The immigration counter in China: documents, fingerprints, and what an officer can do

The counter, in the law's own words

"Foreigners who enter China shall submit their passports, other international travel documents, visas or other entry permits to the exit/entry border inspection authorities for examination, go through the prescribed formalities, and may enter upon examination and approval." Entry is a decision made at the counter, not a right that attaches on landing.

Article 24 · Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (National Immigration Administration, page dated 2021-03-10, read 2026-07-25)

Fingerprints are stored for ages 14 to 70

From 2017, China's border inspection organs began, in stages and waves, storing the fingerprints of foreigners aged 14 to 70 inclusive who enter at all open ports of entry. The step is the reason for the small scanner at the immigration desk. (Source: a translation of the 2017 Ministry of Public Security notice — see the caveat above.)

Border authorities to begin retaining foreigners' fingerprints at entry inspections (China Law Translate, English rendering of the 2017 Ministry of Public Security notice first published at legaldaily.com.cn, page dated 2017-02-08, read 2026-07-25)

Who is exempt from fingerprinting

The notice exempts diplomatic and courtesy travelers (subject to reciprocity), people covered by a bilateral or reciprocal arrangement, minister-level and above officials given entry facilitation, people who lack complete fingerprints or cannot leave prints, and anyone the Ministry of Public Security agrees to exempt in special situations.

Border authorities to begin retaining foreigners' fingerprints at entry inspections (China Law Translate, English rendering of the 2017 Ministry of Public Security notice first published at legaldaily.com.cn, page dated 2017-02-08, read 2026-07-25)

Current official wording confirms the biometric step

A 2024 National Immigration Administration announcement, still online, describes border inspection authorities collecting a traveler's "facial data, fingerprints and other necessary information for inspection." It covers a mainland/Hong Kong/Macao document-free fast lane rather than the mandatory foreigner rule, and is cited only to confirm the biometric step in the immigration authority's own current language.

Announcement on the Launch of 'Document-Free' Channels at Ports of Shenzhen Bay and Gongbei on a Trial Basis (Exit and Entry Administration, P.R.C. / National Immigration Administration, page dated 2024-11-15, read 2026-07-25)

The officer can search your belongings

The Exit and Entry Administration Law provides for inspection of belongings at the border. A traveler's carried baggage may be examined as part of the border formalities; this page reuses the Article 6 belongings provision recorded in an earlier same-day pass and does not re-quote its full text here.

Article 6 · Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (National Immigration Administration, page dated 2021-03-10, read 2026-07-25)

A personal search needs two same-sex inspectors

"On the basis of safeguarding national security and maintaining the order of exit/entry administration, exit/entry border inspection authorities may when necessary search persons entering and exiting the country; a personal search shall be conducted by two border inspectors who are the same sex as the person searched."

Article 66 · Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (National Immigration Administration, page dated 2021-03-10, read 2026-07-25)

Does China take my fingerprints when I enter?

Yes, for most foreign visitors. Since 2017 border inspection has stored the fingerprints of foreigners aged 14 to 70 at all open ports, and a 2024 National Immigration Administration announcement confirms in current wording that inspection collects facial data and fingerprints. You place your fingers on a small scanner at the immigration desk.

What ages are fingerprinted at the Chinese border?

The 2017 Ministry of Public Security notice sets the band at 14 to 70 years old inclusive. Travelers under 14 or over 70 are outside it. That age band comes from a translation of the notice, because the original official English article now redirects away, so treat the exact edges as the notice states them rather than as a live official page.

Who is exempt from fingerprinting?

Diplomatic and courtesy travelers, subject to reciprocity; people covered by a bilateral or reciprocal arrangement; minister-level and above officials given entry facilitation; people who physically cannot leave complete fingerprints; and anyone the Ministry of Public Security agrees to exempt in a special situation. Ordinary tourist and business visitors aged 14 to 70 are not exempt.

What can the immigration officer actually do at the counter?

Under Article 24 you submit your passport, visa, or entry permit for examination and may enter only upon approval. The border authorities may examine your carried belongings, and under Article 66 may, when necessary, search your person — a personal search being carried out by two inspectors of the same sex as the traveler.

Is a border officer allowed to search me?

Yes, when necessary. Article 66 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law lets exit/entry border inspection authorities search persons entering and exiting the country on national-security and order grounds, and requires a personal search to be conducted by two border inspectors who are the same sex as the person being searched.