Xiamen Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province, China, serves as an important entry point for international travelers visiting southeastern China. As part of the People's Republic of China, entry to Xiamen is governed by Chinese immigration laws and regulations. Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter China, though several visa exemption policies exist including transit visa exemptions and special arrangements for certain nationalities. The immigration process in Xiamen typically occurs at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), one of China's major airports, or at the city's seaport facilities. Travelers should be prepared for thorough document checks, biometric data collection including fingerprinting and photographs, and customs declarations. China has implemented advanced immigration technology in recent years, including automated clearance systems for certain travelers, though most foreign visitors will undergo standard immigration procedures. Before traveling to Xiamen, visitors should ensure their passport has at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry, obtain the appropriate visa or confirm eligibility for visa-free entry, and prepare all necessary supporting documents. China's visa policies can be complex and have undergone several changes in recent years, so it's essential to verify current requirements well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

China's visa policy for Xiamen follows national regulations with some special provisions. Most nationalities require a visa, though transit exemptions, bilateral agreements, and special economic zone policies provide visa-free options for eligible travelers.

Visa-Free Transit (144-Hour)

Up to 144 hours (6 days)

Citizens of eligible countries transiting through Xiamen to a third country/region can stay visa-free in Fujian Province

Includes

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

Must have confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region (not country of origin), valid travel document, and remain within Fujian Province. Entry and exit must be through designated ports including Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.

Visa-Free Entry (15-30 Days)

15-30 days depending on nationality

Citizens of select countries with bilateral visa exemption agreements

Includes

Singapore (15 days) Brunei (15 days) Japan (15 days, ordinary passport holders) 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)

Must be for tourism, business visits, or transit purposes. Cannot be extended beyond the permitted duration. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Hainan Visa-Free Policy (Not Applicable)

N/A

Note: Xiamen is not part of Hainan's 30-day visa-free policy for tour groups

The Hainan visa-free policy only applies to Hainan Province, not Xiamen or Fujian Province.

Visa Required (Most Nationalities)

Typically 30 days (single entry tourist visa), up to 90 days for multiple entry

Citizens of countries without visa exemption agreements must obtain a visa before travel

How to Apply: Apply at Chinese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing typically takes 4-5 business days for regular service, with express options available. Applications require completed forms, passport photos, proof of accommodation, round-trip flight bookings, and sometimes invitation letters or travel itineraries.

Common visa types include L (tourist), M (business), F (exchange/study), and X (student). Some nationalities may apply for e-visas through authorized agents, though this is not universally available. Plan to apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Xiamen, travelers will proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is generally efficient, though wait times can vary depending on flight arrivals and passenger volume.

Health Declaration (if required)

Complete any required health declaration forms, either online before arrival or on paper upon arrival. This may include temperature screening and health code verification depending on current health policies.

Immigration Queue

Proceed to the appropriate immigration counter. Foreign passport holders should use designated counters (usually marked with 'Foreigner' or international symbols). Have your passport, completed arrival card, and visa ready.

Document Verification

Immigration officer will verify your passport, visa, and purpose of visit. You may be asked questions about your stay. Officers will scan your passport and may take fingerprints and a photograph.

Biometric Data Collection

First-time visitors to China will have fingerprints scanned (usually both hands) and a photograph taken. This is standard procedure and data is stored in China's immigration system.

Entry Stamp

Once approved, your passport will be stamped with entry date and permitted duration of stay. Verify the dates are correct before leaving the counter.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the designated carousel. Report any missing baggage to airline representatives immediately.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs via the appropriate channel (red for goods to declare, green for nothing to declare). You may be subject to random baggage inspection regardless of channel.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, exit to the public arrivals area 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 in China, with at least two blank visa pages.

Valid Chinese Visa or Proof of Visa Exemption

Appropriate visa sticker in passport, or documentation proving eligibility for visa-free transit (onward ticket, etc.).

Arrival/Departure Card

Usually distributed on the flight or available at immigration. Must be completed in English or Chinese with your personal details and local address.

Accommodation Confirmation

Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter with address where you'll be staying. May be requested by immigration officers.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from China, especially important for visa-free transit passengers.

Customs Declaration Form

Required if carrying items that must be declared (large amounts of currency, restricted goods, etc.).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents readily accessible in a travel folder - don't pack them in checked luggage.

Download and complete health declaration forms online before arrival if available, to save time.

Have your hotel address written in Chinese characters as well as English - this helps with forms and communication.

Be patient and polite with immigration officers. Answer questions clearly and concisely.

Take a photo of your passport information page and visa before travel as backup.

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time for immigration processing, especially during peak travel periods.

Keep your arrival card stub safe - you may need to present it when checking into hotels or when departing China.

If using visa-free transit, ensure your onward flight is clearly to a third country/region and keep all boarding passes.

Have some Chinese Yuan available for immediate expenses, though currency exchange is available after customs.

Customs & Duty-Free

China's customs regulations apply to all entries through Xiamen. Travelers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances and are prohibited from bringing certain items into the country. Random inspections are common, and penalties for non-declaration can be severe.

Alcohol

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

Must be 18 years or older. Beverages must be for personal consumption, not for sale.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes OR 100 cigars OR 500 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. Quantities exceeding this limit are subject to duty and import taxes.

Currency

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

Amounts exceeding these limits must be declared to customs. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

Gifts/Personal Items

CNY 5,000 worth of personal articles and gifts

Items for personal use during your stay are generally exempt. Commercial quantities or items clearly for resale will be questioned.

Perfume

Reasonable quantities for personal use (typically interpreted as 1-2 bottles)

Large quantities may be considered commercial and subject to duty.

Gold/Precious Metals

50 grams of gold or other precious metals

Amounts exceeding this must be declared and may require special permits.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - China has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives - Including replicas, parts, and related materials
Pornographic or obscene materials - Including magazines, videos, and digital content
Materials harmful to China's politics, economy, culture, or morals - Including certain publications and media
Counterfeit currency and securities - Including fake credit cards and documents
Endangered species and products - Including ivory, rhino horn, and protected animal/plant products under CITES
Fresh fruits and vegetables - Most fresh produce from abroad is prohibited to prevent agricultural pests
Meat and meat products - Including fresh, frozen, or processed meats (some exceptions for packaged commercial products)
Soil - Any items with soil attached are prohibited
Radioactive materials and toxic chemicals - Without proper authorization
Materials containing state secrets - Certain maps, GPS devices with restricted data, etc.
Live animals and plants - Without proper quarantine certificates and permits

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Bring only quantities needed for your stay with doctor's prescription. Some medications legal elsewhere are controlled in China
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft - Require registration and permits; restrictions apply in many areas
Satellite phones and communication equipment - May require approval from authorities
Professional camera/video equipment - May require declaration and temporary import permits for commercial use
Cultural relics and antiques - Require export certificates if purchased in China; import of certain items restricted
Books and printed materials - May be subject to inspection; political or religious materials may be confiscated
Biological specimens and medical samples - Require quarantine certificates and permits
Certain pets - Require health certificates, vaccination records, and quarantine (typically 30 days)
Radio transmission equipment - Walkie-talkies and certain frequencies require permits

Health Requirements

China maintains health entry requirements that can change based on global health situations. Currently, standard health screening is in place, though specific requirements may be implemented during disease outbreaks.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate - Required ONLY if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country within the previous 6 days. Not required for most travelers.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, polio, and influenza
Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers due to potential food/water contamination
Hepatitis B - Recommended for those who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major hotels and restaurants
Japanese Encephalitis - For travelers spending extended time in rural areas, especially during transmission season
Rabies - For travelers with extensive outdoor activities or working with animals

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. China's healthcare system requires upfront payment, and medical costs can be substantial. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation. Some visa types may require proof of health insurance. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers readily available.

Current Health Requirements: Health requirements can change rapidly based on global health situations. Check current requirements 2-3 weeks before travel regarding COVID-19 testing, vaccination certificates, health declarations, or quarantine requirements. Visit the Chinese embassy website or the General Administration of Customs of China for the latest health entry policies. Some health screening including temperature checks may be conducted at airports regardless of origin.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Emergency Services

Police: 110, Ambulance: 120, Fire: 119

English support may be limited; have your hotel concierge or a Chinese speaker assist if possible

Xiamen Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration

For visa extensions, residence permits, and immigration matters

Address: No. 84 Siming South Road, Siming District, Xiamen. Bring passport, registration form from hotel, and relevant documents

Your Country's Embassy/Consulate

Locate your embassy in Beijing or consulate in Shanghai/Guangzhou (closest to Xiamen)

Register with your embassy's travel registration system before arrival. Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone

China Immigration Administration

Official website: www.nia.gov.cn (Chinese) / en.nia.gov.cn (English)

For official information on visa policies, regulations, and updates

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Airport information: +86 592 96363

For flight information, lost baggage, and airport services

12301 China Tourism Hotline

Tourism assistance and complaints hotline

Available 24/7 with some English support for tourist-related issues

Customs Declaration Hotline

+86 10 12360 (China Customs)

For questions about customs regulations and prohibited items

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (even infants). If traveling with only one parent or without parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) in English and Chinese. Birth certificates may be requested. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults. Minors under 18 traveling alone may face additional scrutiny and should have contact information for their guardian in China.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an import permit obtained before travel, valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry), health certificate issued by official veterinarian within 14 days of travel, and microchip identification. Dogs and cats are subject to mandatory quarantine of 7-30 days depending on origin country and documentation. Advance arrangement with quarantine facility is required. Some breeds are restricted or prohibited. Costs for quarantine are the owner's responsibility and can be substantial.

Extended Stays/Working in China

Tourist visas cannot be used for employment. Work requires a Z visa obtained before entry, which needs an invitation letter from Chinese employer and work permit approval. Student visas (X1/X2) required for study programs. For stays longer than tourist visa allows, apply for extension at local PSB Exit-Entry Administration before current visa expires. Overstaying a visa results in fines (CNY 500 per day), possible detention, and deportation with entry ban. Business travelers may need M visa for multiple entries or extended business activities.

Dual Nationals/Chinese Heritage

China does not recognize dual nationality. Persons of Chinese descent who hold foreign citizenship must enter on foreign passport with appropriate visa. If you previously held Chinese citizenship, you may need to show proof of renunciation. Chinese citizens cannot use foreign passports to enter China even if they hold dual citizenship from another country.

Journalists and Media Personnel

Journalists require a J1 or J2 visa, not tourist visas. Professional media equipment may require declaration and temporary import permits. Filming or photography for commercial purposes requires permits. Entering as a tourist while planning to conduct journalism activities is prohibited and can result in deportation.

Transit Without Entering China

If remaining airside in international transit area without entering China, most nationalities do not need a visa for connections under 24 hours. If you need to collect baggage and re-check, or leave the airport, visa requirements apply (though 144-hour transit exemption may be available for eligible nationalities).

Cruise Ship Passengers

Passengers on approved cruise ships may be eligible for visa-free shore excursions up to 15 days when part of organized tour groups. Individual cruise passengers typically need standard visas. Verify with cruise line regarding visa arrangements and approved shore excursion policies.

Previous Visa Violations or Deportation

Previous overstays, visa violations, or deportation from China will appear in immigration records and may result in visa denial or entry refusal. Be honest on visa applications about previous issues. Some violations result in entry bans of 1-10 years or permanent bans.