Passport : You must have a valid passport to apply for visa. During travel, we recommend you carry your passport on you or in your hand luggage. While in China you should plan to keep it in your hotel safe box. Do NOT pack your travel documents in your suitcase. It is important to make a copy of the picture page of your passport and put it in your carry-on bag.
Visas: A visa is required for American citizens traveling to China. You must have one before departing for China. If you have not yet begun the visa application process, we recommend you do so immediately. You can download the application form on line. This will help to ensure that you receive your visa in time for the journey. Passport holders from other countries should check directly with their own embassy for current visa requirements.
Flight arrangements: If you have not already done so, please send a copy of your itinerary via email to the office that sponsors your trip as soon as possible.
Specific seat requests cannot be honored. These should be made at time of check in. In case of medical condition, a certification in writing by a physician may be needed to request special seating, but it is not guaranteed. Special meal requests should be forwarded to airlines and should be verified with the airlines approx. 72 hours prior to check in.
For more information about the Beijing Capital International Airport, such as flight information, airport transportation, airport service, please visit the BCIA official website:
http://en.bcia.com.cn/Luggage tags: Airline regulations require permanent identification tags on your luggage. Please place them on your luggage before leaving your home.
Luggage Limitation - For domestic flights in China each person in economy (coach) class is limited to two suitcases with weight not to exceed 44 pounds total. Should you exceed this limit, an excess luggage charge is enforced and will be collected by the airline. Although more weight for your international flights is allowed, due to the strict domestic weight limits you should pack light.
In addition to a purse, briefcase or laptop, there is an enforced limit of one carry-on piece per person. Airline regulations require that carry-on bags must fit into the overhead compartments. Maximum dimensions allowed for carry-on luggage per regulations are: 9 inches high, 14 inches wide, 22 inches long and no more than 15 pounds.
Important tips:
- Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with relatives or friends. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary and emergency contact information with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
- If you decide to check your bag, carry necessary medicines, personal items, and a change of clothes in case something happens to your checked bag.
- You need to remember the size and color, and the maker of your suitcases. You will need to this information to track your checked bag if it is not arrived with your flight.
- It is wise to have a little American cash on hand in case your plane is delayed.
- Sleep as much as you can on domestic flights before you leave the US.
- Take a nap in the first part of your long flight and stay awake as much as you can for the rest of trip when across the Pacific Ocean.
- Continue the day's meals according to mealtimes at the destination, and drink plenty of bottled water.
