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Immigration Procedures and Documentation: how it works in China — first-hand

Short answer
You must complete an online health declaration and an Arrival Card if you intend to exit the transit zone or change terminals in China. Completing these forms digitally in advance via official links is recommended to prevent delays and ensure smooth passage through immigration.

From real experience

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.
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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.
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When transiting through China and intending to leave the airport to, for example, re-register for a connecting flight, travelers should complete an electronic Arrival Card online beforehand via a provided QR code.
This facilitates smoother passage through immigration. Necessary information includes passport details, flight information, and accommodation address if exiting the airport. For short layovers (under 2-3 hours), exiting the transit area is generally not recommended due to potential time loss in queues for exit and re-entry, especially if the connecting flight departs from the same terminal. However, if the purpose is to check-in for a new flight and time permits, this process can be managed.
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Portable battery-powered fans are generally permitted in carry-on luggage for flights transiting through China.
When transiting: if remaining in the sterile transit area, no arrival card is required. If exiting the airport into the city, an arrival card must be filed (can be done 24 hours in advance via the '12367' app or Alipay mini-app).
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Transit procedures in China: For short transfers (e.g., 9 hours in Shenzhen or Beijing), travelers must pass through customs and immigration to exit the airport.
Always fill out the electronic Arrival Card. If staying in a hotel, they handle registration with the police; otherwise, verify if independent registration is needed.
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A 1.5-hour layover in Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) with no checked baggage can be manageable.
Be aware of two transit passage points within the airport. Pre-filling the China migration card online and the Korean Arrival Card is recommended. Some passengers have reported assistance from airport staff for tight connections.
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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.
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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.
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Transit via China: 1. If exiting the airport or changing terminals, passengers must fill out an online Arrival Card and receive a QR code before flight.
2. This applies to both China and Vietnam arrival requirements.
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