Travelling to China as a couple: entry, registration and payments

China attracts more and more couples who want to see the Forbidden City, the Great Wall or the skyscrapers of Shanghai. But travelling there is different from touring Europe or the Americas: paperwork, payments and even internet access work by their own rules. This guide summarises the official travel advice from the UK FCDO for mainland China (updated on 27 August 2026 and consulted on 7 November 2026) and explains it calmly for two travellers who want to arrive with everything in order. It is an informational travel and education guide: it recommends no venues, contains no explicit content and promotes no illegal activity. It is meant to complement our destination guides such as Shanghai and Beijing.

A first step: which passport do you hold?

The FCDO advice describes the rules for holders of a British passport. If you travel on another passport, the conditions may differ, and the only reliable source is the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. Even so, the British advice is a useful reference for understanding how the controls work: a valid passport, documents in order and respect for deadlines.

Visa: 30 days visa-free, with an end date

According to the FCDO, until 31 December 2026 holders of a British passport can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, or transit. For any other reason (paid work, study, journalism) or for stays beyond 30 days, you must apply for a visa before the trip. If you do not have the visa or the relevant exemption, you will be refused entry. This policy has an end date; if your trip straddles the new year, check with the embassy whether it still applies. Do not overstay: the advice says the authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you.

Passport: validity and pages

Your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive and two blank pages for visas and stamps. You will be refused entry if the document is not valid or is recorded as lost or stolen. The authorities may collect biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, to register your entry, and may subject you to medical screening on arrival: refusing can mean being turned back. If you are a dual national with Chinese ties, take care: China does not recognise dual nationality and may treat you as a Chinese citizen, without access to consular services.

Registration within 24 hours

You must register your place of residence with the local public security office within 24 hours of arrival. If you stay in a hotel, they do it at check-in; if you use private accommodation, ask how it is handled. The authorities carry out spot checks of foreigners' documents. Always carry your passport: the police can ask for it at random and do not accept printed copies; if you cannot show it, the penalty can be a fine or detention.

Paying in China: the phone rules

The FCDO notes that cashless payments through apps such as WeChat and Alipay are almost universal. Outside the big cities, credit cards are not always accepted and ATMs are limited. Set up the app before you leave and link your card; check what your bank requires. Carry some cash, but check the notes: the advice points out that counterfeit 100 renminbi notes are common, even from ATMs, and banks will not replace them. Because QR codes are so widely used, the FCDO recommends learning about QR phishing risks: do not scan stray codes or download apps from unknown links.

Internet and communications

The Chinese government controls internet access. According to the advice, some services are permanently blocked, including Google, Facebook, YouTube and X, and other sites may occasionally be blocked. Online products and services, such as VPNs, must be licensed by the Chinese government under the cybersecurity laws. In practice: download offline maps, a translator, your bookings and key contacts before you leave, and work out which messaging service you will use to talk to home. Posting or supporting political statements critical of the Chinese authorities can be considered illegal.

Basic safety

The FCDO describes serious crime against foreigners as relatively rare, though it warns of theft in tourist and very busy places. It cites a frequent scam: friendly strangers invite you for tea or a massage, then demand an enormous bill, sometimes with threats or card fraud. Do not go to any venue a stranger takes you to. Do not accept drinks from people you do not know or leave your glass unattended either: there have been cases of spiked drinks. Avoid demonstrations and gatherings. And if you hike, do not do it alone in isolated areas, not even on the Great Wall.

Health and emergencies

The advice recommends drinking only bottled water, since tap water is generally not safe, checking vaccines at least eight weeks ahead and bringing enough medication, because some drugs may be unavailable or banned. Healthcare is not free and can be very expensive: buy insurance with evacuation and repatriation. Emergency numbers in China are 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire) and 122 (traffic). For British nationals, the FCDO gives the number +86 (0) 10 5192 4000 from China; if you are from another country, find your embassy or consulate beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter China? It depends on your nationality. The FCDO says holders of a British passport can enter visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026; other passports should ask the Chinese embassy.

Can I use my credit card? Sometimes. Mobile payments are almost universal; set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before the trip.

Does Google work in China? According to the FCDO it does not, nor do Facebook, YouTube and X. Download what you need before you arrive.

What happens if I do not register? You must register your accommodation within 24 hours. A hotel does it for you; otherwise, ask the local authorities.

Which law should a couple know? Read our guide to the law in China for couples and, for online privacy, safety and privacy for lifestyle couples.

This guide is informational and is not legal advice: always check your own government's advice before you travel. Main source: the FCDO travel advice for China, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china.