A valid passport and visa are required for an individual to enter China. Usually the airline/ship will give each passenger an entry card and a customs declaration form to fill out prior to arrival. Upon arrival, valid passports, visas and related documents are required to be handed in and verified by customs authorities. If all documents are found to be in proper order, an individual can legally enter China.

All passengers who wish to enter or leave China will be subject to a hygienic inspection in the course of boarder quarantine inspections at ports opened to foreigners. Any unusual articles such as microorganisms, any human body tissue or blood and related products, and any biological products must declare these things to the quarantine department for inspection.

Any luggage or objects which are brought or shipped which may cause the spread of contagious diseases must be submitted to quarantine. All foodstuffs, drinks or aquatic products which may be contaminated by contagious diseases will be destroyed by the quarantine department.

The following personnel are prohibited from entering China:

1. People who have broken Chinese laws and others who were expelled and have not been permitted to re-enter China.

2. Known or suspected terrorists and those who engage in violent and subversive activities.

3. Known or suspected dealers in contraband, drug trade, or prostitution.

4. People who suffer from Hansen's disease (leprosy), AIDS/HIV, VD (venereal disease), pulmonary tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

5. People who cannot afford the cost of their stay in China.

6. People who are known or suspected to engage in activities that are harmful to China's social order and national security.

7. Those who do not hold valid passports, visas and other credentials.

8. Those who hold stolen, forged or altered passports, visas and credentials.

9. Those who refuse to have their credentials and documents checked.

10. Those who are forbidden to enter China by the Ministry of Public Security of China and the Ministry of State Security.