Does China Stamp Your Passport? (2026)

Short answer: Usually yes. Most tourists go through a staffed counter, where the officer normally puts an entry stamp in the passport showing the entry date, permitted stay and visa type. Treat this as common practice, not a guarantee. The automated e-channels are mainly for residents, not tourists.

What the rules say

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) says foreigners must present a passport or other international travel document, plus a visa or other entry permit, to border inspection. After the checks, they may be allowed in.

Situation	What to expect
Staffed counter (normal for tourists)	Officer checks passport, arrival card and fingerprints, then normally stamps the passport
E-channel	Limited to groups such as holders of a Foreign Permanent Residence ID Card, or e-passport holders with a Chinese residence permit valid over six months. Border officers make the final call
Fingerprints	Foreigners aged 14 to 70 must give them, unless exempt
Chinese citizens in the fast lane	The exit-entry stamp can be skipped, and can be added on request. This is for Chinese citizens and may not apply to you

Visa-free visitors go through the same counters as visa holders. Check your status in the visa-free checker and read the visa-free entry rules.

What to do at the border

1. Fill in the arrival card before you land. Since 20 November 2025, foreigners can submit it online before the trip through the NIA website. You can also scan a code at the port or use a paper card. See the arrival card guide.
2. Queue at the foreigner or general counter. Don’t join an e-channel line unless you hold one of the permits above.
3. Hand over your passport open at the photo page, with the arrival card if you filled in a paper one.
4. Give fingerprints and a photo when asked.
5. Check the stamp before you leave the counter. Look at the date and the permitted stay. Ask the officer politely if the stamp is missing or unreadable.
6. Keep the passport clean until you leave. You need it for hotel check-in and the exit check.

Common mistakes

• Using an e-channel as a tourist. Officers can send you back to a staffed counter.
• Walking off without checking the stamp. The permitted stay is your proof of how long you can remain.
• Marking the passport yourself. A traveller who hand-drew an exit-entry stamp was barred from leaving. Never forge or alter a stamp.
• Expecting a souvenir stamp. Tourist stamps on request are not a standard service. Ask the officer at the counter, but don’t count on it.

Set up your phone before you land: a travel eSIM and Alipay with a foreign card. The trip checklist covers the rest.

FAQ

Does China stamp your passport on exit too?

Practice at staffed counters is for officers to stamp on both entry and exit. Check the stamp each time.

Can I ask China not to stamp my passport?

Don’t expect a no-stamp option as a tourist. A stamp-free route exists for Chinese citizens in the fast lane, but that is not a general option for foreign visitors.

What if my passport has no entry stamp?

Go back to the immigration counter before leaving the airport and ask an officer. Without a stamp you have no proof of your entry date and permitted stay.

Next steps for your trip

Official sources: www.nia.gov.cn · en.nia.gov.cn. Rules change; check before you travel.