The basic principle governing travel scope for foreigners entering China with an ordinary visa is that free travel is permitted across most open provinces and municipalities. However, separate approval is required to enter border control zones or areas not open to foreigners.
Below is a breakdown covering three key dimensions: open areas, the scope of activities for visa-free transit visitors, and restricted areas requiring permits.
Most cities and scenic spots: travel permitted with a valid visa The vast majority of China’s cities and well-known tourist attractions are open to foreign visitors. With a valid passport and Chinese visa (or residence permit), no additional travel permit is required for travel within these open areas. Examples include major tourist hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Guilin, along with most scenic sites within their respective provinces and municipalities.
Visa-free transit visitors: activities limited to 24 provincial-level regions If you qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy (instead of holding an ordinary visa), your travel scope is subject to strict geographic restrictions. You may only travel within the designated scope covering 24 provincial-level regions, and you must enter and exit through designated ports of entry. The 24 regions include newly added Shanxi, Jiangxi, Anhui, Guizhou, and Hainan, on top of the original list. This scope restriction for visa-free transit does not apply if you hold an ordinary Chinese visa.
Border control zones and closed areas: separate permit mandatory This is the key restriction to note for visa holders traveling in China. China has designated “border control zones” along its land borders. Foreigners traveling to border control zones not open to foreigners must hold an Alien Travel Permit (or Border Area Pass) issued by public security authorities.
Restricted locations mainly include parts of border zones in Xizang, Xinjiang, Yunnan, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Gansu, and other provincial-level regions. Specifically, most areas in Xizang (except a few open cities such as Lhasa) and border areas including the Pamir Plateau and sections along the Karakoram Highway in Xinjiang generally require a border pass. That said, major tourist cities in Xinjiang such as Urumqi and Kashgar do not require extra permits on their own. A permit is only required if you travel onward from these cities into border zones.
Application process Foreigners must apply for the border pass in person; online applications, which are available for Chinese mainland residents, are not accessible to foreign nationals. You need to submit your application to an exit-entry administration authority of public security at or above the county level, or at designated police stations. Supporting documents linked to your destination (such as a travel agency itinerary or statement of purpose) are generally required. The review period normally takes up to 30 working days. If you join a border tour organized by a travel agency, the agency may apply for the permit on your behalf.
In addition, certain border scenic sites require foreign visitors to travel with a local guide or registered travel agency; independent visits are not allowed. Before departure, you are advised to check with the local exit-entry administration or reputable travel agencies whether a permit is required for your destination to avoid disruptions upon arrival.
