Skip to content
Your China Visit.

Your China Visit.

← All topics

In this topic

3 sections · 8 cards

Ink-and-wash illustration of a passport, checklist and travel essentials beside a Shanghai window.

Shanghai field notes / 3 sections · 8 cards

Before You Go

The small preparations that make a big difference.

Your first evening, in one place

Save your hotel address, choose a route from the airport and agree where to meet if messaging stops. Use the individual cards below for each preparation.

Entry & Documents

4 cards
01High priority

Tourist visa — Prepare an L-visa application

Use the Chinese mission or visa centre serving your place of application and select the tourist (L) category. Prepare the passport, form, photo and itinerary or invitation documents that channel requests. Check its submission, appointment and passport-collection procedure.

When
Before departure, allowing time for the application.
Tips
An application receipt is not an issued visa.
Sources & notes

The linked Cairo checklist is an example, not a worldwide document list; requirements can differ by nationality and application location.

Done when: Your required visa has been issued and its entry and stay conditions match your trip.

02High priority

Visa-free entry — Check your passport

Find the arrangement covering your passport on the Chinese foreign ministry or relevant embassy website. Check its permitted purpose, stay duration and expiry date against your trip. For the unilateral waiver, the official FAQ requires a valid ordinary passport rather than an emergency or temporary travel document.

When
Before booking and again before departure.
Tips
Do not apply one country’s exemption to another passport or to work/study.
Sources & notes

Keep accommodation and onward-travel details available to explain your visit.

Done when: You have checked the official conditions against your passport, purpose and travel dates.

03High priority

Visa-free transit — Check the whole route

For the 240-hour arrangement, check the NIA’s nationality, entry-port and permitted-area conditions. Write your route as origin → mainland China → onward destination, with a confirmed journey to a third country or region. Returning to the same origin does not establish qualifying transit.

When
Before booking a transit route or changing it.
Tips
Admission is decided by border authorities; recheck after any route change.
Sources & notes

The 24-hour arrangement has different conditions, including rules for leaving the restricted transit area.

Done when: You have checked every route segment and the applicable NIA transit conditions.

04High priority

Arrival card — Complete the entry form

Use an official National Immigration Administration channel to submit your arrival information. Keep your passport, accommodation and onward-travel details ready. If you cannot complete it online, the NIA notice allows on-arrival equipment or a paper form.

When
Before departure or at the arrival checkpoint.
Tips
The arrival card does not grant a visa or permission to enter.
Sources & notes

Official channels include the NIA website and service platform, the Immigration 12367 app and official mini-programs. Check the notice’s exemptions separately, including direct 24-hour transit without leaving the restricted area.

Done when: You have completed the required form or checked that an exemption applies.

Baggage

2 cards
05Medium priority

Baggage — Check each flight’s allowance

Check the operating airline’s allowance for each flight and your actual fare. Record cabin and checked baggage limits separately, including bag count, size and weight. Measure and weigh your bags before leaving for the airport.

When
Before packing and after any flight change.
Tips
A checked-bag allowance does not set the cabin-bag allowance.
Sources & notes

A connecting flight may have a different allowance. China Southern’s linked table distinguishes cabins and routes; it is an example, not a rule for every airline.

Done when: Your packed cabin and checked bags fit the allowances for every flight.

06High priority

Power banks — Check before a domestic flight

For domestic flights in China, the CAAC notice prohibits power banks without a clear CCC (3C) mark and recalled models or batches. Inspect your device’s markings and check the manufacturer’s recall information. Also follow the operating airline’s capacity, packing and onboard-use rules.

When
Before packing for a domestic flight in China.
Tips
The CCC requirement does not replace the airline’s other battery rules.
Sources & notes

Passing security on an earlier international flight does not establish eligibility for a domestic flight in China.

Done when: Your chosen power bank meets the domestic-flight notice and operating airline’s requirements.

Plugs & Power

2 cards
07Medium priority

Plug adapter — Fit the socket

China uses socket types associated with A, C and I plugs. Compare your charger’s plug with a China-compatible travel adapter. For appliances requiring an earth connection, choose equipment that preserves it and meets the manufacturer’s requirements.

When
Before packing chargers and appliances.
Tips
A plug adapter changes the connection, not the supply voltage.
Sources & notes

Type I has angled flat pins, type A has parallel flat pins, and type C has round pins.

Done when: You have a compatible adapter for the devices you intend to use.

08High priority

Voltage — Read the input label

Mainland China’s electricity supply is 220 V, 50 Hz. Read each device’s INPUT label: a 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz rating covers that supply, while a 110–120 V-only appliance does not become compatible when its plug fits. If the rating is unclear, ask the manufacturer before use.

When
Before packing electrical equipment.
Tips
Any converter must match the appliance’s power rating and manufacturer guidance.
Sources & notes

Check hair appliances separately from phone chargers rather than assuming they share the same input rating.

Done when: Every packed electrical device is confirmed compatible with the supply.

Open my list →Need help with your plans? Service inquiry →

Show this