Travel & Entry: Crossing the Border

Navigating departure, immigration, and the critical "24-Hour Rule" upon arrival.

Once you have your visa, the hard part is mostly over. However, entering China requires careful preparation. You cannot simply walk through customs like a tourist; you are entering as a resident scholar, which involves specific declarations and registration steps.

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The "Carry-On" Rule

Do not pack these documents in your checked luggage!

You will need to present these original documents to the Immigration Officer at the border. If they are in your checked bag, you will be stuck.

Keep these in your backpack or handbag:

1. Original Passport (with your valid X1/X2 Visa).
2. Original Admission Notice (The big red-stamped letter).
3. Original JW201 or JW202 Form (The yellow/white form).
4. Pen (Blue or Black ink) for filling out forms if digital systems fail.
5. Address in Chinese: Have the address of your university dorm or hotel written in Chinese characters to show a taxi driver.

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The Digital Arrival Card (Customs Declaration)

The modern replacement for the old paper "Health Declaration."

As of late 2025, China has transitioned to a Digital Arrival Card system. You should complete this before you board your flight to save time.

1. The Portal: You can access the form via the "China Customs" WeChat mini-program or the official website htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn.
2. The Timing: Fill this out within 24 hours of your flight landing in China.
3. The Content: It asks for your flight number, seat number, contact info in China, and a brief health self-declaration.
4. The Result: It generates a QR Code.
   • Screenshot this code immediately. You will need to scan it at a dedicated gate before you reach the immigration desk.

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The 24-Hour Police Registration Rule

This is the most strictly enforced law for foreigners in China.

By law, every foreigner must register their address with the local police within 24 hours of landing. How you do this depends on where you sleep.

Scenario A: You are staying in a University Dorm or Hotel

Action: None (usually).

• The front desk staff will scan your passport and register you automatically with the police system.
• Tip: Ask the front desk for a "Registration Form of Temporary Residence" receipt. You will need this paper later for your Residence Permit application.

Scenario B: You are renting an Apartment or staying with friends

Action: You must go to the Police Station (Paichusuo - 派出所).

• Deadline: You must go within 24 hours of arrival.
• What to bring:
  1. Original Passport.
  2. Lease Contract (Original + Copy).
  3. Landlord's ID (Copy) and Property Deed (Copy) — Ask your landlord for these beforehand.
• The Outcome: The police will give you a printed "Registration Form of Temporary Residence" (境外人员住宿登记表). Do not lose this paper.

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Readiness Checklist

Before you head to the airport:

• My "Carry-On" folder has my Passport, Admission Letter, and JW Form.
• I have screenshotted my Customs QR Code (within 24h of flight).
• I have the Chinese name and address of my university saved on my phone.
• I have downloaded Alipay or WeChat and linked a credit card (essential for paying for taxis/food upon arrival).

Next Step: After Arrival (Getting Your Residence Permit) →