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Exit and Re-entry Procedures

Processes and requirements for leaving and re-entering China as a foreign national.

Sections

2.1. Required Documents

Ensure you have the following documents ready:

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
  • Visa or Residence Permit: Ensure your visa or residence permit is valid. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or a ban on re-entry.
  • Exit-Entry Permit (if applicable): For residents of Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, an Exit-Entry Permit is required.
  • Departure Card: This is no longer required for most travelers as of 2018, but confirm with your airline or immigration officer.
  • COVID-19 Documentation (if applicable): Depending on current regulations, you may need proof of vaccination or a negative test result.

2.2. At the Airport or Border

  1. Check-in: Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. Check in with your airline and receive your boarding pass.
  2. Immigration Check:
    • Present your passport and visa/residence permit to the immigration officer.
    • Answer any questions about your stay in China.
    • Ensure you have no outstanding legal or financial issues (e.g., unpaid fines, taxes, or lawsuits) that could prevent your departure.
  3. Customs Declaration:
    • Declare any items exceeding the duty-free allowance (e.g., cash over RMB 20,000 or foreign currency equivalent to USD 5,000).
    • Prohibited items (e.g., cultural relics, endangered species products) must not be taken out of the country without proper authorization.

2.3. Costs

  • Overstay Penalties: RMB 500 per day, up to a maximum of RMB 10,000, or detention for severe cases.
  • Customs Fines: Vary depending on the undeclared or prohibited items.

3. Re-entry Procedures into China

Re-entering China requires compliance with visa and immigration regulations. The process depends on your visa type and the purpose of your visit.

3.1. Required Documents

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
  • Valid Visa or Residence Permit: Ensure your visa allows multiple entries if you plan to leave and return.
  • Health Declaration Form: As of recent COVID-19 regulations, travelers may need to complete a health declaration form online or via the "Customs Pocket Declaration" app.
  • COVID-19 Documentation (if applicable): Check current requirements for vaccination or testing.

3.2. At the Airport or Border

  1. Immigration Check:
    • Present your passport, visa, and any required health documentation.
    • Answer questions about your travel purpose and duration of stay.
  2. Customs Declaration:
    • Declare items exceeding the duty-free allowance (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, or high-value goods).
    • Ensure you are not bringing in prohibited items (e.g., certain publications, weapons, or drugs).

3.3. Costs

  • Visa Fees: If you need to apply for a new visa before re-entry, fees vary by nationality and visa type. For example:
    • Single-entry visa: RMB 160–860 (USD 25–130)
    • Multiple-entry visa: RMB 400–1,200 (USD 60–180)
  • Quarantine Costs (if applicable): If quarantine is required due to health regulations, costs are typically borne by the traveler and range from RMB 300–600 per day.

4. Special Considerations for Travelers and Immigrants

China has unique regulations and practices that travelers and immigrants should be aware of:

4.1. Visa Validity and Overstay

  • Always check the validity of your visa or residence permit before exiting or re-entering China.
  • Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or deportation. It may also affect future visa applications.

4.2. Multiple-Entry Visas

  • If you plan to leave and re-enter China frequently, apply for a multiple-entry visa. These are commonly issued for business travelers or family visits.

4.3. Residence Permits

  • Long-term residents (e.g., students, employees, or family members) must hold a valid residence permit. If your permit expires while you are outside China, you may not be allowed to re-enter.

4.4. Exit Bans

  • China may impose an exit ban on individuals involved in legal disputes, unpaid debts, or criminal investigations. Check with local authorities if you suspect you may be subject to an exit ban.

4.5. Health and Quarantine Regulations

  • Health regulations can change rapidly, especially during pandemics. Always check the latest requirements for testing, vaccination, or quarantine before traveling.

4.6. Customs Regulations

  • China has strict customs rules. Items such as cultural relics, endangered species products, and large sums of cash require special permits for export or import.

5. Step-by-Step Guide for Exit and Re-entry

Exiting China

  1. Confirm your visa or residence permit is valid.
  2. Pack according to customs regulations.
  3. Arrive at the airport early and check in.
  4. Pass through immigration and customs.
  5. Board your flight.

Re-entering China

  1. Ensure your visa or residence permit allows re-entry.
  2. Complete any required health declarations.
  3. Present your documents at immigration.
  4. Declare items at customs if necessary.
  5. Proceed to your destination.

6. Resources and Contacts

  • National Immigration Administration (NIA): www.nia.gov.cn
  • Chinese Embassy/Consulate: Contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country for visa and entry requirements.
  • Customs Hotline: 12360 (within China)
  • COVID-19 Information: Check the National Health Commission website for the latest updates.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about current regulations, you can ensure a smooth exit and re-entry process when traveling to and from China.