Hotels in China

Visa requirements

Citizens of Belarus holding ordinary passports may enter mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao without a visa for up to 30 days per trip, but no more than 90 days in a calendar year.

Stays longer than 30 days, study or work require the appropriate visa, obtained before the trip.

All foreigners need an arrival card on entry — with or without a visa. It can be completed online in advance or at the border:

• on the website of the National Immigration Administration of China s.nia.gov.cn;
• in the NIA 12367 app or in the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs;
• at the border — via a QR code, at a kiosk or on a paper form.

It is free of charge. After completing it online you receive a QR code — save it on your phone and show it at border control. Passengers who do not leave the transit area do not need the card.

Documents required for entry

• Passport valid for at least 3 months on the date of entry. Airlines and tour operators may require a longer validity, so it is safer to have a passport valid for at least 6 months;
• Arrival card (online or at the border);
• Return ticket or onward ticket to a third country;
• Hotel booking confirmation (tour voucher);
• Medical insurance.

Customs regulations

Duty-free allowance:

• 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages of 12% or stronger;
• 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 500 g of tobacco;
• jewellery for personal use.

Cash exceeding 20,000 yuan or the equivalent of 5,000 USD must be declared on entry and on departure.

Prohibited imports (in addition to commonly known items):

• counterfeit money and securities; printed matter, photo, video and audio materials harmful to China's politics, economy, culture and morals; fruit and vegetables, stuffed animals, soil, raw hides, meat, fresh milk, cheese, cream.

Prohibited exports:

• all items prohibited for import;
• rare and valuable animals, plants, seeds, cultural relics;
• medicines — only in checked baggage, with a receipt or prescription.

Power banks may be carried only in hand luggage. Power banks up to 100 Wh are allowed without approval, 100–160 Wh with the airline's permission, and over 160 Wh are prohibited. On flights from China, power banks without the 3C mark may be refused.

Good to know:

Tipping is not customary in China. In a restaurant it is enough to leave the change; for drivers and housekeepers a small amount will do.

All beaches in Hainan are public. When choosing a hotel, check the description: not every hotel has its own beach area with free sunbeds and umbrellas.

Do not express displeasure with Chinese culture and history.

Many locals greet tourists warmly and may point at them — react calmly.

Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of food — it resembles incense at funerals. Skewering food with chopsticks is also considered impolite.

Many familiar services (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) do not work in China. Install the apps and communication tools you need before the trip.