 China Travel Requirements
In addition to a valid China visa and passport, travelers will need to ensure they have a number of other items arranged.
It's imperative that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your visit, with a buffer for emergencies. Obtaining additional money by wire or otherwise can be difficult, particularly outside the major cities.
That said, carrying large amounts of cash is unwise. Tourists are often easy targets for pickpockets, and some are not gentle about how they remove your cash. Travelers checks and credit cards are the best protection. Even those should be carefully guarded. No need to be paranoid, just reasonably cautious.
Tourists will need a round-trip ticket and evidence. It isn't enough to book a round-trip flight, you have to be able to prove that it's round-trip. Either the tickets themselves or an official itinerary will provide proof.
Official sources state clearly that visas to China are only obtainable for tourists who have a confirmation letter or fax from an authorized Chinese travel company. Most such companies will act as a liaison with the official, state-run CITS (China International Travel Service) agency.
Many tour companies have an option, though, that allows tourists to plan and customize their own itinerary. Planning such a trip can be rewarding, since it allows for seeing things off the beaten track. But keep in mind that travel through China is restricted, particularly in certain areas.
Anyone desiring to see Tibet, for example, will need to take into account special requirements. Just as one element to consider: all of Tibet is above 12,000 feet (3658m) and many locations are considerably higher. Oxygen levels at that altitude are half or less than they are at sea level and medical facilities are primitive and often non-existent. Group travel is highly recommended.
Once itinerary details are finalized, sufficient funds to cover accommodations, tour costs, incidentals, etc have to be deposited with CITS through a bank in the visitor's home country. Evidence of the payment must be presented to CITS officials on arrival. For those arranging package tours through an agency, the agency takes care of the formal details.
Special Circumstances and Restrictions
Besides the usual recommended vaccinations, anyone arriving from an area infected with Yellow Fever will require an International Certificate of Vaccination, if traveling from the area within five days of arrival.
HIV-infected individuals or those with AIDS, are not permitted into the country. There are, of course, many cases where it may be possible to hide the fact. It is highly unwise, however, to attempt to conceal this. Chinese authorities deal very harshly with those who break their laws and they take medical issues very seriously.
Business travelers will need to satisfy all of the usual tourist requirements, with the following exceptions or additions:
In addition to having a valid passport, there must be at least one blank visa page on the passport. Business travelers will also need a business letter stating the purpose of the visit or a Letter of Invitation from a recognized company in China. Your sponsoring company will be able to provide details.
For non-U.S. Citizens traveling from the U.S. an original "Green Card" or document of Legal Status in the U.S. will also have to be submitted.
Some final notes
Anyone without the proper documents will not only be denied entry, but fined and subject to immediate deportation at the traveler's expense. Do not rely on any company claiming to be able to supply a visa on arrival.
In some cases, personal interviews are required to obtain a visa.
Visas are required even for transit to or from other countries, such as Mongolia or North Korea. Exceptions are those traveling to Hong Kong from certain countries for a limited stay.
For information about restricted areas visit the Embassy of China website.
For further tips and legal requirements, U.S. citizens can visit the U.S. Consulate website.
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