Can I bring Political & Religious Materials to China?

Publications considered harmful to national interests prohibited

Can I bring Fresh Meat & Produce to China?

Most fresh food items prohibited for biosecurity

Can I bring Weapons & Ammunition to China?

All weapons and ammunition strictly prohibited

What should I know about customs in China?

Health reporting and goods declarations are separate. The end of routine health cards does not remove customs declarations for goods.

What should I know about customs in China?

Carry printed copies of important documents

🇨🇳

China Entry Guide 2026

Last updated: 2026-10-06

Complete guide to Chinese customs regulations and entry requirements

China Customs enforces strict regulations at all entry points. Travelers must complete customs declaration forms and health declarations. China has specific rules on currency, publications, and electronics. Many nationalities now benefit from expanded visa-free transit.

✅ IQOS & Heated Tobacco Information

IQOS and heated tobacco products (glo, Ploom, etc.) are ALLOWED in China. They are treated the same as regular cigarettes. Duty-free allowance: 400 heat sticks. Exceeding this limit requires customs declaration and may incur duty.

📖 Read our in-depth Global Heated Tobacco Travel Guide

Entry Process

1Routine entry/exit health declaration cards are no longer required. If you have infectious-disease symptoms or a diagnosed infectious disease, proactively report to Customs and cooperate with health checks.
2Fill out customs declaration form
3Proceed to immigration and passport control
4Collect checked baggage
5Pass through customs inspection (Red/Green channel)

Prohibited Items

Political & Religious Materials
Publications considered harmful to national interests prohibited
Fresh Meat & Produce
Most fresh food items prohibited for biosecurity
Weapons & Ammunition
All weapons and ammunition strictly prohibited
Certain Electronics
Satellite phones, high-powered radios may require permits

Allowances and declarations

Alcohol1.5L (over 12% ABV)
Tobacco / IQOS400 cigarettes/heat sticks OR 100 cigars OR 500g tobacco
Personal ItemsRMB 5,000 value for residents; RMB 2,000 for non-residents
Cash (RMB)RMB 20,000 in/out limit
Cash (Foreign)Must declare $5,000+ (or equivalent)
E-cigarettes / vape podsOrdinary traveller: 2 devices plus 6 pods/disposables, liquid total ≤12ml; lower Hong Kong/Macao and frequent-traveller limits

Declaration Tips

• Health reporting and goods declarations are separate. The end of routine health cards does not remove customs declarations for goods.
• Carry printed copies of important documents
• Medications should have prescriptions in English and Chinese if possible
• Be aware that some apps/websites are blocked - consider VPN
• The vape limits differ from traditional and heated tobacco. Travellers under 16 may not bring e-cigarettes; products without a labelled liquid volume are not allowed. Check the lower limits for Hong Kong/Macao and frequent trips.