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Departure procedures

policy2026/04/10
I. Pre-Departure Preparation


1. Check the validity of your passport and visa/residence permit


Before departure, confirm that the following documents are valid


  • Original passport;


  • Chinese visa;


  • Residence permit or stay permit;


  • Visa or entry permit for your next destination (if required).


According to the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, foreigners must depart with a valid passport and legal stay or residence permits.


Notes


  • Overstayed visas, illegal residence, or expired documents may result in being denied exit;


  • Work or study residence permits should be renewed in advance before expiration;


It is recommended to print out your flight and hotel booking information as backup.


II. Confirm Flight and Check-in Time


Recommended arrival time for international flights


International flights: Arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance;


During peak periods or at major international airports, arrive even earlier.


Common international departure airports include


Beijing Capital International Airport


Shanghai Pudong International Airport


Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport


Check-in process


  • Proceed to the airline counter;


  • Present your passport;


  • Check in your luggage;


  • Obtain your boarding pass.


Notes


  • Lithium batteries, power banks, liquids, etc., must comply with aviation safety regulations;


  • Some countries require proof of return tickets or entry documentation.


III. Customs Declaration Process


China Customs operates a “Red Channel / Green Channel” system.


Green Channel


Use when you have nothing to declare.


Red Channel


If you are carrying any of the following items, you must declare them:


  • Excess cash;


  • Cultural relics;


  • Products made from endangered animals or plants;


  • Precious metals;


  • High-value electronic devices;


  • Commercial goods, etc.


Customs regulations stipulate that cash exceeding RMB 20,000, or foreign currency equivalent to more than USD 5,000, must be declared.


Notes


  • Prohibited items cannot be taken out of the country;


  • Chinese cultural relics, antiques, and certain artworks may require approval;


  • Failure to declare may result in fines or confiscation.


IV. Departure Tax Refund (Tax Refund)


Eligible foreign travelers can apply for a shopping tax refund upon departure.


Eligible persons


Foreigners and visitors from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan who have resided in China continuously for no more than 183 days.


Procedure


  • Shop at designated “tax refund stores”;


  • Request a tax refund application form and invoice;


  • On the day of departure, proceed to customs for verification;


  • Complete the tax refund procedures;


  • Collect your refund at the designated refund counter.


Notes


  • Goods must remain unused;


  • Allow extra time for processing;


  • Some airports have dedicated tax refund counters.


V. Border Control Inspection (Exit Immigration Inspection)


Foreigners must undergo Chinese immigration border control inspection upon departure.


Procedure


Proceed to the exit immigration inspection area;


Present


  • Passport;


  • Boarding pass;


  • Valid visa or residence permit;


  • Complete facial recognition and document verification;


  • After border control stamping, proceed to the departure lounge.


The National Immigration Administration is responsible for managing foreign entry and exit as well as border control inspections.


Immigration officers may ask


  • Purpose of departure;


  • Length of stay in China;


  • Employment or study status;


  • Next destination.


Notes


  • Answers should align with the purpose stated on your visa;


  • Avoid carrying someone else’s documents;


  • Ensure your visa, accommodation registration, and other relevant information are genuine and valid.


VI. Security Check and Boarding


Security check requirements


Common restrictions include:


  • Liquid capacity limits;


  • Lithium battery restrictions;


  • Prohibited items such as knives and flammable/explosive materials.


Boarding procedure


  • Wait in the departure lounge according to your gate information;


  • Verify your passport and boarding pass;


  • Board the aircraft and depart.


Notes


For international flights, the boarding gate may be located far away;


Some airports require a second security screening.


VII. Handling Special Situations


1. Visa Overstay


If your permitted stay has expired, promptly visit the local immigration authorities to resolve the issue. Overstaying may result in fines, detention, or restrictions on re-entry. (Cities Insider)


2. Lost Passport


First:


  • Report the loss to the local police;


  • Contact your country’s embassy or consulate;


  • Obtain travel documents before applying for departure.


3. Residence Permit Cancellation


Upon completion of work or studies, some residence permits require cancellation procedures handled by the employer or educational institution.


VIII. Practical Tips for Departure


It is recommended to prepare in advance:


  • Photocopy of your passport;


  • Electronic flight ticket;


  • Hotel and accommodation records;


  • Phone number of a contact person in China;


  • Entry documents for your next destination.


It is also advisable to download in advance:


Trip.com



Amap



WeChat



Alipay



For official information:


National Immigration Administration


National Immigration Administration Government Service Platform


China Customs Passenger Guide