Why “which document do I use to go home?” matters

For children with nationality conflict and adults holding two passports, the document used to return to China often decides whether entry goes smoothly and whether they can register a hukou, enrol in school or open a bank account. We have handled many cases where using the wrong document led to problems at border control, HR departments refusing to accept it, or children unable to enrol in school.

The PRC Travel Document: the most important document for going home

Under the Passport Law of the PRC and Ministry of Foreign Affairs rules, the PRC Travel Document (中华人民共和国旅行证) is a substitute for a passport, issued to Chinese citizens for whom holding a passport is inconvenient or unnecessary, and is valid for travel worldwide. In the context of nationality conflict, the Travel Document is issued to the child and:

  • is recognised in China as a lawful identity document of a Chinese citizen;
  • can be used as a travel document for exit and entry, with the same effect as a Chinese passport;
  • is used for hukou registration, ID cards, school enrolment, opening bank accounts and similar matters in China.

Myth: “The Travel Document is only temporary.” Wrong. It is usually valid for 2 years and can be renewed many times; as long as the child has not lost Chinese nationality, they can keep applying for it.

The Chinese passport: the standard document for adults

Adults with Chinese nationality travel on a Chinese passport. Chinese passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries and regions (80+ as of 2026).

When entering on a Chinese passport you must use the Chinese citizens’ lane at border control; when entering on a foreign passport you must use the foreigners’ lane — a point that is easily confused at the border.

The PRC Exit-Entry Permit (出入境通行证)

The PRC Exit-Entry Permit is mainly issued to:

  • Hong Kong and Macao residents without a valid travel permit
  • minors with nationality conflict (in some situations)
  • Chinese citizens who cannot obtain a passport for special reasons
  • certain Taiwan residents travelling to the mainland

Its validity is short (usually no more than 3 months) and it applies only in specific situations; it is not recommended as a long-term document.

Green card and permanent residence: long-term residence for foreigners

The “China green card” is the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (外国人永久居留身份证), issued to eligible foreigners such as those who have made outstanding contributions to China, long-term investors and family reunion applicants. Holders can reside long-term, enter and leave without a visa, and no longer need to keep renewing visas.

But note: permanent residence is not Chinese nationality. Holders keep their original nationality and are treated as foreigners in China (for example, they cannot sit the gaokao as Chinese students, and some domestic driving-licence procedures differ).

Three passports: the reality of “triple nationality”

A small number of countries (many in South America and Southeast Asia) allow dual or even multiple nationality, so a child may end up with three passports.

The practical problems:

  • Chinese border control recognises only the Travel Document or Chinese passport; the other two are not valid travel documents inside China.
  • Using “the foreign one” for school, bank cards or exam registration in China triggers a nationality determination, and the child may be required to obtain Chinese documents.
  • Entering China on a foreign passport with a Chinese visa and entering on a Travel Document create completely different legal statuses in China.

Our advice: based on the child’s life and education plans for the next 5–10 years, decide in advance which document will be the main one, and stick to a single identity track. Switching back and forth leads to confused status determinations.

Our practical recommendations

  • Minors: use the Travel Document for routine trips to China; do not enter on a Chinese visa in a foreign passport.
  • Adults: use the document that matches your declared nationality, and avoid ending up in a state of nationality conflict.
  • Planning to settle in China: apply to restore Chinese nationality or for permanent residence as soon as possible, to avoid an ambiguous status.
  • Holding several passports: have a family lawyer plan the whole picture so there are no gaps in status.

Families who need a concrete plan can call +86 186-0113-9509 or message WeChat wang223040 to speak with Wang Xin.

Quick answers

What is the PRC Travel Document (旅行证)?
A document issued in place of a passport to Chinese citizens for whom holding a passport is inconvenient or unnecessary. For children with nationality conflict it is recognised in China as proof of Chinese citizenship and works like a Chinese passport for travel, hukou, ID cards, school enrolment and banking.
Who issues the Chinese Travel Document?
Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commissioner’s Offices in Hong Kong and Macao. It is not tied to a hukou in China, unlike an ordinary Chinese passport.
Can a child keep the Chinese Travel Document after turning 18?
Yes. China’s Nationality Law has no rule requiring a choice at 18; adults with nationality conflict continue to renew Travel Documents.
Should a child with a Travel Document enter China on a Chinese visa?
No. Use the Travel Document. Entering on a Chinese visa in a foreign passport can lead consulates to refuse the next Travel Document renewal.
Is the Travel Document only temporary?
No. It is usually valid for two years and can be renewed repeatedly for as long as the child has not lost Chinese nationality.
Does a China green card (foreign permanent resident ID) make you a Chinese national?
No. Permanent residents keep their original nationality and are treated as foreigners in China — for example, they cannot sit the gaokao as Chinese students.

This is an English edition of Wang Xin’s original Chinese article, 护照、旅行证、绿卡：海外华人回国证件全解析. 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.