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?
It’s an online form the Chinese government launched in November 2025 for all foreign travelers. Think of it as a quick check-in to tell authorities your basic info, travel plans, and where you’ll stay. You can fill it out ahead of time (recommended) or on arrival, and it’s required for air, land, or sea entry—no exceptions for visa-free or transit travelers (unless you’re in one of the “no need to fill” groups below).
The form is available in English, Japanese, Korean, and other languages. It’s similar to what countries like India or Indonesia use, so if you’ve traveled there, you’ll know the drill.
China Arrival Card Info Checklist
Print this out to make sure you have everything—no more back-and-forth!
Category | Specific Content | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|
Arrival Card Required Info | 1. Passport photo page (upload clear pic) 2. Full name (matches passport) 3. Nationality, DOB, passport number/expiry 4. Arrival port + transport mode 5. Accommodation address (full details) 6. Contact phone (with country code) 7. Travel purpose (tourism/business/transit) | - Don’t abbreviate names - Address example: “No. 8 Wangfujing St, Dongcheng Dist, Beijing” |
Official Channels | 1. NIA Website: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ 2. App: “移民局 12367” 3. WeChat/Alipay: “移民局 12367” mini-program | - No fees! Fake sites ask for money—avoid - Use English language setting |
Country Entry Types | 30-Day Visa-Free (48 countries): USA, UK, EU, Japan, Australia… 240-Hour Transit (55 countries): Russia, Canada, Brazil… Need Visa: India, Malaysia, Thailand… | Check if your country is exempt here: |
Common Mistakes to Avoid | 1. Wrong entry port (e.g., “Hong Kong” instead of “Shenzhen”) 2. Vague accommodation address (“Beijing Hotel” not enough) 3. Forgetting to save QR code 4. Expired passport 5. Not declaring cash/valuables | - Double-check all info before submitting - Screenshot QR code + email it to yourself |
Post-Arrival To-Do | 1. Hotel checks: Ask hotel to register your stay (automatic for most) 2. Stay with friends: Register at local police station within 24 hours 3. Keep passport + QR code safe | - Registration is mandatory—fines for not doing it |
Who Has to Fill China Arrival Card? Who Doesn’t?
Credit: Wikipedia
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:
- People with a Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.
- Non-Chinese with a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau.
- Group travelers (with a collective visa or group visa-free entry).
- Transit passengers who stay in the airport’s restricted area (no city access).
- Cruise ship passengers who get on and off the same ship.
- Travelers using fast-track entry lanes (pre-approved).
- 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
China Online Arrival Card Tutorial - YouTube
Completing the form takes 10–15 minutes—do it online 24–72 hours before arrival to avoid delays. Here’s the exact process:
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.
2. China Arrival Card Application Process Online
- Upload Passport Info: Take a clear photo of your passport’s identity page (the page with your photo and details) and upload it. The system will automatically extract basic data (name, passport number) to save time—double-check for accuracy.
- Basic Personal & Travel Details: Fill in your gender, date of birth, nationality, and travel info: mode of transport (plane, train, foot, ferry), arrival flight/train/vessel number, city of entry (e.g., Shenzhen, Shanghai), and specific port (e.g., Beijing Daxing Airport, Futian Border Crossing).
- Additional Personal Info: Add your contact number (with international calling code), email address, country/region of birth, and optional Chinese name. If you don’t have a visa (e.g., visa-free or transit), select your applicable entry policy (e.g., “30-day visa waiver” or “240-hour transit”). If you have a visa, enter the visa number.
- China Travel Itinerary: Specify your purpose of entry (tourism, business, visiting friends/family, transit), expected arrival date, main destination city, and detailed accommodation address (hotel name + full address or host’s address). You can also list transit cities and note if you have an inviter in China.
- Sign & Submit: Agree to the declaration (confirming all info is true) and click “Submit.” The system will generate a digital arrival card with a unique QR code.
3. Save the China Arrival Card QR Code
After submission, download the card to your phone or send it to your email. Screenshot the QR code—you’ll need to show it offline at immigration (no internet required). Print a copy as backup if you’re worried about phone battery or technical issues.
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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 :
- NIA Official Website: Desktop (https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/) or mobile (scan the QR code at airports/ports).
- Mobile App: Download “移民局 12367” (NIA 12367) from iOS App Store or Android Google Play.
- WeChat/Alipay: Search for the “移民局 12367” mini-program (they may support English).
- On-Site Backups: If you can’t fill it online (no phone/internet), use:
- 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
Credit: Unsplash
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)
- USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
- EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.—all 27 EU nations plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland).
- Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia (added 2025).
- Americas: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay.
These travelers can stay up to 30 days without a visa—just fill out the arrival card and show a round-trip ticket.
Transit Visa-Free Eligible Countries (Select “240-Hour Transit” on the Form)
- 55 countries total, including all the visa-free countries above plus Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Mexico, etc.
- Rule: You must have a confirmed ticket to a third country (e.g., USA → Shanghai → Singapore—can’t go back to the US). Stay up to 10 days (240 hours) in 24 Chinese provinces.
Countries That Need a Visa (Select “Visa” on the Form)
- India, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, etc.
- These travelers must apply for a visa before arriving—fill out the arrival card with your visa number.
Border Resident Countries (Special Form Required)
- North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam: If you have a border resident certificate, use the separate form instead of the regular digital 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 CAN’T Bring (Strictly Forbidden)
Category | Examples | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
Drugs/Weapons | Illegal drugs, guns, explosives, toy guns that look real | Fines, jail time, or deportation |
Food/Plants | Fresh fruit, meat, dairy, live plants (without approval) | Items seized + possible fine |
Wildlife Products | Ivory, rhino horn, tiger skins | Heavy fines (up to 500,000 RMB) + jail |
Porn/Propaganda | Pornographic books/videos, unapproved religious materials | Items confiscated + deportation |
Items You CAN Bring (But With Limits)
- Tobacco/Alcohol: 400 cigarettes + 2 bottles of wine (≤1.5L total) per adult. If you’re entering from Hong Kong twice in 15 days, only 40 cigarettes allowed .
- Cash: ≤20,000 RMB or ≤5,000 USD (foreign currency). More than that? You must declare it.
- Valuables: Laptops, cameras, or jewelry worth over 5,000 RMB—declare them to avoid paying duty when you leave.
What You MUST Report (Mandatory Declaration)
- Cash over 20,000 RMB or 5,000 USD.
- Prescription medications (bring a doctor’s note).
- Commercial goods (e.g., samples, gifts for more than 10 people).
- Cultural relics (e.g., old paintings, antiques—need an export permit).
How to Declare: Fill out a customs declaration form (online or paper) and show it to the customs officer.
Step-by-Step China Entry Process
Here’s what happens when you land—follow this to avoid confusion:
- Deplane & Head to Immigration: Follow signs for “Foreigners Entry” (外国人入境).
- Immigration Check: Show your passport + arrival card QR code. The officer will scan the QR code, check your info, and stamp your passport.
- Pick Up Luggage: Go to the baggage claim area (look for your flight number).
- Customs Check:
- 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.
- Exit the Airport: You’re in China!
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
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FAQs about China Arrival Card
Is the digital arrival card mandatory for China in 2026?
Yes—nearly all foreign travelers must complete it, except the 7 exempt groups. Paper forms are backups, but online submission is recommended for faster entry.Where can I get the China arrival card?
Use official channels: NIA website, “NIA 12367” app, or WeChat/Alipay mini-program. On-site kiosks and paper forms are available at ports.Do I need a visa to go to China in 2026 if I have the digital arrival card?
No—the arrival card is a separate entry requirement, not a visa. You still need a valid visa or qualify for visa-free entry (30-day waiver, 240-hour transit) to enter China.How to fill out the China arrival card online?
Upload your passport page → verify personal/travel info → add contact and itinerary details → submit → save the QR code. Follow the step-by-step guide above for exact instructions.Do I need to register my accommodation after arriving in China?
No—you only need a valid passport. The digital arrival card is a separate form, not a digital ID.Do I need to register my accommodation after arriving in China?
Yes—the arrival card asks for your accommodation address, but you still need to complete formal registration: hotels handle this automatically, while stays with friends/family require registering at a local police station within 24 hours.