Tips on Traveling to China

The Chinese flag is displayed at most Chinese ports of entry. (Photo: china image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com )

Overview

China covers over 3,706,580 square miles and is one of the world's biggest countries, in terms of both population and geographic size. The country's vibrant Asian culture, ancient heritage and bustling cities attract millions of visitors every year. Arm yourself with important legal, safety, health and travel tips to ensure a worry-free Chinese vacation.

Travel Documents

Bring a passport, valid through the date you plan to depart China, and the appropriate Chinese visa for your trip. You will be immediately deported if you fail to show both of these documents when you arrive in the country. The right visa varies according to the purpose of your trip. You will likely want a tourist visa, which comes in single entry, double entry and multiple entry formats.

Vaccines

There are no required vaccinations for those traveling to China, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends you stay up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as those for the flu and measles. Shots for hepatitis A and B are also recommended, as well as typhoid. If you're planning to travel to rural farms in China, the CDC suggests you get a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis.

You may wish to take anti-malarial drugs if you're traveling to rural areas in provinces like Yunnan and Anhui, where malaria is sometimes present. Contact the CDC Malaria Hotline at 770-488-7788 to find out whether your current Chinese destination is affected by this mosquito-borne disease.