While “入境” is primarily a legal and administrative term, its usage highlights a strong sense of national sovereignty and the formality of crossing borders in China. In casual English, one might say, “We get to London at 6 AM.” The focus is on arrival at the destination. In Chinese, the procedural steps are often more explicitly named. You first `抵达` (dǐdá - arrive), then you must `入境` (rùjìng - clear immigration), and then `过海关` (guò hǎiguān - pass through customs). This compartmentalization of the process in language reflects a culture where administrative procedures are seen as distinct, important, and formal steps. Comparing “入境” to simply “arriving” is like comparing “clearing immigration” to “getting off the plane”—the former is a specific, official action, while the latter is a general event. It underscores the state's role in managing who enters its territory.
“入境” is used in formal and official contexts related to international travel and law. You will almost never hear it in casual conversation among friends planning a trip.
The connotation is consistently neutral and formal. It simply describes a procedure.