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Xi'an Entry Requirements

Xi'an Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Government Travel Advisories
Verified 2026-09-26
Before you travel: official formalities

  • China online arrival card

    Who
    Foreign nationals entering China; optional, since paper arrival cards remain available at ports
    When
    Online before travel, or on arrival
    Cost
    Free

    China's National Immigration Administration introduced online arrival card filling on 20 November 2025. It is free of charge, and paper arrival cards remain available at the ports.

    Official site
    Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Xi'an sits in central Shaanxi Province and ranks among China's major gateway cities for international travelers. Entry follows China's national immigration framework. The same visa rules, customs regulations, and health requirements apply whether you arrive at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport or reach the city by rail from elsewhere in the country. Most visitors need a visa arranged in advance through a Chinese embassy or consulate. China does maintain visa-free and transit exemption arrangements with several countries. Eligibility, permitted length of stay, and conditions vary by nationality. Check with the official Chinese immigration authority before booking travel. This step matters. The immigration process at Xi'an's airport is straightforward in structure but can involve queues, during peak travel seasons. You will pass through immigration, collect your luggage, and clear customs. An arrival card is required for foreign nationals. Since late 2025, China's National Immigration Administration has offered the option to fill this out online before you travel. This saves a few minutes on arrival. Paper arrival cards remain available at the port if you prefer. Have your documents organized. Keep your visa in order where required. Know what customs expects. This makes the process noticeably smoother. Xi'an connects well domestically. Many international visitors enter China at a different port and travel onward to Xi'an by high-speed rail or domestic flight. If that is your plan, remember that your immigration formalities happen at your first point of entry into China, not at Xi'an itself. The guidance here covers what you will need regardless of where you first set foot in the country. Requirements change, sometimes with limited notice. Verify current rules through official sources before departure. Always do this.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

China's visa policy is managed at the national level. The requirements for entering Xi'an match those for any other Chinese city. Whether you need a visa, qualify for visa-free entry, or can use a transit exemption depends on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay. Policies in this area shift. Verify your specific situation through the Chinese embassy or consulate serving your country, or through China's National Immigration Administration. This is the most reliable step you can take before traveling.

Visa-Free Entry
This varies by nationality and the terms of each bilateral or multilateral agreement. Check with the Chinese embassy or the National Immigration Administration for the allowance that applies to your passport.

China maintains visa-free entry arrangements with several countries, plus transit visa exemption policies that may apply to travelers passing through. Eligibility, permitted length of stay, and conditions depend on your nationality and the specific agreement in place.

Visa-free arrangements and transit exemptions can be introduced, modified, or suspended. Always confirm your eligibility and any conditions, such as entry and exit port restrictions, before travel. The National Immigration Administration's website is the authoritative source.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
The online arrival card does not grant entry permission. It does not extend a permitted stay. It is simply the arrival card in digital form. Your length of stay is determined by your visa or visa-free entry terms.

China's National Immigration Administration offers an online arrival card service that lets foreign nationals complete their arrival card electronically before traveling. This is not a visa. It is not an electronic travel authorization in the traditional sense. It is a convenience. You fill out the standard arrival card information ahead of time rather than on paper at the port of entry. Paper arrival cards remain available at all ports for those who prefer them or who did not complete the online version. For any other pre-arrival electronic formalities that may apply to your nationality, check the National Immigration Administration's official website.

How to Apply: You can complete the online arrival card through the National Immigration Administration's dedicated portal before your trip. The process involves entering your passport and travel details. You can also complete it on arrival. Doing it in advance saves time at the immigration counter. The service launched on 20 November 2025.
Cost: Free of charge. There is no fee for using the online arrival card service.

This service supplements but does not replace paper arrival cards, which remain available at all Chinese ports of entry. The online arrival card is not a visa. It does not replace a visa where one is required. It does not serve as an electronic travel authorization.

Visa Required
This varies by visa type and the terms granted. Tourist visas typically allow a set period of stay. The specifics depend on your nationality and the visa issued.

Many nationalities require a visa to enter China, obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate. China offers several visa categories depending on the purpose of your visit. These include tourist, business, study, and work visas, among others.

How to Apply: Apply through the Chinese embassy or consulate that serves your area. The process generally involves submitting a completed application form, your passport, a recent photo, and supporting documents. These may include a travel itinerary, hotel reservations, or an invitation letter depending on the visa category. Processing times vary. Apply well in advance of your travel date.

Visa requirements, eligible categories, and processing procedures can change. Some nationalities may apply through a Chinese Visa Application Service Center, which handles the administrative steps on behalf of the embassy. Always confirm the current requirements and accepted documentation through official channels before applying.

Arrival Process

International travelers land at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. Some enter China elsewhere and reach Xi'an by domestic transport. The immigration process follows standard steps. It is consistent across Chinese entry points.

1
Complete your arrival card
Foreign nationals submit an arrival card. Fill it out online before your trip through the National Immigration Administration's portal at no cost. Or pick up a paper card at the airport. The online option lets you enter passport details, flight information, and accommodation address early. This speeds things up at immigration.
2
Proceed to immigration
Follow signs to immigration counters after disembarking. Have your passport, completed arrival card, and visa ready. The officer verifies documents. They may ask about your visit purpose and duration. They will stamp your passport. Wait times vary. Queues run longer during morning peaks and Chinese national holidays.
3
Collect your baggage
Proceed to baggage claim after immigration. Screens show carousel assignments by flight number. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is large. Allow a few minutes to reach your carousel.
4
Clear customs
Pass through customs after collecting luggage. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Use the red channel if carrying goods, currency, or items above duty-free thresholds or any restricted items. Present a completed customs declaration form. Random inspections happen in either channel.
5
Exit to arrivals
You enter the public arrivals area beyond customs. Find ground transportation, currency exchange, SIM card vendors, and information desks here. Airport buses, metro, and taxis connect Xi'an's airport to the city center.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid passport
Your passport needs six months validity beyond your planned departure from China. Blank pages must be available for stamps. Some visa categories have extra validity requirements.
Visa (if required)
Obtain the appropriate visa sticker in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate if your nationality requires a visa. Ensure the visa type matches your visit purpose.
Arrival card
Foreign nationals submit an arrival card when entering China. Complete it online in advance through the National Immigration Administration's portal at no cost. Or fill out a paper form at the port of entry. The card requests basic personal details, passport information, flight details, and your China accommodation address.
Return or onward ticket
Immigration officers may request proof of onward or return travel. This happens more often for short-stay or visa-free travelers. Keep booking confirmations accessible. It is a reasonable precaution.
Hotel reservation or accommodation details
You need a China address for the arrival card. Immigration may ask about accommodation plans. A hotel booking confirmation or host letter typically suffices.
Customs declaration form
Required if carrying goods, currency, or items exceeding duty-free allowances or falling under restricted categories. Forms are available near the customs area.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Complete your arrival card online before departure. Use the National Immigration Administration's portal. It takes a few minutes. This saves time at immigration, during busy periods.
Write your Xi'an accommodation address in both English and Chinese characters. The arrival card asks for this. Having it ready prevents fumbling at the counter.
Keep passport, visa, and arrival card confirmation together. Store them in an accessible carry-on pocket. Do not bury them deep in your bag.
Immigration and customs clearance happen at your first China entry point if you transit through another city before Xi'an. Not at Xi'an.
Budget patience for immigration. Queues grow substantially during Chinese national holidays. Golden Week in early October and Spring Festival see the worst delays.
Download a translation app before arriving. Signage at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is bilingual. Interactions with officers may go smoother with translation help handy.

Customs & Duty-Free

China's customs regulations apply uniformly at all ports, including Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. Rules cover duty-free allowances, declaration requirements, and prohibited items. Declare items if in doubt. Undeclared restricted or dutiable goods risk confiscation and fines.

Alcohol
Limited alcoholic beverages for personal use enter duty-free. Amounts above the threshold face duties.
Travelers must be of legal drinking age. Commercial quantities fall outside personal allowances. Check current limits with Chinese customs before traveling.
Tobacco
Limited cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco for personal use enter duty-free.
Declare quantities above the personal-use threshold. These face duties. Allowances may differ for residents and non-residents of China.
Currency
Both Chinese renminbi and foreign currencies may be carried. Declare amounts exceeding set thresholds upon entry.
Check current declaration thresholds with Chinese customs before traveling if carrying substantial cash. Undeclared amounts above the limit risk being held.
Gifts/Goods
Reasonable quantities of personal items and gifts enter duty-free. Their total value must stay within Chinese customs allowances.
Commercial resale quantities draw duties or seizure. Keep receipts for high-value items. They clarify purpose if questioned.

Prohibited Items

  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives, including realistic imitations
  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances of any kind
  • Printed materials, films, photographs, or media deemed harmful to China's political, economic, cultural, or moral interests
  • Counterfeit currency and counterfeit securities
  • Items that may carry animal or plant diseases, including certain soil and biological samples
  • Certain fresh fruits, unprocessed meats, and animal products from countries with disease restrictions

Restricted Items

  • Radio transmitters and receivers, including certain satellite communication devices, require prior approval from Chinese authorities
  • Traditional medicines, endangered species products, and items covered under CITES require permits and may be confiscated without proper documentation
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles may require registration and approval before being brought into the country
  • Printed materials and publications in quantities beyond personal use may attract scrutiny

Health Requirements

China lacks blanket vaccination rules for most travelers. Specific circumstances demand health documentation at borders. Several vaccinations merit consideration before visiting Xi'an.

Required Vaccinations

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travelers arriving from, or transiting through, areas with yellow fever transmission risk. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis if applicable.

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Hepatitis A, given the possibility of exposure through food and water
  • Hepatitis B, for longer stays or if you anticipate any medical or dental procedures
  • Typhoid, advisable for travelers who plan to eat widely across Xi'an's food scene
  • Tetanus-diphtheria booster if not current
  • Japanese encephalitis, mainly relevant for rural areas around Xi'an or extended travel during warmer months
  • Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis if you plan significant time in rural areas or have animal contact

Health Insurance

China rarely demands health insurance proof for entry. Traveling without it remains risky. Xi'an hospitals deliver competent care. Costs for foreign nationals add up fast, for emergencies or hospitalization. Consider evacuation coverage. Specialized treatments sometimes require transfer.

Current Health Requirements: Yellow fever vaccination certificates may be checked at borders for travelers from risk countries. Routine health screening is not standard for most arrivals. Requirements shift with outbreaks. Check China's health authority or your country's travel advisory before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate
Your country's embassy in Beijing or nearest consulate handles visa issues, lost passport replacement, and consular assistance for nationals in difficulty.
Find your specific embassy or consulate through your government's foreign affairs website before traveling. Note the address separately from your passport. This is practical.
Immigration Authority
China's National Immigration Administration is the authoritative source for visa policies, entry requirements, and the online arrival card service.
Their website lists current visa categories, exemptions, and application procedures. Check before travel. Policies change with little warning.
Emergency
China runs separate lines for police, medical emergencies, and fire services. Reach them from any phone, including mobiles without local SIMs.
Ask your hotel to confirm emergency numbers at check-in. Save them in your phone. Operators may not speak English. Write your location in Chinese characters.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children need valid passports and their own visas where applicable. One parent traveling? Not the parents? Carry a notarized consent letter from absent parents. Chinese immigration may not always ask. Airlines and departure immigration might. Birth certificates or guardianship documents help if questioned.

Traveling with Pets

Pet import rules are strict. You need a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian issued shortly before travel. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required. Quarantine may apply. Rules vary by animal type and origin country. Contact the Chinese embassy or entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau well ahead. Last-minute arrangements fail.

Extended Stays

Staying in Xi'an or elsewhere in China past your visa or visa-free period? Apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration office before your current permission runs out. Extensions are not guaranteed. Approval depends on your reason for staying and your visa category. For longer stays involving work, study, or family reunion, secure the appropriate visa before entering China. Overstaying carries real consequences. Expect fines, possible detention, or future entry restrictions.

Accommodation Registration

Foreign nationals in China must register their accommodation with local police shortly after arriving in each new city. Hotels handle this automatically at check-in. Staying in a private residence, rental apartment, or with friends in Xi'an? You or your host must register at the nearest police station. This is enforced. Failure to register creates headaches if you need to extend your stay or deal with authorities.

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