China
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for China
You · American passport
Set by the visa
You need a visa before you travel. The visa sets your dates.
en.nia.gov.cn · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Set at the border
It comes in on a temporary import with the Customs entry clearance plus temporary entry licence plates and vehicle driving permit (临时入境机动车号牌和行驶证).
english.beijing.gov.cn · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 45 days out
Pets from other countries need a microchip, two rabies shots and an RNAT to avoid 30 days quarantine; one pet per person. See the steps
english.beijing.gov.cn · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch China.
We'll email you if China's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into China.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
ISO microchip
ISO microchip (15 digits) or bring a reader.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccination 1
At least two rabies vaccinations in the pet's lifetime; current at arrival.
- At least 1 day after the rabies shot
Rabies vaccination 2
Second rabies vaccination (interval per label).
- On or after the rabies shot
Rabies antibody test at a GACC-approved lab
Sample on or after the day of the second vaccination; result above 0.5 IU/mL; valid up to 1 year from sampling.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Before you go
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination certificate.
- Within 14 days before you arrive
Official health certificate within 14 days
Issued within 14 days before arrival and endorsed by the exporting government (US: APHIS via VEHCS).
- At the border
On-site inspection
No quarantine if all conditions are met. One pet per person. Otherwise 30 days quarantine at a designated port facility.
- At the border
Enter at a port with quarantine facilities
Must enter through a designated port with an isolation facility.
- By the day you arrive
30-day quarantine
30 days at the customs-designated isolation facility.
english.beijing.gov.cn · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in China
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa needed | Set by the visa | en.nia.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free | Up to 30 days per visit | br.china-embassy.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | Up to 30 days per visit | en.nia.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | Up to 30 days per visit | en.nia.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | Up to 30 days per visit | en.nia.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | Up to 30 days per visit | br.china-embassy.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free | Up to 30 days per visit | en.nia.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | Up to 30 days per visit | cs.mfa.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in China
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Temporary import | Set at the border | english.beijing.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Temporary import | Set at the border | english.beijing.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Temporary import | Set at the border | english.beijing.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Temporary import | Set at the border | english.beijing.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Temporary import | Set at the border | english.beijing.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Temporary import | Set at the border | english.beijing.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Temporary import | Set at the border | english.beijing.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Temporary import | Set at the border | english.beijing.gov.cn · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a China leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
