Arriving in China: Airport Immigration, Customs & Your First Hour

Your step-by-step guide to a smoother arrival in China, from landing at the airport to reaching your hotel.

Last reviewed: November 10, 2026

Arriving in China for the first time can feel exciting — and a little unfamiliar.

You might be wondering what happens at immigration, whether you need to complete an arrival card, how customs inspections work, or how to get from the airport to your hotel.

The good news is that a little preparation can make the experience much easier.

The short answer: After landing in mainland China, international visitors typically follow airport signs to immigration, complete any required entry procedures, collect their luggage, pass through customs, and continue to their chosen airport transport.

The exact process may vary by airport, nationality, immigration status, and individual circumstances.

Here is what to expect.

1. What Happens When You Arrive at a Chinese Airport?

For most travelers entering mainland China, the arrival process follows a familiar sequence.

Important: If you are making an international connection without entering mainland China, your airport procedures may be different. Follow your airline's transfer instructions.

2. What Documents Should You Prepare Before Landing?

Keep your essential documents and travel details accessible.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

• A valid passport.
• A Chinese visa, if required.
• Documents supporting your visa-free entry eligibility.
• A confirmed onward or return ticket, where applicable.
• Your hotel reservation or accommodation address.
• Details of your planned visit.
• Any other supporting documents relevant to your entry arrangements.

For travelers using China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, the onward itinerary is particularly important.

Travel tip: Save your hotel address in both English and Chinese, and keep an offline copy of your reservation details.

For a detailed explanation of visa-free eligibility, read our China Visa-Free Travel Guide 2026: 30-Day Entry, 240-Hour Transit & Arrival Rules.

3. Do You Need to Complete a China Arrival Card?

Many foreign visitors are required to provide arrival information.

China introduced an official online arrival card submission service in November 2025, allowing eligible travelers to submit their information before arriving.

The official service is free.

Official China Arrival Card Service:
https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/

Travelers who cannot complete the form online may be able to use airport facilities or paper forms, depending on the applicable procedures.

Certain travelers are exempt from arrival card requirements.

Avoid unofficial arrival card websites

Be cautious of websites that imitate official immigration services or charge unnecessary submission fees.

Use the official National Immigration Administration channel.

4. What Happens at Chinese Immigration?

After leaving the aircraft, follow the signs for arrivals and passport control.

At immigration, an officer may check your passport, visa or visa-free eligibility, and other travel information.

You may be asked about your purpose of visit, accommodation, length of stay, or onward travel arrangements.

Will you need to provide fingerprints?

Biometric collection requirements depend on the current rules and your individual circumstances.

Some travelers may be asked to provide fingerprints or complete other identity verification procedures.

Follow the instructions given by immigration staff.

What if you do not speak Chinese?

You do not need to be fluent in Chinese to arrive at a major international airport.

Many major airports provide English-language signs, although assistance and language availability can vary.

Keep important information readily accessible on your phone or in print.

5. How Do You Collect Your Luggage?

After completing immigration, follow the signs to baggage claim.

Check the display boards for your flight number and assigned baggage carousel.

Before leaving the area, confirm that you have collected the correct bags.

If your checked luggage does not arrive or appears damaged, contact your airline's baggage service desk before leaving the airport.

Keep your baggage tag until you have confirmed that your luggage has arrived safely.

6. What Happens at Chinese Customs?

After collecting your luggage, you will proceed through customs.

Travelers may encounter different customs channels depending on whether they have items to declare.

If you are carrying goods that require declaration, follow the relevant procedures and ask customs staff for assistance if needed.

Customs officers may inspect luggage or request additional information.

Do you need to declare cash?

China has rules governing the amount of domestic and foreign currency that travelers may carry across the border.

Declaration requirements can depend on the currency, amount, and circumstances.

If you plan to carry a substantial amount of cash, check the latest official customs and foreign-exchange requirements before departure.

Can you bring prescription medicine?

Personal medication may be permitted, but certain medicines and controlled substances are restricted.

Before traveling:

• Check whether the medication or its active ingredients are restricted.
• Keep medicines in their original packaging where possible.
• Carry prescriptions or supporting medical documents when appropriate.
• Check whether additional permits or declarations are required.

Do not assume that a medicine available in your home country is automatically permitted in China.

What about food, plants, or animal products?

Some foods, plants, animal products, and agricultural items may be prohibited or subject to quarantine controls.

Check the latest official customs requirements before packing these items.

7. Your First Hour After Landing: Three Priorities

Once you have completed immigration and customs, focus on three practical things.

Priority 1: Get your internet working

Check whether your international roaming, eSIM, or local mobile service is working.

You may need mobile internet to access your hotel information, navigation, messaging apps, or digital payment services.

If you plan to use a local SIM, check the airport's available mobile service options and identification requirements.

Travel tip: Download important travel information before departure so you are not completely dependent on internet access after landing.

Priority 2: Check your payment methods

China uses mobile payments extensively, particularly Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Before leaving the airport, check whether your payment apps are accessible and whether your linked bank cards are ready to use.

Keep a backup payment option available, such as a suitable bank card or some RMB cash.

For detailed setup instructions, read our How to Pay in China as a Foreigner: Alipay, WeChat Pay, Cards & Cash guide.

Priority 3: Confirm your airport transfer

Before leaving the terminal, decide how you will travel to your accommodation.

Depending on the airport and destination, you may have several options:

• Airport express train.
• Metro or subway.
• Official airport taxi.
• Ride-hailing service.
• Prearranged private transfer.

Choose the option that suits your arrival time, luggage, budget, and hotel location.

If someone is meeting you, confirm the designated meeting point and terminal.

8. How Do You Get from a Chinese Airport to Your Hotel?

Major Chinese international airports often offer multiple transport options, but availability varies by city and terminal.

Airport express or metro

Rail transport can be convenient for travelers staying near a connected station.

Check operating hours, luggage practicality, and the distance from your destination station to your hotel.

Official airport taxi

Follow signs to the designated taxi rank.

Avoid accepting unsolicited transportation offers from individuals approaching you inside the terminal.

Keep your hotel address available in Chinese.

Ride-hailing services

Ride-hailing can be useful, but airport pickup locations may differ from standard taxi ranks.

Follow the pickup instructions shown in your app.

Private airport transfer

A prearranged transfer can be especially convenient for families, larger groups, travelers with substantial luggage, or those arriving late at night.

Confirm your flight details and meeting instructions with your provider in advance.

9. What If You Arrive Late at Night?

Late-night arrivals require a little extra planning.

Before your flight, check:

• Whether your airport rail service will still be operating.
• Your hotel's check-in arrangements.
• The availability of official taxis or other transport.
• Your internet connection and payment backup.
• Your pickup instructions if you have booked a transfer.

If your flight is delayed, notify your hotel or transfer provider when possible.

For travelers arriving with children or a group, having a clear transport plan can reduce uncertainty after a long journey.

10. Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make

Mistake 1: Not checking entry requirements before departure.
Confirm your visa or visa-free eligibility before traveling.

Mistake 2: Having no offline copy of your hotel address.
Save essential information in advance.

Mistake 3: Using an unofficial arrival card website.
Use the free official immigration service.

Mistake 4: Assuming every payment app will work immediately.
Set up payment methods before departure and carry a backup.

Mistake 5: Forgetting to check customs restrictions.
Medication, currency, and certain goods may require special attention.

Mistake 6: Choosing an airport transfer without checking the terminal or arrival time.
Transport options and pickup points can vary.

Mistake 7: Leaving the airport without resolving missing baggage.
Report baggage problems to the airline's service desk promptly.

11. China Airport Arrival Checklist

Before departure

• [ ] Confirm passport and entry eligibility.
• [ ] Save your flight and accommodation information.
• [ ] Complete the official arrival card if required.
• [ ] Check customs restrictions for items you are carrying.
• [ ] Prepare mobile connectivity.
• [ ] Set up mobile payment and a backup payment option.
• [ ] Confirm your airport-to-hotel transport.

After landing

• [ ] Follow the appropriate immigration or transfer signs.
• [ ] Complete the required entry procedures.
• [ ] Collect checked luggage.
• [ ] Follow customs declaration requirements.
• [ ] Check internet connectivity and payment options.
• [ ] Confirm your pickup point or transport route.
• [ ] Keep your hotel address accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is arriving in China difficult for first-time visitors?

The process is generally manageable when your entry documents, accommodation information, and transport arrangements are prepared in advance. Procedures can vary by airport and individual circumstances.

Do I need to fill out an arrival card?

Many foreign travelers do, although exemptions apply. Check the latest National Immigration Administration instructions.

Is China's online arrival card free?

Yes. The official National Immigration Administration online submission service is free.

Do Chinese airports have English signs?

Major international airports generally provide English-language wayfinding, although the level of assistance may vary.

Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay immediately after landing?

You may be able to use them if your account, verification, and payment methods are already set up and working. Test access and keep a backup option.

Can I take a taxi from the airport?

Major international airports generally have official taxi services. Follow airport signs to designated taxi ranks and check local availability.

What should I do if my luggage is missing?

Contact your airline's baggage service desk at the airport and follow its reporting procedure.

Is it better to book an airport transfer in advance?

It depends on your needs. Advance transfers can be especially helpful for families, groups, late-night arrivals, and travelers who prefer a prearranged pickup.

Start Your China Journey with Be Frank Tours

Your first experience in China begins long before you reach your hotel.

With the right preparation, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the journey ahead.

Be Frank Tours helps international visitors explore China through private journeys, cultural experiences, and tailor-made travel arrangements.

Whether you're planning a first visit, a family holiday, or a group trip, we're here to help you build an itinerary that fits your interests.

Explore China Travel Experiences

Contact Be Frank Tours

Entry procedures, customs requirements, and transportation arrangements may change. Always follow current official instructions and airport staff guidance.

Official Resources

• National Immigration Administration — Official Website
• Official China Online Arrival Card Service
• General Administration of Customs of China — Official Website
• State Council English Portal

Information reviewed November 10, 2026. Check the relevant authorities for current immigration, customs, and airport procedures before traveling.