Xi'an Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Xi'an, located in Shaanxi Province, China, is subject to the People's Republic of China's national immigration policies. All international travelers arriving in Xi'an must comply with Chinese visa and entry requirements, which are administered by the National Immigration Administration of China. Xi'an Xi'anyang International Airport serves as the main port of entry for international visitors to the city, though travelers may also enter China through other ports and travel domestically to Xi'an. China has implemented various visa facilitation policies in recent years, including visa-free transit programs and special arrangements for certain nationalities. However, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter China, which must be obtained prior to arrival at a Chinese embassy or consulate. The immigration process in Xi'an follows standard Chinese procedures, including passport control, customs declaration, and baggage inspection. Travelers should ensure all documentation is in order before departure, as visa requirements can be complex and vary significantly by nationality and purpose of visit. It's important to note that China maintains strict immigration and customs controls. Travelers should be prepared for thorough inspections and questioning upon arrival. Additionally, Xi'an, as home to significant cultural heritage sites like the Terracotta Warriors, attracts millions of tourists annually, so immigration processing times can vary depending on arrival times and passenger volume. All visitors should familiarize themselves with Chinese laws and regulations, as ignorance of local laws is not accepted as an excuse for violations.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

China's visa policy is relatively restrictive compared to many Western countries. Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter China, though several visa-free and visa-waiver programs exist for specific circumstances and nationalities.

Visa-Free Transit (24/72/144-Hour)

144 hours (6 days) for Xi'an, must remain within Shaanxi Province

Travelers from certain countries can enjoy visa-free transit stays when passing through Xi'an to a third country/region

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Germany France Italy Spain Netherlands Belgium Austria Switzerland Sweden Denmark Norway Finland Poland Portugal Ireland Greece Singapore Japan South Korea Brazil Argentina Chile United Arab Emirates Qatar

Must have confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region (not country of origin), valid passport, and arrive/depart from designated ports. Cannot leave Shaanxi Province during the 144-hour period. Not available if traveling between mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.

Visa-Free Entry (Bilateral Agreements)

15-90 days depending on nationality

Very limited number of countries have visa-free agreements with China for short stays

Includes

Singapore (15 days) Brunei (15 days) Japan (15 days) San Marino (90 days) Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days) Serbia (30 days) Ecuador (30 days) Tonga (30 days) Mauritius (30 days) Fiji (30 days) Grenada (30 days) Seychelles (30 days) Bahamas (30 days) Barbados (30 days)

Limited to tourism, business visits, or transit. Must have valid passport with at least 6 months validity and proof of onward travel. Some agreements may be temporarily suspended or modified.

Electronic Visa/Port Visa

N/A

China does not currently offer a general eVisa system for tourist entry

How to Apply: Port visas (visa on arrival) are only available in very limited circumstances at certain ports and typically require pre-approval from Chinese authorities. Not recommended for general tourists.
Cost: Varies by circumstance

Do not rely on obtaining a visa on arrival. Apply for proper visa in advance at Chinese embassy/consulate.

Visa Required (Standard Entry)

Varies by visa type: Tourist (L) visa typically 30 days single/double entry, or 60-90 days for multiple entry

All other nationalities and purposes require obtaining a visa prior to arrival

How to Apply: Apply at Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application center in your country of residence. Processing typically takes 4-5 business days (express service available). Requires completed application form, passport photo, valid passport, proof of travel arrangements, accommodation bookings, and financial proof. Some nationalities may require additional documentation or face longer processing times.

Common visa types: L (tourist), M (business), F (exchange/study <6 months), X (study), Z (work), Q (family visit), S (private affairs). Visa validity, duration of stay, and number of entries vary. Chinese visa policy can be complex; consult embassy for specific requirements.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Xi'an Xi'anyang International Airport or other ports of entry, all international travelers must complete immigration and customs procedures. The process is generally straightforward but can be time-consuming during peak hours. Have all required documentation readily accessible.

Health Declaration (if required)

Complete any required health declaration forms, either online before arrival or upon landing. Present health documentation if currently required by Chinese authorities.

Immigration Control

Proceed to immigration counters. Present your passport, visa (if required), and completed arrival card. Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) may be collected for most foreign nationals aged 14-70. Immigration officers may ask questions about your visit.

Baggage Claim

Collect checked luggage from the designated carousel. Verify all bags are accounted for before proceeding to customs.

Customs Declaration

Complete customs declaration form if carrying items that must be declared. Choose the appropriate customs channel: Green (nothing to declare) or Red (goods to declare). All baggage is subject to X-ray screening.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, proceed to the arrivals hall where you can access transportation, currency exchange, and other services.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay with at least two blank visa pages. Damaged passports may result in entry denial.

Valid Chinese Visa

Required for most nationalities. Ensure visa type matches purpose of visit and that you enter within the validity period stated on the visa.

Arrival/Departure Card

Typically provided on the flight or at immigration. Fill out completely and accurately. Keep the departure portion with your passport.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host. May be requested by immigration officers.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from China within your authorized stay period. Required for visa-free transit programs.

Customs Declaration Form

Required if carrying currency over the declaration threshold, restricted items, or goods exceeding duty-free allowances.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching immigration. Keep printed copies of hotel reservations and return tickets.

Answer immigration questions truthfully and concisely. Avoid volunteering unnecessary information.

Ensure your visa type matches your stated purpose of visit. Misrepresentation can result in entry denial.

For 144-hour visa-free transit, confirm your itinerary meets all requirements: onward ticket to third country/region, staying within Shaanxi Province only.

Keep the departure portion of your arrival/departure card safe with your passport. You'll need it when leaving China.

Register with local police within 24 hours of arrival if staying in private accommodation (hotels do this automatically).

Download translation apps or have key phrases written in Chinese, as English proficiency among immigration officers varies.

Allow extra time during Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, National Day) when airports are particularly busy.

Customs & Duty-Free

China Customs administers strict controls on items entering the country. All travelers must pass through customs inspection upon arrival, and baggage is subject to X-ray screening. Declare all required items truthfully to avoid penalties, fines, or confiscation.

Alcohol

1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages (12% alcohol or above)

Must be 18 years or older. Applies to travelers staying in China for more than 72 hours.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. Amounts exceeding this limit are subject to duty.

Currency

CNY 20,000 (Chinese Yuan) or equivalent of USD 5,000 in foreign currency

Amounts exceeding these limits must be declared using the customs declaration form. Failure to declare may result in confiscation and fines.

Gifts/Goods

Items for personal use with total value not exceeding CNY 5,000

Items clearly for commercial purposes or exceeding reasonable personal quantities are subject to duty. Keep receipts for expensive items.

Gold/Precious Metals

Gold and silver exceeding 50 grams must be declared

Declaration required for precious metals and jewelry above threshold.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - Zero tolerance policy with severe penalties including death penalty
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives - Including replica weapons and certain sporting equipment
Pornographic materials - Broadly defined; includes certain publications and digital media
Materials harmful to Chinese political, economic, cultural, or moral interests - Political materials, religious materials for proselytizing
Counterfeit currency and securities
Fresh fruits and vegetables - Most fresh produce from abroad is prohibited
Soil - Any items with soil attached
Live animals (except approved pets with permits) and animal products from epidemic areas
Endangered species and products derived from them - Including ivory, certain traditional medicines
Radio transmitters and receivers without permits - Including certain walkie-talkies and drones
Printed matter, film, or digital media deemed harmful to China - Subject to inspection and confiscation

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Bring only reasonable quantities for personal use with prescription. Some medications legal elsewhere are controlled in China (check before traveling)
Drones and photography equipment - May require permits; restrictions near sensitive areas
Cultural relics and artifacts - Require export permits if purchased in China
Biological specimens and endangered plant/animal products - Require CITES permits
Professional video/photography equipment - May require temporary import permits for commercial use
Certain books and publications - Religious texts, political materials may be confiscated
Pets - Require health certificates, vaccination records, quarantine permits. 30-day quarantine may apply
Satellite phones and certain communication equipment - Require special permits

Health Requirements

China's health entry requirements vary based on global health situations and country of origin. While routine vaccinations are not typically required for entry from most countries, travelers should ensure they are up-to-date on standard immunizations.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or having transited through yellow fever endemic countries within 6 days prior to arrival in China. Certificate of vaccination must be presented.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella (chickenpox), Polio, and annual flu shot
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers to China
Hepatitis B - Recommended for most travelers, especially if engaging in activities with blood/bodily fluid exposure
Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major restaurants and hotels
Japanese Encephalitis - For travelers spending extended time in rural areas, especially during transmission season
Rabies - For travelers with extensive outdoor/adventure activities or working with animals

Health Insurance

Health insurance with coverage in China is strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and many facilities require payment upfront. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation. China does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health-related entry requirements before travel, as these can change frequently. Requirements may include pre-departure testing, health declarations, quarantine, or specific vaccination documentation. Consult the Chinese embassy/consulate and your country's travel advisory for the latest information. Monitor the website of China's National Health Commission and National Immigration Administration for updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Beijing or consulate-general in Chengdu (nearest to Xi'an) for citizen services

Register with your embassy's travel registration system before departure. Check your government's travel advisory website for China-specific guidance.

Immigration Authority

National Immigration Administration of China - www.nia.gov.cn (Chinese/English). Xi'an Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration for visa extensions and registration

For official visa information, applications, and immigration inquiries. Local PSB office handles foreigner registration and visa matters within Xi'an.

Emergency Services

110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)

English-speaking operators may be limited. Have your location written in Chinese if possible. Tourist hotline: 12301 (may have English support).

Customs

China Customs Service Hotline: 12360

For customs-related inquiries and reporting requirements. Xi'an Xi'anyang International Airport Customs office available at the airport.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa (if required). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from absent parent(s), including contact information and travel details. Birth certificates may be requested. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airlines and may need additional documentation from Chinese authorities.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require: Official health certificate issued within 14 days of departure, valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered 30+ days before entry but within validity period), import permit from Chinese quarantine authorities, microchip identification. Upon arrival, pets undergo quarantine inspection and may require 7-30 days quarantine depending on origin country and documentation. Only dogs and cats are typically permitted. Contact General Administration of Customs (quarantine department) well in advance. Some breeds are restricted.

Extended Stays

Tourist L visas typically allow 30-day stays. For longer stays, apply for appropriate visa type before arrival (work Z visa, study X visa, family Q visa). Visa extensions may be possible through local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration but are not guaranteed. Overstaying your visa results in fines (CNY 500 per day), detention, and potential ban from future entry. For extended tourism, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa with longer validity before departure.

Business Travelers

Business visitors should obtain M visa (commercial/trade) rather than tourist L visa. Requires invitation letter from Chinese business partner registered with local authorities. Ensure visa type matches stated purpose, as working on tourist visa is illegal. For frequent business travel, apply for multiple-entry M visa with 6-12 month validity.

Journalists and Media

Journalists must obtain J-1 or J-2 visa and cannot enter on tourist visas. Professional media equipment may require special permits. Unauthorized journalism activities can result in detention and deportation. Contact Chinese embassy for specific requirements.

Dual Nationals

China does not recognize dual nationality. If you hold Chinese citizenship (including by descent), you must enter/exit China using Chinese passport/travel document, even if you hold another nationality. Foreign passport and visa will not be valid for entry if Chinese authorities determine you are a Chinese citizen.