I used the 240-hour transit visa. The border officer asked me 4 questions. Here's what they were.
My friend from Chile flew into Beijing Capital on the 240-hour visa-free transit. He was nervous. He had heard stories about strict Chinese border control.The arrival:
He followed the "Foreigners" signs. Got in line at immigration. The officer waved him forward.
He handed over his passport. The officer flipped through it. Looked at the computer. Then asked four questions.
Question 1:
"Where are you flying next?"
My friend: "Tokyo. I have my ticket."
He showed the printed itinerary. The officer glanced at it. Nodded.
Question 2:
"How many days will you stay in China?"
"Eight days."
The officer counted on his fingers. "You must leave by May 3rd."
"Yes, I understand."
Question 3:
"Where will you stay?"
My friend had booked three hotels. He showed the confirmations on his phone.
Beijing: 3 nights. Xi'an: 2 nights. Shanghai: 2 nights.
The officer skimmed the bookings. Didn't seem to care much about the details.
Question 4:
"What is the purpose of your visit?"
"Tourism."
That was it. The officer stamped his passport.
Total time at the counter: 90 seconds.
What happens next:
The officer handed back the passport with a square blue stamp. On it:
• Entry date
• "Must leave before" date (240 hours from entry)
• Entry port (Beijing)
My friend took a photo of the stamp immediately. You should too.
What they DON'T ask (but you should be ready for):
Money: They rarely ask for proof of funds. But have a credit card or cash ready just in case.
Return ticket: They want to see your onward ticket to a third country. Print it. Phone screenshots sometimes work, but printing is safer.
Hotel bookings: They might ask. Have confirmations ready. If you're staying with a friend, have their address and phone number written down.
Travel insurance: Never been asked. But it's smart to have it.
The blue slip:
On the plane, you'll fill out an arrival card. The officer keeps one half. You get the other half.
Do not lose this slip. You need it when you leave China. If you lose it, there's a desk near immigration where you can get a replacement. But it wastes time.
Common mistakes at the border:
• Not having an onward ticket: The officer will send you to a secondary inspection room. Not fun.
• Saying you want to visit friends but having no address: Have your host's details.
• Nervous behavior: The officers are trained to spot anxiety. Be calm. Answer directly.
• Joking: Don't. The officer won't think it's funny.
What if they send you to secondary inspection?
It's a small room with more officers. They'll ask the same questions but slower. They might check your bags. It's not scary. Just time-consuming.
My friend's advice: "I practiced my answers for a week. The officer asked four questions in 90 seconds and I was through. All that anxiety for nothing."
Anyone else had a memorable border entry experience? What did they ask you?
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