A single-entry visa is valid for one to three months. Multiple-entry visas are also available for those planning complicated routes involving other countries. Allow at least two weeks for processing of the visa application. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency and valuables for personal use. Tourists can freely import two litres of alcoholic beverages and 600 cigarettes.
Strict rules apply to firearms, pornographic materials and drugs.
On departure, any cultural relic without the official red lacquer seal of an official antique shop may be confiscated without compensation. Time Zone Time throughout the country is set to Beijing time which is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The Beijing municipality has a total land area of 16,800 square kilometres while the Tianjin municipality is roughly 4,276 square kilometres in land mass. At last count in 1992, Beijing had a total population of 7.45 million people and Tianjin over 5.9 million. Banking Hours Banks are open every day except Sundays and public holidays.