Kunming Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport and appropriate visa. If traveling with only one parent, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the child to travel, along with copies of the non-traveling parent's passport. If the child has a different surname from the accompanying parent, bring birth certificate or other proof of relationship. For children traveling with guardians who are not parents, notarized authorization from both parents is required. Chinese authorities are strict about child welfare and may question adults traveling with children. Ensure all documentation is in order, preferably with Chinese translations. Register children with local police within 24 hours of arrival, same as adults. Some hotels may have restrictions on children staying in rooms.

Bringing pets to China requires extensive advance planning and documentation. Required: valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before entry but within validity period), microchip implanted and registered, official veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of departure, import permit from Chinese quarantine authorities (apply well in advance), blood test results for rabies antibodies (for some countries). Upon arrival: mandatory quarantine period of 7-30 days at designated facility at owner's expense (can be lengthy and expensive), customs declaration, inspection by Chinese quarantine officials. Only certain types of pets are allowed; some breeds are restricted. Kunming's quarantine facilities may have limited capacity. Costs can be substantial ($1,000+ USD). Airlines have specific pet policies. Consider carefully whether bringing pets is practical. Many travelers find it easier to arrange pet care in their home country. Check China's General Administration of Customs website for current pet import regulations.

Tourist visas (L visa) are strictly for tourism and cannot be used for employment, business activities, or study. For extended stays beyond tourist visa validity: Work visa (Z visa) required for employment - must be sponsored by Chinese employer with proper work permit; Business visa (M visa) for business activities - requires invitation from Chinese company; Student visa (X1 or X2) for study - requires admission to Chinese educational institution; Family reunion visa (Q1 or Q2) for visiting family members who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents; Residence permit for long-term stays - can be applied for after entering China with appropriate visa. Visa extensions: Tourist visa extensions are possible but not guaranteed. Apply at local PSB Exit-Entry Administration before current visa expires. Extensions typically granted only in special circumstances (medical emergency, natural disaster, etc.). Overstaying your visa results in fines (CNY 500 per day), detention, deportation, and future entry bans. Never work on a tourist visa - penalties are severe including detention, fines, and deportation with entry ban. For digital nomads: working remotely for foreign companies while on tourist visa is a gray area legally; technically prohibited but enforcement varies. Safest approach is to obtain appropriate visa for your activities.

China does not recognize dual nationality. If you were born in China or held Chinese citizenship previously but now hold foreign citizenship, special rules apply. You cannot enter China using a Chinese passport if you have acquired foreign nationality. You must enter using your foreign passport with appropriate Chinese visa. Former Chinese citizens may face additional scrutiny and documentation requirements. If you have Chinese heritage but never held Chinese citizenship, you can enter normally with foreign passport and visa. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents have separate entry procedures and documents. Children born abroad to Chinese parent(s) may be considered Chinese nationals and cannot enter on foreign passport - check with Chinese embassy. If you renounced Chinese citizenship, carry proof of renunciation. This is a complex area; consult Chinese embassy/consulate for your specific situation well before travel.

Business travelers must have appropriate M visa (business visa) for business activities, not tourist L visa. Required documentation: invitation letter from Chinese company/organization clearly stating purpose, duration, and relationship; business license of inviting company; proof of business relationship (contracts, correspondence); company letter from your employer explaining purpose of visit; detailed itinerary of business activities. Business visas allow commercial activities such as meetings, negotiations, contract signings, trade fairs, but NOT employment or paid work. Typically issued for 30-90 days with single or multiple entries. Keep detailed records of business activities and receipts. Register with local police within 24 hours. Be prepared to explain business purpose at immigration. Some business equipment may require temporary import permits. If conducting business in sensitive sectors (technology, defense, media), expect additional scrutiny. Attending conferences or exhibitions may require invitation from event organizers. For frequent business travel, consider applying for multi-entry business visa valid for 6-12 months or longer.

Transit passengers not leaving the airport international transit area do not need a visa for connections. For those using 72-hour visa-free transit: must be from eligible nationality (see visa requirements section); must have confirmed onward ticket to third country/region within 72 hours; must enter and exit through Kunming Changshui International Airport; must remain within Kunming administrative area; cannot change to another visa type during transit period; must provide complete travel documentation at immigration. Keep all boarding passes and travel documents. If your connection requires collecting baggage and re-checking in, you will go through immigration and must meet visa-free transit requirements. If your layover exceeds 72 hours or you wish to visit areas outside Kunming, you need a regular visa. Transit hotel options are limited; check availability if planning to rest. Airlines may require visa confirmation before boarding initial flight even if you're eligible for visa-free transit. Have printed proof of onward travel readily available.