Getting to Yunnan

Choose your entry option

Visa-free entry and visa-free transit have different rules. If your passport qualifies for a 30-day visit, that is usually the more flexible option for a holiday in Yunnan.

Three ways to arrive

• Fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG). Compare flights into Kunming first, then plan your onward journey within Yunnan.
• Connect through another Chinese city. You complete immigration at your first entry point into mainland China, then continue to Yunnan by domestic flight or train. Transit travellers must keep the whole mainland itinerary within the permitted areas and time limit.
• Take the China–Laos Railway from Laos. Cross-border trains connect Vientiane and Luang Prabang with Yunnan via Mohan Railway Port. Check international tickets and the entry rules for both countries before booking.

Planning Dali, Nujiang or western Yunnan

For Dali, compare an arrival in Kunming with any suitable connection to Dali. For a journey around Mangshi, Baoshan or Tengchong, compare domestic connections to those cities with the start point of your chosen route. We can help you choose where to meet us before you book.

Nujiang, Baoshan and Dehong (including Mangshi) are outside Yunnan’s 240-hour transit area. Tengchong is part of Baoshan. Our Nujiang and western Yunnan journeys therefore require an entry option that covers those places, such as an applicable visa-free visit or a suitable visa.

Before you leave home

• Keep your passport, return or onward booking, first accommodation address and itinerary together. Confirm your documents with your airline or international rail operator.
• Complete the official arrival card online, or use the facilities or paper card at the entry point. The arrival card is separate from a visa or transit permission.
• Hotels register foreign guests. If you stay in a private home, you or your host must register with local public security within 24 hours of arrival at that accommodation.