China Arrival Card: 2026 Entry Guide, Visa & Customs Rules

Guide to China’s digital arrival card—who needs it, exemption rules, online application (NIA website/WeChat/Alipay).

What Is the China Digital Arrival Card?

The China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) is an online form implemented by China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) for foreign travelers entering mainland China. It modernizes and replaces the traditional paper Foreigner Arrival Card.

Travelers can complete the form online within 72 hours before arrival (recommended) or upon arrival by scanning designated QR codes at ports of entry. It is required for air, land, or sea entry across China.

Important Note: The Digital Arrival Card is an entry declaration tool, NOT a visa. Travelers who require a visa must still obtain one prior to departure.

China Visa Free & Entry Policy - New Updates 2026

China Arrival Card Info Checklist

Print this out to make sure you have everything—no more back-and-forth!

Who Has to Fill China Arrival Card? Who Doesn’t?

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Who Must Fill China Arrival Card

Virtually every foreign traveler entering China, including:

• Tourists (whether using the 30-day visa-free waiver, 240-hour transit, or a regular visa).
• Business travelers, family visitors, and students.
• Transit passengers who leave the airport/port (e.g., exploring Beijing during a 24-hour layover).

Who Doesn’t Need To Fill China Arrival Card

These 7 groups are exempt, basically no form required:

1. People with a Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.
2. Non-Chinese with a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau.
3. Group travelers (with a collective visa or group visa-free entry).
4. Transit passengers who stay in the airport’s restricted area (no city access).
5. Cruise ship passengers who get on and off the same ship.
6. Travelers using fast-track entry lanes (pre-approved).
7. Foreign crew of planes, ships, or trains entering/exiting China.

Special Note for Border Residents: If you’re from North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, or Vietnam and hold a border resident certificate, you need to fill out a separate form—see China arrival card official site to access it.

How to Complete China Arrival Card Online

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Completing the form takes 10–15 minutes—do it online 24–72 hours before arrival to avoid delays. Here’s the exact process:

Step 1: Choose an Official Channel for China Arrival Card

Use one of these authorized platforms (no third-party websites needed):

• NIA Website: Desktop (s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC) or mobile (s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone).
• Mobile App: Download the “NIA 12367” app (available on iOS and Android).
• WeChat/Alipay Mini-Program: Search for “NIA 12367” or scan the official QR code at airports/ports.

Step 2: Upload Passport & Fill Details

1. Upload Passport: Take a clear, flat photo of your passport's identity page. The system will automatically extract basic data (Name, Passport No., DOB, Expiry Date). Double-check for accuracy.
2. Select Entry Policy: Choose "Visa", "30-Day Visa-Free", or "240-Hour Transit" based on your entry category.
3. Fill Itinerary Details: Select your arrival port, mode of transport, arrival date, and full accommodation address.

Step 3: Submit and Save the QR Code

Review your information, agree to the declaration, and click "Submit." Take a screenshot of the generated QR code and email a copy to yourself to ensure you can display it offline at immigration control.

China Arrival Card: When & Where to Fill It

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The digital arrival card is mandatory for most travelers—but filling it out is easy if you know the “when” and “where.”

When to Fill China Arrival Card

• Best Time: 24–72 hours before your arrival in China. This avoids last-minute Wi-Fi issues on the plane or long lines at the airport.
• Latest Time: You can fill it out on arrival, but this will slow you down—especially during peak hours (like holiday seasons).
• Important Note: Each entry to China needs a NEW card. If you leave and re-enter (e.g., China → Hong Kong → China), fill out a fresh one.

Where to Fill China Arrival Card

The Chinese government warns against fake websites—stick to these 100% legitimate options :

1. NIA Official Website: Desktop (https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/) or mobile (scan the QR code at airports/ports).
2. Mobile App: Download “移民局 12367” (NIA 12367) from iOS App Store or Android Google Play.
3. WeChat/Alipay: Search for the “移民局 12367” mini-program (they may support English).
4. On-Site Backups: If you can’t fill it online (no phone/internet), use:
5. • Self-service desks at airports or border crossings (just scan your passport to start).
   • Paper forms (available at immigration counters, pls arrive 30 mins early).

Special Scenarios

• Fly to Hong Kong and then enter Shenzhen: Choose "Shenzhen" as your port of entry (instead of Hong Kong). Choose your mode of transportation (for example, "walking" at the Luohu/Futian border, or "ferry" for passing ships).
• Group tourists: If your tour group is on a group visa, your guide will handle the visa for you. You only need to provide your passport information.

What Do You Need to Fill In China Arrival Card?

How to Complete China Arrival Card Tutorial - New Updates Entry ...

Here’s every detail you’ll need, gather these beforehand to speed things up:

1. Passport & Personal Info (Must Have)

• Upload a clear photo of your passport's "Identity page" (including your face, name and passport number). The system will automatically extract some information, but it needs to be carefully checked,
• • Full name (match your passport, do not abbreviate).
  • Gender, date of birth (year/month/day).
  • Nationality and passport number.
  • The expiration date of the passport (to ensure its validity throughout the entire stay).

2. Travel Details (How You’re Getting to China)

• Mode of transportation: by plane, train, ferry, car or on foot (for example, from Hong Kong to Shenzhen).
• Arrival information: Flight/train/ship number (e.g., CA123, G100).
• Entry city and port: The place you arrive at (for example: "Shanghai", "Pudong International Airport" port; or "Shenzhen", "Futian Port" port).

3. Contact & Visa Info

• Telephone number: including international phone numbers (for example, US +1, UK +44).
• Email address (so that you can send the QR code to yourself as a backup).
• Visa status: If you have a visa, please enter your visa number. If not (visa-free/transit), please select your entry policy (for example, "30-day visa-free" or "240-hour transit").
• Optional: Chinese name (if you have a Chinese name - this helps you choose a hotel or local service).

4. China Itinerary & Accommodation (Critical!)

• Purpose of visit: Choose any one - tourism, business, visiting relatives and friends, transit, etc.
• Date of arrival (the date of arrival in China).
• Main destination city: The city where you will stay the longest (for example, if you are going to Beijing and Shanghai, say "Beijing").
• Detailed accommodation address: Do not give ambiguous answers - use the full address in the hotel confirmation (for example, "No. No. 10, Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing. If you live with friends or family, please write down their exact addresses (province → city → district → street + building number).
• Optional: Transit city (if you stay elsewhere before your main destination) or invitation information (if someone invites you in China).

5. Declaration & Signature

Just check the checkboxes to confirm that all your information is correct, then "Sign" (the system usually has a one-click option) and submit.

Things to Note When Filling China Arrival Card

• Accommodation address: Prepare a complete address (in English or Chinese),the hotel usually provides it in the confirmation email. Stay with friends/family and get the exact province, city, region and street address.
• Entering from Hong Kong or Macao: If you transit through Hong Kong to Shenzhen (for example, via Futian and Luohu), please select "Shenzhen" as the port of entry. Choose your mode of transportation (for example, take the subway "on foot" or take a ferry "by boat") instead of "by plane".
• Transit passengers: If you use the 24-hour / 240-hour visa-free transit policy, please select the corresponding entry policy. You don't need a separate form- this number card covers all transportation scenarios (even if you have to leave the airport to explore).
• Errors and Edits: If you find errors after submission, restart the process - a new card is required for each entry (you cannot edit the submitted form).

What If You Can’t Fill It Out Online?

Don't panic- you have alternative options like

• On-site vending machines: There are vending machines at airports and border crossings. Scan your passport, fill in the form on the screen and print the QR code.
• Paper forms: Temporary paper forms are still available at the Immigration Department counter. If you use this, arrive 30 minutes earlier - they will take longer to process.
• Port QR code: Scan the official QR code with your mobile phone (marked at the airport/port), and fill out the form on the spot.

Country-Specific China Entry Rules

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Most countries follow the same arrival card rules, but here are key notes for popular traveler nationalities—plus who qualifies for visa-free entry (so you know which “entry policy” to select on the form):

• Visa-Free Eligible Countries (Select "30-Day Visa Waiver" on the Form): Eligible for stays up to 30 days without a visa. Includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil, Argentina, and others. (Note: Passport holders from the USA and UK are NOT eligible for the 30-day visa waiver. They must select either "Visa" or "240-Hour Transit".)
• Transit Visa-Free Eligible Countries (Select "240-Hour Transit" on the Form): Eligible 57 countries total, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU nations, Russia, Mexico, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and Vietnam. Rule: Must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region (e.g., USA → Shanghai → Tokyo). Round-trip tickets back to the country of origin (e.g., USA → Shanghai → USA) are ineligible.
• Countries That Need a Visa (Select "Visa" on the Form): USA and UK passport holders (for direct, non-transit visits or stays exceeding 240 hours), India, Philippines, Cambodia, and other countries not covered by visa-free agreements. Enter your valid visa number when completing the arrival card.
• Border Resident Countries (Special Form Required): North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam: Travelers holding a valid border resident certificate must complete the separate designated border registration form instead of the standard digital arrival card.

Customs Declaration: What You Can’t Bring & Must Report

Chinese customs are strict—know the rules to avoid fines or having items seized.

• Items You CANNOT Bring (Strictly Forbidden):
  • Illegal drugs, weapons, realistic toy guns, and explosives.
  • Fresh fruits, unprocessed meat, live plants, and dairy products.
  • Endangered wildlife products (e.g., ivory, rhino horns).
  • Pornographic materials or unapproved political/religious propaganda.
• Items You CAN Bring (Within Duty-Free Limits):
  • Alcohol & Tobacco: Up to 400 cigarettes and 2 bottles of wine (totaling ≤1.5L) per adult. (Limits are reduced to 40 cigarettes if entering from Hong Kong/Macao multiple times within 15 days).
  • Duty-Free Personal Items: Laptops, cameras, or gifts intended for personal use within reasonable limits.
• Mandatory Customs Declaration (Red Channel Required):
  • Cash Threshold (Declaration Limit): Carrying currency exceeding 20,000 RMB or foreign currency equivalent to $5,000 USD is permitted, but must be declared upon entry.
  • Valuables & Commercial Goods: High-value personal items (e.g., professional filming gear), commercial samples, or gifts exceeding standard duty-free allowances.
  • Prescription Medications: Controlled substances or medication quantities beyond reasonable personal use (requires an official doctor's note).

Step-by-Step China Entry Process

Here’s what happens when you land—follow this to avoid confusion:

1. Deplane & Head to Immigration: Follow signs for “Foreigners Entry” (外国人入境).
2. Immigration Check: Show your passport + arrival card QR code. The officer will scan the QR code, check your info, and stamp your passport.
3. Pick Up Luggage: Go to the baggage claim area (look for your flight number).
4. Customs Check:
5. • If you have nothing to declare: Go through the “Green Channel” (无申报通道).
   • If you need to declare items: Go through the “Red Channel” (申报通道) and show your declaration form.
5. Exit the Airport: You’re in China!

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