Precautions for Foreign Nationals Traveling Domestically in China
East China:
No information found yet
Chongqing:
Areas clearly prohibited for foreign guests (foreign tourists) in Chongqing:
Certain areas of the Chongqing 816 Underground Nuclear Project Scenic Area
Although the 816 Underground Nuclear Factory was partially opened to the public as a scenic spot in 2010, some core areas are still prohibited for foreign tourists from approaching due to national security considerations. The scenic area is located in Fuling District and is known as the “world’s largest man-made cave structure.” Although it can be visited, restricted areas still exist.
Sichuan:
At present, policies are relatively convenient for foreign nationals traveling to Sichuan, but the following basic requirements must be met:
I. Visa requirements
Foreign nationals holding ordinary passports, if they come from countries that have mutual visa exemption agreements or unilateral visa-free arrangements with China (as of March 2026, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Switzerland and 54 other countries), may enjoy the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy. It applies to entry through ports such as Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport, and travel within 11 administrative cities in Sichuan (Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Mianyang, Leshan, Nanchong, Yibin, Dazhou, Meishan, Ziyang).
Visa-free stay period: calculated from the day after entry, with a maximum continuous stay of 10 days, and activities inconsistent with the purpose of entry are not allowed.
If the visa-free conditions are not met, a tourist visa (L visa) must be applied for in advance at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad. In emergency situations, a port visa may be applied for at entry-exit administration departments in Chengdu, Chongqing and other locations with an invitation letter.
Note: Tibetan areas of Sichuan (such as Aba and Ganzi) are not covered by the visa-free policy. Foreign tourists usually need to apply in advance for foreign-related travel permits or arrange group tours through designated travel agencies.
II. Special regulations in Western Sichuan
No separate “Tibet travel permit” is required:
In the past, some areas of Western Sichuan (such as Daocheng and Litang) required foreign tourists to apply for an “entry permit to Tibet” or special permits, but since 2025 the policy has been relaxed. Foreign tourists can freely enter Western Sichuan via the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (such as National Highway 318) and may continue to Lhasa. Independent group formation or fixed routes are no longer mandatory.
However, it is still recommended to report in advance or arrange through a formal travel agency.
III. Areas explicitly prohibited for foreign tourists when traveling in Western Sichuan
Areas that are long-term prohibited for foreign nationals due to national security, military, or border management reasons;
Areas that are temporarily closed due to forest and grassland fire prevention periods, where all external visitors (including foreign nationals) are prohibited from entering the mountains.
1. Areas long-term prohibited for foreign nationals
The following locations are long-term prohibited for foreign nationals due to national defense security, military facilities, border sensitivity, or special religious and cultural factors. This applies regardless of whether it is during the fire prevention period:
Dadu River Jinkou Grand Canyon (located in Jinkouhe District, Leshan; although on the edge of Western Sichuan, it is often included in Western Sichuan travel routes)
Seda County Larung Gar Buddhist Academy and surrounding areas
Certain high-risk or border sections of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway
Although the Sichuan-Tibet Highway as a whole is open to foreign nationals (with a border pass and group travel), specific sections near the China-India and China-Nepal borders (such as Medog in Nyingchi and Cuona in Shannan) are usually restricted for foreign nationals
Tibet:
Foreign nationals traveling to Tibet must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (Entry Permit to Tibet) and can only travel in groups arranged through travel agencies. Independent travel is not allowed.
I. Required documents and materials
Tibet Travel Permit (Entry Permit to Tibet): A mandatory document for entering Tibet, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. To apply, travelers must send a photo or scanned copy of their passport and visa, basic personal information (name, nationality, age, gender, occupation, passport number), travel route to Tibet, approximate travel schedule, travel intention, contact number, and other information to a local travel agency in Tibet. After receiving the materials, the travel agency will apply for the permit as soon as possible. Once completed, it will be mailed to the address provided by the traveler in mainland China. The permit is generally applied for about one month in advance. If visiting the Ngari (Ali) region, application should be made 45 days in advance.
Passport and Chinese visa: A valid passport copy and visa copy must be provided (except for visa-free countries), and the passport must be valid for more than 6 months.
Border Travel Permit: Foreign Chinese citizens traveling to border areas in Tibet (such as Ngari and Mount Everest) must additionally apply for a military permit and border permit. When foreign nationals travel to border areas in Tibet, they must hold a military permit to enter. In addition to the military permit, foreign Chinese citizens must also hold a Tibet Travel Permit and a Foreigners Travel Permit to travel in Tibet border areas. Military permits cannot be applied for individually; all foreign tourists must apply through travel agencies.
II. Application method and process
Must be arranged through a travel agency: Foreign nationals are not allowed to travel independently and must entrust a qualified Tibet travel agency to apply. Regardless of the number of people, travel must be organized and planned in a group, and the travel agency must provide vehicles and a tour guide (accompanying throughout the journey).
Application time: It is recommended to start applying at least one month in advance to allow time for approval and booking of flights and hotels.
Submission of materials: Submit a copy of the passport information page, visa copy, personal information (name, nationality, occupation, passport number, etc.), and travel route to the travel agency.
Document custody: After entering Tibet, the permit will be kept by the tour guide. After the tour ends, the travel agency will return it to the Tourism Bureau for filing. It is not allowed to be taken out of Tibet.
III. Notes
Visa type restrictions: Holders of journalist visas and official visas are not allowed to travel to Tibet and must consult the foreign affairs authorities.
Transportation: Foreign nationals may only enter and leave Tibet by plane or train. It is not allowed to enter or leave Tibet by self-driving, cycling, motorcycle riding, or hiking.
Travelers may first fly from overseas to mainland cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu, and then transfer to a train or plane to Tibet.
Hong Kong and Macao residents: Holders of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents may travel to Tibet independently and do not need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit.
IV. Areas explicitly prohibited for foreign nationals during travel
According to the latest publicly available information as of March 2026, foreign nationals (holding foreign passports) traveling to Tibet must comply with strict access regulations. In addition to the regular requirement of the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), some areas also require the Foreigners Travel Permit (ATP) or military approval documents. The following locations and areas are explicitly prohibited for foreign nationals, and access is not allowed even with all required permits:
Areas in Tibet explicitly prohibited for foreign nationals:
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon (Milin County, Nyingchi)
Nanyi Valley (Milin County, Nyingchi, including areas beyond the Lhoba villages)
Medog County (entire county not open to foreign nationals)
Lhamo La-tso (Shannan City)
Pumo Yongtso (Shigatse City)
Korchung Kangri Glacier (Shigatse City)
Elephant Trunk Heavenly Gate (Ngari Region)
40 Glacier (Shannan City)
Qilin Gorge (Nyingchi City)
Laigu Glacier (Nyingchi City)
Baima Linco (Ngari Region)
Duoqing Tso (Ngari Region)
Pangong Lake (Ngari Region)
Sap Snow Mountain (Chamdo City)
Yani Wetland (Nyingchi City)
Luozha (Shannan City)
Lebu Valley (Shannan City)
Toling Monastery in Ngari and the Guge Kingdom Ruins (require additional cultural relics bureau permits and are usually not open to individual tourists)
Tibetan Kings’ Tombs (Qonggyai County, Shannan City; some routes explicitly exclude foreign nationals)
Note: Some areas such as parts of Ngari and Shannan are not completely prohibited but require additional military approval documents. These are difficult to obtain and require long processing time (usually more than 20 days after team confirmation).
Other important restriction notes
Border sensitive areas: Chayu County (Nyingchi City) borders India and Myanmar and is a strictly controlled military area. Foreign nationals are prohibited from entering.
Ecological protection areas: The core area and northern buffer zone of the Qiangtang National Nature Reserve prohibit entry. Although not explicitly limited only to foreign nationals, enforcement is stricter for foreign visitors.
Xinjiang
Security inspection procedures in Xinjiang are relatively strict. When entering airports, railway stations, hotels, and some scenic areas, identity checks are usually required. Therefore, valid documents are the most important requirement for smooth travel.
1. Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan compatriots
Hong Kong/Macao residents: Must carry the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents. Ensure the document is valid. It is the only credential for taking domestic flights, trains, and checking into hotels in mainland China.
Taiwan residents: Must hold a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents. It is recommended to check the validity period in advance. If it is about to expire, renew it in advance to avoid travel issues.
2. Foreign tourists
Passport and visa: Must hold a passport valid for more than 6 months and apply in advance for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa). Some nationalities should pay attention to visa-free policies and designated ports of entry.
Entry card and proof: Fill in the entry card upon entry and keep it properly. It is recommended to carry copies of the passport information page and visa page in case of inspection.
3. Special pass: Border pass
If the itinerary involves border areas, the above documents alone are not sufficient. A Border Pass must be applied for.
Applicable areas: Usually include Baihaba Village in Kanas, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County (Tashkurgan), the Pamir Plateau, Khunjerab Pass, and other areas close to the national border.
Application method:
Group tourists: Handled collectively by travel agencies. Passport information must be provided in advance.
Independent travelers: After arriving in Xinjiang, go to the local public security authorities (such as the exit-entry administration in Urumqi or Kashgar) with a passport to apply. It can usually be obtained on the same day.
4. Domestic stay procedures
Accommodation registration: After staying in a hotel, foreign nationals must register accommodation with the public security authorities as required.
Residence documents: If the visa indicates that residence documents must be applied for after entry, the application must be submitted to the local exit-entry administration within 30 days after entry.
Stay period: If the visa indicates a stay period not exceeding 180 days, stay according to the period indicated on the visa.
5. Local services in Xinjiang
Immigration service centers: Xinjiang has established immigration service centers at six ports, including Khorgos, Urumqi, Alashankou, Khunjerab, Baktu, and Takshken, providing policy consultation and travel guidance.
Border areas: Some border management areas in Xinjiang may require additional border travel procedures. It is recommended to consult the local exit-entry administration department in advance.
6. Areas explicitly prohibited for foreign nationals
Some scenic spots and ports in Xinjiang that foreign nationals cannot enter include:
Baihaba (generally not allowed)
Khunjerab Pass (foreign nationals usually cannot enter for safety and management reasons)
Khorgos Port (policy restrictions apply)
Some sections of the Duku Highway (except the Bayin section, other sections have restrictions for foreign nationals)
Hejing County (foreign nationals are restricted)
Bayinbuluk belongs to Hejing County and foreign nationals cannot enter
Lop Nur People Village (foreign nationals are usually not allowed)
Guangxi
- Visa-free entry situations
- The following categories of foreign nationals may enjoy regional visa-free policies and do not need to apply for a Chinese visa in advance:
240-hour visa-free transit
Applicable to citizens of 54 designated countries (such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc.). Entry through Nanning Wuxu Airport, Guilin Liangjiang Airport, Beihai Fucheng Airport, or Beihai Passenger Port allows a stay of up to 240 hours (10 days) within the administrative areas of 12 cities in Guangxi, including Nanning, Liuzhou, and Guilin, with cross-city travel permitted.
Visa-free group tours for ASEAN countries (Guilin)
Citizens of Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia may enter visa-free through Guilin Airport in groups of two or more organized by Chinese travel agencies. Activities are limited to Guilin City, with a stay of no more than 144 hours (6 days), and entry and exit must be as a group.
Visa-free cruise entry (Beihai)
International cruise passengers entering through the Beihai cruise port may stay for no more than 15 days and must leave with the cruise.
If the above visa-free conditions are not met, a valid visa (such as an L tourist visa) must be applied for in advance at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad.
II. Situations requiring a Foreigners Travel Permit
Only required if the itinerary involves “non-open areas for foreign nationals.”
Some border counties in Guangxi (such as Dongxing, Pingxiang, Longzhou, Jingxi, and Napo) are areas with restrictions for foreign nationals or require special permits.
If planning to visit these areas, a Foreigners Travel Permit must be applied for in advance at the Guangxi exit-entry administration.
Tourists visiting regular tourist cities such as Nanning, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Beihai do not need this permit.
III. Other notes
Regardless of visa-free entry or visa entry, it is not allowed to engage in work, study, or other activities inconsistent with the purpose of entry.
It is recommended to carry a passport, visa or visa-free entry record, hotel reservation, and itinerary in case of inspection by border control or police.
If planning long-term stays or business activities, foreign business visitors may apply for special visas with multiple entries valid for 5 years and a single stay of 180 days (requires invitation from enterprises in Guangxi).
IV. Recommended steps
Confirm whether the nationality is included in the 240-hour visa-free country list (official announcements of the National Immigration Administration can be checked).
Confirm whether the itinerary is limited to open cities such as Nanning, Guilin, Liuzhou, and Beihai.
If eligible for visa-free entry, entry can be made with a passport and onward ticket; if planning to visit border counties, contact the Guangxi exit-entry administration in advance regarding the travel permit.
If not eligible for visa-free entry, apply in advance for an L tourist visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad.
Yunnan
Yunnan Province has established a systematic and convenient policy system for foreign visitors, covering visa-free entry, tourism incentives, service optimization, and product supply. The key policies are as follows:
I. Visa-free and entry facilitation policies
240-hour visa-free transit policy
Applicable to citizens of 54 countries. Entry through 60 open ports in 24 provinces allows a stay of 10 days (240 hours). In Yunnan, the permitted activity areas include Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Xishuangbanna, and other cities.
Regional visa-free arrangements
Tourist groups from ASEAN countries may enter visa-free through the Xishuangbanna port for specific cross-border tourism routes.
Payment and communication facilitation
Pilot implementation of the “five-in-one” service standards in popular tourist areas such as Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang:
Multilingual consultation centers, Overseas Visitor Service Manuals, smart translation devices, support for VISA/Alipay payment scenarios, and communication service points (such as SIM card services)
II. Incentive policies for tourism enterprises (“Attracting inbound tourists to Yunnan”)
Guizhou
Foreign visitors traveling to Guizhou may enjoy the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. This is the latest facilitation measure optimized at the national level. The key policy points are as follows:
Nationality scope: Must be citizens of the 54 eligible countries, including:
40 European countries (such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, etc.)
6 countries in the Americas (the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile)
2 countries in Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)
6 countries in Asia (South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the UAE, Qatar)
Document requirements: Must hold a valid international travel document with a validity of no less than 3 months and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (region) within 240 hours.
Permitted area: Activities are allowed throughout the entire Guizhou Province. There are no province-wide prohibited areas for foreign nationals. Foreign visitors may legally stay and travel throughout the province.
Port of entry: Only applicable when entering through Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport and applying for visa-free entry.
Other areas in China explicitly prohibited for foreign nationals
Hainan Xisha Islands: Only open to mainland Chinese citizens. Foreign nationals are not allowed to enter regardless of visa type.
Shennongjia in Hubei: Some sources claim “foreign nationals are prohibited from entering,” but in reality only the core ecological protection areas are restricted, not the entire region.
Authoritative information shows that Shennongjia is a UNESCO “triple crown” protected area, but it has not been officially listed as a completely prohibited area in official documents. Note: Some self-media sources list it as a forbidden area, but there is no official announcement from the Ministry of Public Security or the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Laojun Mountain in Henan: Some reports claim that foreign nationals are prohibited because Luanchuan County is a “military base,” but no authoritative department (such as the Ministry of Public Security or the Ministry of Culture and Tourism) has officially announced this area as prohibited.
News cases in March 2026 show that some foreign tourists were refused entry, but it may have been temporary local control or misinformation.
Taibai Mountain in Shaanxi: Only areas above 3,400 meters are prohibited for foreign nationals. This is an ecological protection measure, not a complete ban.
Qinghai Jinyintan (Atomic City): Some areas are still under confidentiality management, and foreign nationals are prohibited from entering, although the site has been opened overall as a patriotic education base.