practical · 5 May 2026

Entering China in 2026: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

From your flight landing to clearing customs and reaching your hotel, here is exactly what happens at a Chinese international airport — and what to have ready at each stage.

Arriving at a Chinese international airport for the first time can feel daunting. The process moves quickly, signage is bilingual, and staff are generally efficient — but knowing the order of events in advance removes most of the anxiety.

Before You Land: What to Have Ready

Have the following accessible before you reach the immigration counters: passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date; visa or visa-exempt evidence; a completed arrival card (distributed by many airlines on board — you need your Chinese hotel address); and a return or onward ticket.

Step 1: Immigration Hall

Follow signs for Passport Control. Separate queues exist for Chinese citizens and foreign passport holders. At the counter an officer will compare your face to the passport photo, take fingerprints, scan your passport, and review your visa and arrival card. Questions are rare and usually limited to purpose of visit and length of stay.

Step 2: Baggage Reclaim

Carousel numbers are displayed on screens in the baggage hall. If your bag does not arrive within 30 minutes of other bags from your flight, report to the airline's baggage services desk in the arrivals hall with your baggage receipt.

Step 3: Customs

China uses a Red Channel / Green Channel system. The Green Channel is for nothing to declare; the Red Channel is for cash exceeding USD 5,000, alcohol beyond duty-free limits, commercial goods, or prescription medications in large quantities. Prohibited items include fresh fruit, meat products from many countries, and certain publications.

Step 4: The Arrivals Hall

Once through customs you will find SIM card kiosks, currency exchange, airport express or metro signs, and pre-arranged driver signs. All major airports have rail links to the city centre.

Step 5: Getting into the City

At Beijing Capital, take the Airport Express (25 minutes, ¥25). At Shanghai Pudong, the Maglev reaches Longyang Road in eight minutes (¥50). At Guangzhou Baiyun, the metro runs into the city in about 40 minutes. Join the official taxi queue outside — avoid anyone approaching you inside offering a ride.