China: Inconsistent — Sometimes Asked, Not Universal.
Want the full guide? Get a PDF with onward travel tips for China — free.
Inconsistent — Sometimes Asked, Not Universal. Visa requirements for most nationalities make this largely moot, but onward travel proof is sometimes requested for visa-free or transit entries.
China: Inconsistent — Sometimes Asked, Not Universal. Visa requirements for most nationalities make this largely moot, but onward travel proof is sometimes requested for visa-free or transit entries.
China sometimes asks for proof of onward travel, but it's not universal — some travelers get asked, most don't.
A return or onward flight, bus, or train ticket showing you'll leave before your visa/entry allowance expires. A fully refundable booking works too — many travelers book one and cancel it after boarding.
A fully refundable flight booking (cancel it after you board) is the simplest fix. Proof-of-onward-travel rental services generate a real, verifiable-looking reservation for a small fee if you have no fixed return date.
Enforcement varies by airline, individual agent, and your specific visa/entry type — this reflects general patterns, not a guarantee either way. If you're traveling one-way or with an open-ended itinerary to anywhere rated inconsistent or strict, consider a refundable onward ticket or a proof-of-onward-travel booking service as a low-cost safety net.