How It Works: Visas, Permits, Tickets and Registration

00How to Use This Page

How current is this page, and how should it be used?

Every other page on this site makes one promise: the information there does not expire. This page makes a different promise: as of the date printed on each entry, the rule is as stated, the official source is linked, and you should verify it yourself before you rely on it.

Three things to know before you read further.

First, this page expires, and we admit it. Visa lists, ticket release windows, exhibition dates, and processing times change. Every entry below carries a `checked_at` date and an `official_source` link. If the date is more than ninety days old for anything visa-related, or one hundred and eighty days for ticketing, treat it as a starting point and not an answer. The companion file `how-it-works-procedures.tsv` exists so this page can be re-checked by machine every quarter, not by memory.

Second, this page does not act for you and does not judge whether you will succeed. We state what a rule says, what materials it requires, and where it is processed. We do not assess whether your visa application will be approved, whether a permit will be issued in your case, or whether a specific document is sufficient for your situation. We do not handle applications on your behalf. For decisions that affect your entry or stay, consult the issuing authority directly.

Third, do not follow this page in page order, follow your own timeline. Some steps only work before you leave home (registering on 12306, binding a payment card, booking museum slots). Some only work after you land (accommodation registration, activating a local SIM, applying for a temporary driving permit). Doing them in the wrong order is how people get stuck. The blocks below are arranged by when you need them, not by topic.

Fourth, there are six pages under this one, arranged by topic. This page is the timeline: it says when each thing has to happen. The six pages below say how each one works, in full, with the official source on every line. Read this page if you are building an itinerary, and the topic page if you have a specific procedure in front of you.

The visa and permits page covers entry categories and the two regions that need their own paperwork. The booking and tickets page covers every release window, from trains to museums. The pay and apps page covers linking a foreign card, and which apps still want a Chinese number. The arriving page covers the first day, including the registration with a twenty-four-hour deadline. The health and emergency page covers hospitals, pharmacies and the three numbers to know. The etiquette page covers what nobody will correct you on.

If you are here because another page linked you here for a specific procedure, that entry is in the block matching when you need to act on it.

01Before You Book

What visa or permit does a visitor to China need, and which places need extra paperwork?

This block covers the things that determine whether your trip is even possible: entry rules, the visa you may need, and the permits that some regions require before you can book transport or accommodation there.

Visa-free entry

As of 2026-09-13, the National Immigration Administration lists three categories of visa-free access. Unilateral visa-free entry applies to citizens of fifty countries, covering stays of up to thirty days for tourism, business, family visits, and transit. The list includes most of Europe (thirty-five countries), the Americas (six: United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile), Oceania (two: Australia, New Zealand), and Asia (seven: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia). 240-hour transit visa-free applies to fifty-seven countries as of 2026-08-20, when Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam were added; it requires a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 240 hours and is available at designated ports of entry. Hainan 海南 30-day visa-free applies to sixty-one countries for entry through Hainan Province. The current lists and eligible ports are published at the National Immigration Administration, verify before booking: https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741577/c1731154/content.html and https://www.nia.gov.cn/n794014/n1050181/n1050484/c1731205/content.html. Why entry rules are structured this way is explained on the world page.

M visa M签 (business) and the invitation letter

If you do not qualify for visa-free entry and your purpose is trade or commerce, the M visa is the relevant category. As of 2026-09-13, the China Consular Service Network states that an M visa requires an invitation letter from a trade partner inside China. The letter must contain the invitee's personal information (name, gender, date of birth), visit information (purpose, arrival and departure dates, locations, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses), and the inviting unit's information (name, contact phone, address, official seal, signature of legal representative or designated inviter). Applications are submitted online through the China Online Visa Application System: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/. Material requirements are listed at https://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/cjwdn_660600/201407/t20140717_961496.shtml. Why business visitors need a domestic inviter is explained on the industry page.

Tibet 西藏 Travel Permit

As of 2026-09-13, foreign nationals traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region for tourism must hold a Tibet Travel Permit. The permit cannot be applied for individually; it must be arranged through a travel agency in Tibet that holds the relevant qualification. Travelers must join an organized group (generally two or more people; solo travelers may be able to join a group through an agency, but this should be confirmed in advance). The standard processing time stated by agencies is seven to fourteen working days; there is no expedited channel, and processing slows during the peak season 旺季 (May–October). Since March 2026, both air and rail entry into Tibet require the original paper permit, electronic copies, photos, and photocopies are not accepted at boarding or check-in. Materials required: passport data page, valid Chinese visa page (or passport only for visa-free nationals), and a confirmed itinerary. The Tibet Autonomous Region Department of Culture and Tourism publishes guidance at https://wlt.xizang.gov.cn/. Why Tibet has a separate permit regime is explained on the beliefs page.

Border area permits

As of 2026-09-13, an electronic Border Management Area Pass has been in use since April 15, 2026. Chinese mainland residents may apply online, but foreign nationals, overseas Chinese 华人华侨, and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents must apply in person at a county-level or above public security exit-entry administration office or designated police station. The pass is typically valid for one to three months and is issued free of charge. It is required for entry into designated border management areas, for example, Tashkurgan 塔什库尔干 County in Kashgar 喀什, Xinjiang 新疆, where the destination on the application should be listed as "Kashgar Prefecture: Tashkurgan County." The National Immigration Administration's announcement is at https://www.nia.gov.cn/n794014/n1050181/n1050489/c1775717/content.html. Why some border counties require an additional pass is explained on the peoples page.

Religious sites during festivals

During major religious festivals, certain monasteries and temples may close or impose visitor limits. Specific dates move each year according to the lunar or Tibetan calendar. As of 2026-09-13, no single official source publishes a unified calendar of site-specific closures; travelers should check the site's official channel or the local cultural and tourism bureau before planning a visit during a festival period. Why religious sites manage visitor numbers is explained on the beliefs page.

02Before You Leave Home

What has to be set up before leaving home: train account, payment, museum bookings?

This block covers the things you can and should do before you board your flight. None of them require you to be in China, and several of them are much harder to fix after you land.

Registering on 12306

As of 2026-09-13, foreign passport holders may register on the 12306 English platform using an email address (the English platform does not accept Chinese mobile numbers for registration). After registration, the account and each passenger must pass identity verification before tickets can be purchased or changed online. Accounts in "pending verification" or "not passed" status cannot buy tickets or change them online, though online refunds are available to all registered users. Verification may require presenting the passport at a station ticket window or using the app's verification flow; the exact method depends on the passport type. The official identity verification notice is at https://kyfw.12306.cn/otn/gonggao/checkIdentity.html?no=3 and the English FAQ at https://www.12306.cn/en/faq.html?item=2. The 12306 platform provides ticketing and change services daily from 05:00 to 01:00 the next day (Tuesdays 05:00–24:00); information query and refund services are available around the clock. Why real-name ticketing exists is explained on the transport page.

Binding a payment card

To pay for train tickets, attraction bookings, and most daily transactions in China, a payment method that works inside the country is needed. As of 2026-09-13, major international payment cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club) can be linked to Alipay 支付宝 and WeChat Pay 微信支付 for in-store and online payments within China, subject to transaction limits set by each platform. The digital page explains why mobile payment is the default and how the binding process works. Travelers should complete the binding before arrival, as it may require receiving a verification code on the phone number registered to the card.

Museum and heritage site booking windows

Booking windows vary by site, and the most popular sites sell out within minutes of release. As of 2026-09-13:

– The Palace Museum 故宫博物院 (Forbidden City 故宫), Beijing: tickets are released at 20:00 seven days in advance. Real-name booking is required; passports are accepted. The museum is closed on Mondays except public holidays. Official site: https://www.dpm.org.cn/ – National Museum of China 中国国家博物馆, Beijing: free admission, real-name booking required. Tickets released at 17:00 seven days in advance. Each account may book once per week, up to five people per booking. Closed on Mondays. Official booking: https://wxmini.chnmuseum.cn/xc_wx/ – Mogao Caves 莫高窟, Dunhuang 敦煌: Category A tickets (eight caves, including the digital center) are released at 08:00 thirty days in advance. Category B tickets (four caves) are released at 08:00 seven days in advance. Real-name booking required. Official site: https://www.mgk.org.cn/

For Pingyao 平遥 Ancient City and other popular heritage sites, booking windows are typically three to seven days in advance and vary by season; check the site's official channel. Why these sites use timed, real-name entry is explained on the dynasties page and the calendar page.

Natural scenic area 景区 booking

Popular natural scenic areas 景区, Jiuzhaigou 九寨沟, Huanglong 黄龙, Zhangjiajie 张家界, Huangshan 黄山, also use real-name timed booking. As of 2026-09-13, release windows are typically seven to fifteen days in advance, with some areas adjusting capacity during peak seasons. The land and climate page explains why visitor caps exist in ecologically sensitive areas. Travelers should check each area's official WeChat mini-program 小程序 or website for the current window.

General scenic area real-name booking

As of 2026-09-13, the majority of A-level scenic areas in China require real-name booking, with passports accepted as a valid identity document at most major sites. Some smaller sites may still sell tickets on-site, but this cannot be assumed during holidays. The society page explains why real-name systems became standard across the sector.

eSIM

For connectivity from the moment you land, an eSIM plan covering mainland China can be purchased before departure from international providers. Physical SIM cards are also available at airports and carrier stores after arrival, but require passport registration. The digital page covers the connectivity landscape in more detail.

03The First 48 Hours

What has to be done in the first two days after landing in China?

This block covers what happens after you land. These steps are time-sensitive: some have legal deadlines, others are simply much easier to do in the first two days than later.

Accommodation registration

As of 2026-09-13, Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law requires that foreign nationals staying in hotels be registered by the hotel, which submits the registration information to the local public security organ. Foreign nationals staying in any accommodation other than a hotel, a private home, a rental apartment, a friend's residence, must register in person or through the host at the local public security organ within twenty-four hours of arrival. Since March 2026, the National Immigration Administration has piloted online registration for non-hotel stays in selected areas; where the online service is not available, registration is done at the local police station. The legal text is at https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741547/c1013311/content.html and the pilot announcement at https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741542/c1771531/content.html. Failure to register may result in a warning or fine. The safety page explains why this registration exists and what it is used for.

Activating mobile payment

If you bound an international card to Alipay 支付宝 or WeChat Pay 微信支付 before departure, test a small transaction after arrival to confirm it works. Some merchants may require a minimum transaction amount for card payments, and some smaller vendors may only accept domestic payment methods. Carrying some cash in RMB is advisable for the first few days. The digital page covers payment acceptance patterns.

Local SIM card

Physical SIM cards from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom can be purchased at airport stores or carrier shops with a passport. Real-name registration is required by regulation. If you are using an eSIM, confirm that data service is active and that you can receive SMS (needed for some verification codes). The digital page explains the carrier landscape.

Airport to city

Major international airports (Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou 广州 Baiyun, Chengdu 成都 Tianfu, Xi'an 西安 Xianyang, etc.) are connected to the city by airport express rail, metro, taxi, and ride-hailing. As of 2026-09-13, ride-hailing apps (Didi 滴滴, and some international alternatives) accept foreign phone numbers and international payment cards in major cities. The transport page covers intercity and intracity transport options.

04On the Move

How are train tickets bought, and can a foreign driving licence be used?

This block covers procedures you need while traveling between cities or within a region: buying train tickets, driving, and crossing into areas that require an additional permit.

Train tickets: two windows and name consistency

As of 2026-09-13, train tickets can be purchased through two main channels: 12306 (the official platform, website and app) and Trip.com (a third-party platform that resells 12306 tickets). On 12306, the passenger name must match the passport exactly, including the order of given and family names as printed in the passport. Mismatches can prevent boarding and may require rebooking. On Trip.com, the same name-matching rule applies, as tickets are ultimately issued through 12306. Tickets are generally released fifteen days in advance, though this can vary by route and holiday period. The transport page explains the rail network and why name consistency matters.

Temporary driving permit

As of 2026-09-13, under Article 21 of the Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 172), holders of a foreign motor vehicle driving license who need to drive temporarily in China may apply for a Temporary Motor Vehicle Driving Permit at a vehicle management office. For short-term stays of three months or less, the permit is valid for three months; for stays longer than three months, validity may be extended to one year. Required materials: passport, foreign driving license with a Chinese translation, two one-inch color photos (white background, bareheaded, front-facing). After submitting materials, the applicant attends a road traffic safety law and regulation education session, after which the permit is issued on the spot. For those driving a vehicle they brought into China, the application should be made within two days of entry at the entry city's traffic management authority. The official regulation is at https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2025/issue_11866/202502/content_7004031.html. The transport page explains why a separate permit is needed and how it differs from a full Chinese license.

Border area permits on the road

If your itinerary takes you into a border management area, Tashkurgan 塔什库尔干 in Xinjiang 新疆, parts of Tibet 西藏, counties along the Yunnan 云南, Guangxi 广西, or Inner Mongolia 内蒙古 borders, confirm whether a Border Management Area Pass is required before you arrive. As noted in block 01, foreign nationals must apply in person at a county-level or above exit-entry office. Some travel agencies can assist with the application, but the permit itself is issued by public security authorities. The peoples page explains which regions are designated border management areas.

05When Something Goes Wrong

What should a visitor do about embassies, insurance and lost documents?

This block covers the procedures for the situations nobody plans for: lost documents, medical emergencies, and the need to contact your country's representation in China.

Your embassy or consulate

As of 2026-09-13, most countries maintain an embassy in Beijing and some maintain consulates-general in Shanghai, Guangzhou 广州, Chengdu 成都, Shenyang 沈阳, Wuhan 武汉, Xi'an 西安, and other cities. Contact details and emergency numbers are published on each country's foreign ministry website and on the embassy's own site. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China maintains a directory of foreign diplomatic missions in China. Travelers should save their embassy's emergency contact before arrival, as consular assistance for lost passports, medical emergencies, and arrests is typically available only through the embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the city where the incident occurs. The safety page explains the consular assistance framework.

Travel insurance

As of 2026-09-13, China does not require foreign tourists to carry travel insurance as a condition of entry (with some exceptions for certain visa categories and organized tours to specific regions). However, medical costs for foreign nationals at Chinese hospitals are generally paid out of pocket and then reimbursed by insurance. Travelers should confirm that their policy covers medical evacuation, which can be expensive from remote areas. The safety page covers health and safety considerations in more detail.

Lost passport or documents

If a passport is lost or stolen, the first step is to report it to the local public security organ and obtain a loss certificate. This certificate is required by the embassy or consulate to issue an emergency travel document or replacement passport. The second step is to contact the embassy or consulate with jurisdiction. Processing times for emergency travel documents vary by country. The safety page explains the document-loss procedure in context.

Medical emergencies

As of 2026-09-13, the national emergency number in China is 120 for ambulances. Major cities have hospitals with international departments that can accept foreign patients and may have English-speaking staff. Payment is typically required upfront or through direct billing with an insurance provider. Carry a copy of your insurance policy and the emergency assistance number. The safety page covers healthcare access for travelers.

06If You Are Here on Business

What does a business visitor need: the M visa, the fairs, the customs paperwork?

This block covers the procedures specific to business travel: the invitation letter, exhibition dates, customs documentation, and taking samples out of the country.

M visa M签 invitation letter (detail)

As noted in block 01, the M visa requires an invitation letter from a trade partner inside China. As of 2026-09-13, the letter must be issued by the inviting entity and include its official seal and the signature of its legal representative or a designated person. For first-time applicants or in cases where the inviting entity is not well-established, consular officers may request additional supporting documents such as business registration certificates, trade records, or a detailed itinerary. The industry page explains the business visa landscape and why an invitation is required.

Exhibition dates

As of 2026-09-13, the two largest trade fairs in China operate on fixed annual schedules:

– Canton Fair 广交会 (China Import and Export Fair), Guangzhou 广州: held twice yearly. The 140th session (autumn) runs October 15 – November 4, 2026, in three phases (Phase 1: Oct 15–19; Phase 2: Oct 23–27; Phase 3: Oct 31 – Nov 4). The 139th session (spring) ran April 15 – May 5, 2026. Official site: https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/ – China International Import Expo (CIIE 进博会), Shanghai: typically held in early November. The exact dates for the upcoming session should be verified at the official site: https://www.ciie.org/, as of 2026-09-13, the dates for the next session have not been confirmed in the sources reviewed (verify).

Overseas buyers should pre-register on the fair's official platform to obtain an entry badge. The industry page explains the role of these fairs in China's trade ecosystem.

Customs documentation for samples and commercial goods

As of 2026-09-13, commercial samples carried into or out of China may require customs declaration depending on their value and quantity. Personal effects for personal use are generally exempt, but goods intended for demonstration, trade, or sale must be declared. For temporary import of commercial samples (ATA Carnet), China is a member of the ATA Carnet system, allowing duty-free temporary import for trade fairs and exhibitions. The customs declaration form is available at ports of entry, and the General Administration of Customs publishes guidance at http://www.customs.gov.cn/. The industry page explains trade documentation requirements.

Taking samples out of China

Goods purchased at trade fairs or from factories for export may require an export declaration if their value exceeds the personal effects threshold. For small quantities of samples, carriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS can handle export documentation from major cities. For larger shipments, a freight forwarder or the supplier's export department typically handles customs clearance. The industry page covers the export logistics chain.

07What This Page Is Not

What does this page not do?

Eight corrections to the most common misunderstandings about this page.

• This page does not promise outcomes. Every entry is accurate as of its `checked_at` date, but rules change. The official source is the authority; this page is a map to the authority, not the authority itself.
• This page is not a visa service. We do not submit applications, do not assess eligibility, and do not predict outcomes. If a rule says "may be granted," that means the decision belongs to the issuing officer, not to us.
• This page is not legal advice. The summaries of laws and regulations are for orientation only. For anything that could affect your entry, stay, or legal status, consult the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
• This page is not a booking platform. We link to official booking channels but do not sell tickets, hotel rooms, or tour packages. Availability and pricing are controlled by the provider.
• This page is not a substitute for reading the official source. The `official_source` field on every procedure exists so you can click through and read the rule in full. Summaries can omit edge cases that apply to your situation.
• This page does not cover every procedure. The entries here are the ones other pages promised to link to. If your situation involves a procedure not listed, work permits, student visas, residence permits, pet import, marriage registration, it is outside this page's scope and should be researched through the relevant authority directly.
• This page does not explain why the rules exist. Mechanism explanations belong to the domain pages (beliefs, calendar, digital, dynasties, industry, land and climate, peoples, safety, society, transport, world). This page tells you the step, the window, and where to re-check; the domain page tells you the reason.
• This page will be wrong eventually. That is by design. A page about current procedures that never expires is a page nobody is maintaining. The `recheck_days` column in `how-it-works-procedures.tsv` tells you when each entry should be verified again. If you are reading this more than ninety days after a visa entry's `checked_at` date, or one hundred and eighty days after a ticketing entry's, assume it needs a fresh check.