China's Airport Security: Strict Checks And Measures

China has strict rules and regulations regarding passports and airport checks. The People's Republic of China passport is issued to citizens for international travel and provides protection from consular officials overseas. Chinese citizens must obtain a visa for the People's Republic of China before arrival, and their passports must have at least six months' validity remaining. The country has different types of passports, including ordinary, diplomatic, and service passports, each with specific requirements and validity periods. China also imposes travel restrictions on certain groups, such as teachers and state employees, and has recalled passports in some instances. Additionally, China has a social insurance system that foreigners working in the country must contribute to.

Covid-related checks: temperature checks and random swab tests

When travelling to China, it's important to be aware of the COVID-19-related checks that may be in place at the airport. These checks are implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of both travellers and the local population. Here are the key components of these COVID-related procedures:

Temperature Checks:

Upon arrival at the airport, you can expect to undergo a temperature screening. This typically involves the use of thermal scanners or contactless thermometers. It's important to cooperate with this process, as it helps identify individuals who may be exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as a fever. Those with elevated temperatures may be subject to further evaluation and potential quarantine protocols.

Random Swab Tests:

In addition to temperature checks, random swab tests may also be conducted at the airport. These tests typically involve collecting a sample from the nose or throat using a sterile swab. The process is quick and relatively non-invasive. The samples are then tested for the presence of the COVID-19 virus. While not all travellers will be selected for these random tests, it's important to be prepared for the possibility and to comply with the procedure if selected.

Compliance with these COVID-related checks is crucial to maintaining a safe travel environment. By participating in these measures, travellers can play a proactive role in mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting themselves and others. It's also essential to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and guidelines, as COVID-19 regulations can change rapidly, and varying rules may apply depending on your departure and arrival destinations.

Additionally, it's worth noting that China has implemented strict COVID-19 prevention and control measures throughout the entire flight process. These measures may include, but are not limited to, health declaration forms, strict disinfection protocols, and social distancing requirements. Staying informed about these protocols and adhering to them is essential to ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Customs checks: baggage checks and declarations

Customs checks and baggage declarations are standard procedures when entering or leaving China through international airports. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these processes:

Customs Channels:

When entering China, you will encounter two channels: the "Nothing to Declare Channel" (GREEN CHANNEL) and the "Goods to Declare Channel" (RED CHANNEL). If you are not carrying any prohibited items or items exceeding the duty-free limit, you can proceed through the GREEN CHANNEL. However, if you have items to declare, you must choose the RED CHANNEL. When in doubt, it is advisable to select the RED CHANNEL to avoid any potential issues.

Baggage Declarations:

All passengers entering or leaving China, except those exempted by relevant regulations or minors under 16 travelling with adults, must complete a "China Customs Baggage Declaration Form." This form requires honest and accurate declarations about the items you are carrying. It is important to carefully review the form and ensure you fully understand the requirements.

Prohibited and Restricted Items:

China has strict regulations regarding prohibited and restricted items. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with these restrictions before packing your baggage. Some common prohibited items include:

• Arms, ammunition, explosives, and imitation weapons
• Counterfeit currencies and securities
• Certain printed materials, films, photographs, and media that may be detrimental to China's interests
• Deadly poisons
• Illegal drugs and psychotropic substances
• Specific types of food, live animals, and animal products
• Valuable cultural relics and relics prohibited from exportation
• Endangered and rare animals and plants, including their seeds and reproducing materials

Currency Declarations:

There are specific rules regarding currency declarations when entering or exiting China. If you are carrying more than 5,000 USD or its equivalent in any foreign currency, or 20,000 CNY, you must declare this to customs. This applies to both inbound and outbound travellers.

Valuable Items:

When carrying valuable items, such as jewellery, gold, silver, or other precious metals, it is essential to declare these if they exceed certain weight or value limits. For example, gold and silver items under 50 grams are duty-free and do not need to be declared.

Electronic Devices:

Personal electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and digital cameras are generally exempt from duties if within a reasonable quantity (typically one device per type). However, if you are carrying additional brand-new devices as gifts, you must declare them and pay the applicable taxes.

Duty-Free Allowances:

Certain items are allowed within specified limits. For example, milk powder for personal use is duty-free, typically allowing one box (6 cans over 800g each or 24 cans under 800g each) per visitor. Similarly, up to 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars, and up to 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages (above 12% alcohol measure) are duty-free. Exceeding these limits will require declaration and payment of duties.

Baggage Inspection:

Your baggage may be subject to inspection by customs officials. When using certain services, such as baggage through check-in, you may need to sign a declaration authorising the airline staff to assist customs in opening and inspecting your baggage if required.

In summary, it is important to be diligent in completing the necessary declarations, understanding the prohibited and restricted items, and adhering to the customs regulations when entering or leaving China. This will ensure a smoother travel experience and help you avoid any potential penalties or issues during your journey.

Security checks: prohibited items include firearms, explosives, and corrosive substances

When travelling to or from China, it's important to be aware of the prohibited items that are not allowed to be carried on one's person, in hand luggage, or in checked luggage. These restrictions are in place for the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft.

Firearms

Firearms and weapons for military or police use are prohibited. This includes:

• Pistols
• Rifles
• Submachine guns
• Machine guns
• Baton guns
• Air guns
• Shotguns
• Sporting guns
• Anesthetic injection guns
• Starting guns
• Batons
• Daggers
• Bayonets
• Steel ball guns
• Tear gas guns
• Electric guns

Explosives

Explosives, munitions, fireworks, and flares are prohibited. This includes:

• Grenades
• Flare bombs
• Fire bombs
• Smoke shells
• Tear bombs
• Gas bombs
• Bullets
• Blank cartridges
• Testing missiles
• Blasting explosives
• Blasting fuses
• Detonating cords
• Fireworks and firecrackers
• Mines
• Grenades
• Dynamite
• Gunpowder
• Plastic explosives

Corrosive Substances

Corrosive materials such as acids, cleaning agents, or wet button batteries are prohibited. This includes:

• Sulphuric acid
• Hydrochloric acid
• Nitric acid
• Electrolytic batteries
• Sodium hydroxide
• Potassium hydroxide
• Mercury (which may be contained in thermometers or blood pressure gauges)
• Acid/alkaline wet batteries

It is important to note that these lists are not exhaustive, and other items that may pose a risk to the safety of the aircraft, crew, and passengers are also prohibited. Passengers are advised to check with their airline and local airport restrictions for a comprehensive list of prohibited items.

Passport checks: biometric passports are now standard

Biometric passports, also known as e-passports or digital passports, are now the standard for Chinese citizens. The Chinese government began issuing biometric ordinary passports to citizens in May 2012. As of January 2015, all new passports issued by China are biometric e-passports, and non-biometric passports are no longer issued.

A biometric passport contains an embedded electronic microprocessor chip that stores biometric information used to authenticate the identity of the passport holder. This includes facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, and iris recognition data. The chip also contains critical passport information, such as the owner's name, sex, personal photo, passport validity, and a digital certificate.

The use of biometric passports offers several benefits, including increased security and protection against passport forgery. The chip's data is encrypted, making it difficult and costly to forge. Additionally, the contactless nature of the chip enhances hygiene, particularly during the COVID-19 era, as it eliminates the need to touch airport equipment, reducing the risk of infection.

China's busiest airport, Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA), has embraced biometrics by implementing SITA's Smart Path facial recognition system. With around 600 biometric checkpoints, including automatic gates, kiosks, and self-bag drop stations, passengers can enrol once and then seamlessly move through the airport using facial recognition technology. This not only improves security and social distancing but also speeds up passenger processing, reducing queuing times.

Visa requirements: Chinese passport holders can visit 85 countries without a visa

Chinese passport holders can travel to a variety of countries without needing to obtain a visa beforehand. These countries have distinct visa requirements, and the duration of stay and permissible purposes for travel are subject to the respective nation's visa regulations. It is always important to check the latest government advice before travelling.

Mutual Visa Exemption

China has mutual visa exemption agreements with 22 countries, including:

• Thailand
• Singapore
• Kazakhstan
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar
• The Maldives
• Armenia
• Albania
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Serbia
• San Marino
• Barbados
• The Bahamas
• Ecuador
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Suriname
• Mauritius
• Seychelles
• Fiji
• Tonga

Unilateral Visa Exception

More than 20 countries and regions have unilaterally given visa-free access to Chinese passport holders, including:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Haiti
• Saint Lucia
• Jamaica
• Oman
• South Korea's Jeju Island
• Uzbekistan
• Iran
• The island of Phu Quoc in Vietnam
• Georgia
• Micronesia
• Niue
• Samoa
• French Polynesia
• Kiribati
• Gabon
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Tunisia
• Zambia
• Angola
• Benin

Visa on Arrival

Chinese nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in 36 countries, including:

• Sao Tome and Principe
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Vietnam
• Madagascar
• Bolivia
• Cook Islands
• Palau
• Egypt

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Chinese passport holders can obtain an eTA for the following countries:

• Canada
• Australia

E-Visa

The following 30 countries require Chinese nationals to apply for an e-visa before travelling:

• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• India
• United Kingdom
• Kenya
• Mongolia
• Japan
• Brazil
• Cambodia
• Canada
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Taiwan
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

Regular Visa

There are 117 countries that require Chinese passport holders to apply for a regular visa before travelling, including:

• The United States of America
• The United Kingdom
• India
• Australia
• Japan
• Canada

Frequently asked questions