Following a successful trial period of collecting biometric information from all foreign nationals between age 14- and 70-years old who arrived via ports of entry in Shenzhen China, immigration authorities have begun to implement this requirement in other cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Foreign nationals will need to be prepared to submit their fingerprints and undergo a facial scan at self-help kiosks at their port of entry to the People's Republic of China.  These self-help kiosks will issue a receipt once your biometric data is received and that receipt must be given to the border inspector for verification as part of the entry process.

There are certain people who are exempt from this requirement:

• Holders of diplomatic passports;
• Nationals of countries that have reciprocal agreements with China to waive entry requirements;
• Travelers in transit who do not leave the airport but are simply changing flights or terminals;
• Travelers who have previously registered their fingerprints, facial image or other biometric information in China; or
• Travelers who have previously recorded personal information on fingerprint scanning kiosks in China.

This practice began in February 2017 and is intended to improve the tracking of foreign nationals, streamline immigration clearance procedures and protect the country's border.

If you have any questions or would like to be kept apprised of further announcements regarding this requirement, please email the Global Administrative and Travel Support team at globaltravel@duke.edu.