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Requirements to travel to China from the USA
Here you will find all the mandatory requirements to travel to China from the USA. We will also give you some travel tips!
If you are planning to travel to China from the USA, it is important to understand all the requirements you must meet to enter, stay in, and even leave the country. We will explain why each document such as your passport, your visa, and your plane ticket is essential and what you should know about them.
There are also other important steps, like going through immigration control, showing proof of where you’ll be staying in China, and having insurance that covers medical expenses. You’ll learn about all of these topics, and we’ll also share a few tips for your trip that will help make your experience in the country even better.
Tips for your trip to China
Holafly offers monthly subscription plans that keep you connected throughout your entire trip to China. You can choose anything from 25 GB to unlimited data and even share it with other devices. Best of all, the same plans work in more than 170 countries, so you can travel without paying for expensive roaming.
If you’re only staying in the country for a few days or weeks, we recommend getting an eSIM for China, which gives you unlimited data for as long as you need it during your stay. Now we can jump into what you’ll be asked for when entering China. Let’s get started!
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1. One-way airline ticket to China and return ticket to the USA
You’ll need to show your plane ticket at two key points during your trip. First, it’s required when you apply for a tourist visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, since it serves as proof that you plan to return to the United States once your legal stay in China ends.
You’ll also have to show your return ticket to the United States both when you board your departing flight and when you arrive in China. If you don’t have it, you risk being denied boarding or even being deported upon arrival.
2. Tourist, residence, or work visas for China
As a U.S. citizen, you will need a visa for tourism, work, or study in order to enter and leave China. We will give you a general overview of the requirements for each type of visa according to the Chinese Embassy.
Tourist visa (Category L)
U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter China for tourism. Keep in mind that this visa only allows tourist activities. Using it for anything else could lead to detention, deportation, or even criminal charges and imprisonment.
To apply, you will need to meet the following document and requirement criteria:
- Prove that you do not have an arrest warrant in the United States.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Proof of accommodation with a rental agreement, reservation, or invitation from friends or family who reside there legally.
- Sufficient financial means for your stay.
Important! You cannot let your visa expire while in China, because it will be checked when you try to leave to ensure you complied with the legal stay requirements. Failing to do so could result in a fine. To avoid this, request an extension from a local Immigration Office before your visa expires or before you leave the country.
The maximum length of stay in China is 60 days, and the visa can be valid for 10 years for multiple entries.
Study Visa (Category X1 or X2)
The type of visa you need for studying in China depends on the duration and nature of your program. For example, if your studies will last more than 180 days, you should apply for an X1 visa. If your program is shorter than 180 days, an X2 visa is the right choice.
With an X1 visa, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit at a local public security office within the first 30 days of your stay in China.
The requirements for both cases are:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages.
- Visa application form completed online.
- Recent color passport-size photo with a white background.
- Proof of legal residence in the United States.
- Admission letter from the institution where you will be studying.
- Depending on your situation, you will need to submit form JW201 if you are studying with a full or partial scholarship from the Chinese government, or form JW202 if you are funding your studies yourself.
Work Visa (Category Z)
A work visa allows you to enter China with a specific purpose, which helps Chinese immigration authorities understand the reason and duration of your stay. Once in the country, you will need to apply for a long-term Residence Permit, which lets you live and work in China without any issues.
To obtain this visa, the general requirements are as follows:
- Job offer from a Chinese employer.
- Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, which must be requested by your employer in China.
- Medical certificate proving that you are in good health.
3. U.S. passport
Your U.S. passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months when you enter China. It is an important document that you will need to carry with you at all times, as Chinese authorities may ask to see it at any point.
Keep in mind that in most cases, visas are stamped directly in your passport. Failing to have both documents together could cause issues with Chinese immigration. The Chinese Embassy recommends always carrying this paperwork, regardless of your immigration status.
4. Pass through Chinese immigration
This step is one of the most important and essential for entering China. Immigration control is mandatory for all foreigners arriving in the country. Officers will typically ask routine questions about your trip, its purpose, and how long you plan to stay.
They may also ask for your travel itinerary, proof of funds for your stay, and will review your documents while collecting your biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial scan, which are mandatory.
You should remain calm, answer questions politely, and provide all the documents requested. It’s best to keep your answers short, clear, and to the point, and be patient throughout the process.
5. Accommodation address in China
Proof of accommodation in China is a mandatory requirement, both for obtaining a visa and for staying in the country legally. The details you provide about your lodging when applying for a visa must match the information you give upon arrival in China.
Providing conflicting information about your accommodation could make authorities question your travel plans and even lead to deportation. Once you arrive in China, you’ll have 24 hours to register your address with the local police.
If you are staying in a hotel, the staff will handle the registration with the police for you. But if you are staying with a friend or family member, they will need to go with you to the police and bring the invitation letter, passport, and any other required documents to register your stay.
Other tips for traveling to China from the U.S.
Now that you know the mandatory requirements for traveling to China from the U.S., we would like to give you some travel tips.
Here are some tips on why travel insurance is important, what you need to know if you plan to drive in China, how your mobile apps work when you arrive, the best ways to make payments, and which social customs are important to keep in mind.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not mandatory according to Chinese authorities, but it is highly recommended for a worry-free trip, especially because it covers medical expenses in case of illness or accidents.
China has a relatively high rate of traffic accidents, so it’s wise to stay alert when navigating streets and intersections. Your health should always be your top priority.
It also protects your belongings in case of loss or theft of luggage or documents. Insurance can also help if you accidentally cause damage to others, covering any medical or legal costs that may arise.
Driver’s license in China
In China, you cannot drive using a U.S. driver’s license or an International Driving Permit. If your stay is short, you will need to obtain a temporary Chinese driver’s license.
This permit is valid for up to 90 days and can be renewed for a total of one year. It only allows you to drive a rental car, so you cannot use it to drive vehicles borrowed from friends or family.
If you plan to live in China, you can apply for a full Chinese driver’s license, which will allow you to rent, purchase, and own a car. One of the requirements for obtaining it is passing the driving test again.
Technology tips
When it comes to mobile apps, many Google services commonly used in the U.S. are restricted in China. One tip is to install a VPN so you can access your usual apps while in the country.
It’s also a good idea to research which apps commonly used in China will make your trip easier. For example, find out which transportation apps are popular, what alternatives you can use for personal messaging, and any other apps you might need during your stay.
Digital payments in stores
Digital payments are extremely common in China, and cash is accepted in very few places. Even so, it’s wise to carry a small amount of cash along with digital payment options so you can easily pay wherever you go.
Chinese socio-cultural norms
Learn what is considered appropriate and inappropriate behavior in China, as there are social and cultural norms rooted in tradition that should be respected. For example, people usually stay quiet on public transportation, wait in line, and greet or thank others in Chinese, so knowing a few basic Mandarin phrases can be very helpful.
Frequently asked questions about requirements for traveling to China from the USA
The Renminbi is the official currency of China, although it should be noted that cash is rarely used in this country.
No, the license will only allow you to drive a car rented in the province where you applied for the driving permit.
Alipay and WeChat Pay are two of the most popular payment apps in China. They let you link debit or credit cards from foreign banks, making it much easier to pay your bills and purchases.
You can get by in China speaking only English, especially in popular tourist spots and some shops. But if you’re heading to remote provinces or smaller towns, communicating will likely be much more difficult.
The yellow fever vaccine is the only one that may be required, and only if you have recently traveled to an African or South American country where there is a risk of infection before arriving in China. Otherwise, Chinese health authorities do not mandate any other vaccinations.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
