to the official specs but cannot guarantee acceptance — always cross-check the requirements for your specific visa centre.

3Fill the digital arrival card (before you fly)

Since 20 November 2025, foreign travelers can complete entry information online in advance. It is generally required for air, land and sea entry — including visa-free and transit travelers (a few exempt groups excepted).

Where to fill it (official channels only)
  • The official NIA website (National Immigration Administration) or the Government Service Platform;
  • The “NIA 12367” app (iOS / Android), available in English and other languages;
  • The WeChat or Alipay mini program — search for the entry/arrival card service, or scan the QR code shown at the airport.

If you cannot fill it in advance, you can usually complete it on arrival — but doing it before you travel saves time at the border.

Information you need to have ready
  • Passport details (number, nationality, date of birth, expiry);
  • Flight / train / ship number and the port of entry (e.g. Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong);
  • Your address in China — the name and address of your first hotel (copy it from your booking confirmation);
  • A contact number / email and the length of your stay.
At the border
  1. Present your passport and, if asked, the arrival card reference / QR code (a screenshot is fine).
  2. Have your onward/return ticket and hotel booking ready — border officers may ask to see them.
  3. Customs: if you carry large amounts of cash (over the declared threshold, commonly the equivalent of USD 5,000) or restricted goods, declare them on the customs declaration. Keep receipts for valuable items.

4Set up payments before you land

Cash is always accepted, but most shops, restaurants, metro and taxis use QR payments. International cards can now be linked to the main apps — set this up while you still have easy access to your bank’s verification.

Alipay — link a foreign card (most common for visitors)
  1. Install Alipay and register (you can use your foreign phone number or email).
  2. Go to Me / Bank Cards and add a Visa, Mastercard, Diners, JCB or Discover card.
  3. Verify identity with your passport when prompted, then complete the bank’s 3-D Secure check.
  4. To ride the metro/bus, open the Transport / Transit QR code and choose your city.

A small service fee may apply to some foreign-card transactions. Keep your card contactless-enabled for places that accept it directly.

WeChat Pay — link a foreign card
  1. Install WeChat, register, then open Me / Services / Wallet.
  2. Add a Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners or Discover card and verify it.
  3. Use Money / QR Code to pay at shops and restaurants.
Reality check: small street stalls, markets and some older shops may not accept foreign cards even via QR. Carry some Chinese yuan cash (withdraw at an airport ATM or exchange a little beforehand) for these situations and for rural areas. Official “Nihao China” and bank services are expanding acceptance, but coverage is not 100%.

5Stay connected — eSIM / roaming

Order a data eSIM or travel SIM before departure so you have internet the moment you land (for maps, translations, payment verification and transport codes).

Important: some services you use at home may behave differently or be unavailable in mainland China; check each app’s availability before you travel and download offline content in advance. This guide does not provide or recommend tools intended to bypass local laws — please comply with Chinese regulations.

6Printable offline travel kit

A downloadable bundle of printable cards you can use even with no signal or no Chinese — generated on your device.

The ZIP includes:
  • Emergency card (110 / 120 / 119, embassy, hotel & passport blanks)
  • Restaurant / ordering card (allergies, spice level, common dishes)
  • Phrasebook (greetings, transport, shopping, numbers)
  • Itinerary planner & pre-trip / tax-refund checklist
One-time $4.99 · no subscription

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