The basic rule: always use the Chinese passport for China

If a person holds both a Chinese passport and a foreign passport, then regardless of whether they claim dual nationality, they should use the Chinese passport every time they enter or leave China — not the foreign passport.

An example

Suppose someone holds a Chinese passport and a Canadian passport. They leave China on the Chinese passport, enter Canada on the Canadian passport, and when they leave Canada to return to China, they again enter China on the Chinese passport.

Consular agreements do not mean recognition of dual nationality

China has consular agreements or similar arrangements with Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and other countries, which usually include clauses facilitating travel for people “who claim to hold both Chinese nationality and the nationality of the other country.” This is purely a diplomatic arrangement for travel convenience. It does not mean China recognises dual nationality — China continues to follow the single-nationality principle set out in its Nationality Law.

A high-risk move to avoid

Applying for a Chinese visa in the foreign passport, entering China on it, and then leaving on the foreign passport — using foreign documents “at both ends” — can easily be treated as a defining act of having given up Chinese nationality, leading to a chain of problems in determining your status.

Should you hide the foreign passport?

There is no need to deliberately conceal that you hold a foreign passport when crossing the border. The government already has the relevant information, and the law allows Chinese and foreign travel documents to be held at the same time in certain situations. Simply present it openly if asked.

How Wang Xin’s team can help

  • Dual-nationality status planning
  • Advice on using foreign-related documents
  • Exit-entry compliance guidance
  • Cross-border identity disputes

If you have questions about travelling on two passports, contact Wang Xin: phone +86 186-0113-9509, WeChat wang223040.

Quick answers

Which passport should I use to enter and leave China if I hold both?
The Chinese passport. Whether or not you claim dual nationality, you should use the Chinese passport for every entry into and exit from China, and the foreign passport only for entering and leaving the other country.
Do consular agreements mean China recognises dual nationality?
No. Consular agreements with countries such as Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand give travel facilitation to people who claim both nationalities, but China still follows the single-nationality principle of its Nationality Law.
Is it risky to enter China on a Chinese visa in a foreign passport?
Yes. Entering with a Chinese visa in the foreign passport and leaving on the foreign passport can easily be treated as a sign of having given up Chinese nationality, causing identity complications.

This is an English edition of Wang Xin’s original Chinese article, 同时持有中国护照和外国护照，出入境到底该用哪本？. It explains the law of the People’s Republic of China in general terms and is not legal advice for any particular case; outcomes depend on the specific facts and on how local authorities apply the rules.