Documents & Visa in China: real experience from chats
Real experience of people from chats on «Documents & Visa» in China — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
For transit through China, if the passenger needs to exit the transit area (e.g., to change terminals or collect luggage), a QR code/Health Declaration must be completed in advance. Failure to do so will require completing documentation at the terminal, causing delays at passport control.
Transit via China to South Korea: If passengers remain in the transit area (no border control entry into China), no special documents beyond the airline requirements are needed. If entering the city, arrival cards may be required. Transit times of 1.5 hours in major Chinese hubs like Shanghai are generally sufficient as transit security/passport checks typically take 20-40 minutes.
China transit entry/arrival: Travelers must complete an Arrival Card (China Customs Declaration) via the official website/mini-program. This can be done up to 90 days before the crossing. If the transit does not involve clearing immigration or changing terminals, a declaration may not be required. Always have the QR code saved as an image on your device for rapid inspection.
Passengers transiting through China to Japan are required to fill out a new Health Declaration QR code for each entry into China, even during layovers. Check-in/out procedures at Chinese airports treat each arrival as a separate entry.
Clarify luggage retrieval procedures for passengers with long layovers in Beijing (PEK or PKX) with onward travel to Osaka. Advise on checking with the airline at the point of departure whether checked baggage will be re-issued during the layover or if it will be automatically transferred to the final destination. Also, provide guidance on immigration procedures and estimated time needed to exit and re-enter the airport.
Short layovers in China (Shanghai/Beijing): 1. Single-ticket bookings allow for shorter transit times (under 2 hours) as airline staff assist with tight connections. 2. If a passenger accidentally exits the transit zone, use offline translation apps (English to Chinese) to communicate with airport staff. 3. Health declaration forms are required for Guangzhou but not for Shanghai.
Russian citizens can utilize the 24/144-hour visa-free transit in China (e.g., Guangzhou CAN, Chengdu TFU). To exit into the city during a long layover, complete the arrival card/electronic form at the immigration area, specify any nearby hotel as temporary accommodation, and state the purpose as transit/holiday. Ensure you have your onward ticket to a third country ready. If transit is international with thru-checked baggage, leave hand luggage at airport storage.
In the People's Republic of China, the term for 'Apostille' is 'Fujian Zhengmingshu' (附加证明书), which translates to 'Additional Certificate'. Official applications and inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) via their official portal: cs.mfa.gov.cn.
For transit flights through China (e.g., Shanghai) on a single ticket, passengers are often guided through dedicated transit corridors. To expedite security screening, travelers should remove all metal items and extra layers of clothing immediately. Passengers with K-ETA for Korea on a transit layover in China are generally exempt from filling out Chinese entry cards.
Online check-in for Air China from Russia often fails via standard methods. Users must pass identity verification in the app by uploading passport data. Even with successful online check-in, physical check-in at the airport counter is usually required for baggage drop or final boarding pass printing.
For transit through China, completing a health declaration QR code is mandatory. While it can be filled out upon arrival, doing so online beforehand is recommended to save time and avoid potential delays at check-in or immigration. The QR code is essential for exiting the transit zone and passing through immigration/health checks.
When transiting through China, an online form is only required if you plan to leave the transit area. Remaining within the transit zone does not necessitate filling out any forms. It is advisable to complete the form if exiting the transit zone, as non-compliance may lead to denial of passage.
Transit through China for passengers wishing to leave the airport requires completing an Arrival/Departure card. Electronic QR forms are increasingly used. Passengers remaining strictly in the transit zone do not need to fill out these forms.
An Arrival Card is mandatory for international entries into China. For transit flights, if you do not exit the transit zone, you do not need to fill it out. If you leave the airport transit area for the city, you must complete the card. Fill in the destination as the city of first landing in China if there is a domestic connecting flight. It is highly recommended to fill out the digital arrival card via the official link in advance, rather than using paper forms on arrival.
The China Arrival Card can be submitted online up to 3 months before entry. Physical printouts are not required as data is synced with immigration databases. For multi-city trips, users should list the hotel in the first port of entry.