Entering China Visa Free

Question

Entering China shortly on a visa free entry.

Have historical DUI charge (over 12 years ago). Do I need to declare or provide documentation on entry?

It never came up during booking process so unsure what to expect or prepare.

Tha ks

Answer

For entering China under a visa-free entry program, the key factor is that the program typically does not require a visa application in advance. This means most travelers simply present a valid passport and meet the entry requirements, such as holding onward tickets or having proof of accommodation.

Regarding a historical DUI (over 12 years ago):

China’s immigration authorities generally focus on serious criminal convictions rather than minor or old offenses. A single DUI from more than a decade ago is unlikely to affect your entry under a visa-free program.
You are usually not required to declare minor past offenses when entering China if they do not involve imprisonment or severe legal consequences.
There is no standard procedure for providing documentation for an old DUI at the border for visa-free travelers.

Practical tips:

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Have proof of onward travel (flight or train tickets) and accommodation, as visa-free programs sometimes require this at the border.
Be truthful if asked any questions at immigration, but for a DUI from over 12 years ago, it is very unlikely to be relevant.

In summary, for your situation, no specific documentation regarding the historical DUI is needed, and it should not impact your visa-free entry.