About Chinese Passports
The Chinese passport, issued by the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, continues to gain strength in terms of global mobility.
As of 2025, the Chinese passport is ranked 61st in the world, allowing holders to travel to 83 destinations either visa-free, with a visa-on-arrival (VOA), or via an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).
This marks a significant improvement from previous years. In 2015, the Chinese passport ranked 94th. By 2021, it had climbed to 72nd, reflecting China’s ongoing diplomatic efforts and increased bilateral travel agreements with countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. While visa requirements still apply for many parts of the world, including the Schengen Area, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Chinese travellers enjoy streamlined entry to several other nations in Asia and Africa.
For destinations such as Kenya, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is required. Additionally, many countries offer e-visas that simplify the application process, eliminating the need to visit a consulate.
As China’s global connectivity expands, the travel experience for its citizens continues to improve.
How Long is a Chinese Passport Valid?
The validity of a Chinese passport depends on the age of the holder and the type of passport issued:
For adults aged 16 and above: Chinese ordinary passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.
For children under 16: The passport is valid for 5 years.
What Does a Chinese Passport Look Like?
The Chinese passport is a burgundy red booklet with the national emblem of the People’s Republic of China embossed in gold at the centre of the front cover. Above the emblem, the words “People’s Republic of China” are printed in both Simplified Chinese (中华人民共和国) and English. Below the emblem, the word “Passport” is also displayed in both languages.
Inside, modern Chinese passports include the following features:
A biometric chip embedded in the cover (for all passports issued since 2012), containing the holder’s personal data, digital photograph, and fingerprints.
The information page includes the holder’s name, gender, date of birth, passport number, nationality, a photograph, and the expiration date of the passport.
Machine-readable code and security elements for enhanced identity verification.
Several pages for visas and immigration stamps are often decorated with subtle Chinese cultural motifs.
The passport follows international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), making it valid for global travel and accepted at all international borders.
Inside the Info Page of a Chinese Passport
The personal information page of a Chinese passport contains essential identity details presented in both Simplified Chinese and English, conforming to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards for secure travel documents. The layout includes multiple security features to ensure authenticity and protect against tampering.
Key Fields Displayed:
Passport Type: P (Ordinary)
Country Code: CHN
Passport Number: SE0000000
Surname: YANG
Given Name(s): ZHAO
Sex: F
Nationality: Chinese
Date of Birth: 03 Sep 1985
Place of Birth: Guangdong (广东)
Place of Issue: Beijing (北京)
Date of Issue: 01 May 2010
Date of Expiry: 01 May 2015
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部)
Holder’s Photograph: Colour biometric image on the left side
Secondary Image: Grayscale, digitally printed portrait on the right
Signature of Bearer: Handwritten (digitally scanned)
Machine Readable Zone (MRZ): Located at the bottom for automated verification at immigration checkpoints
Security Features Include:
Embedded biometric chip (symbol shown on the top right of the page)
Microtext and watermark background designs
Unique passport number with secure font
Colour-shifting ink and printed security patterns
Dual photograph integration for facial recognition checks
This passport format ensures robust identity verification and is accepted for international travel across the globe. All Chinese passports issued since 2012 are biometric e-passports, enhancing both security and processing efficiency.