China Arrival Card for Foreign Travelers: Everything You Should Know

For anyone looking to plan a China tour, there is excellent news that simplifies the journey before travelers even arrive. Traveling to China just got a lot easier thanks to a significant and welcome update in the country’s entry procedures. Since November 20, 2025, foreign visitors no longer have to fill out the old paper arrival card when coming to China. Instead, the process has gone fully digital, with the China digital arrival card streamlining the way you declare your personal and travel information. 

What Is a China Arrival Card?

The China arrival card used to be a paper form that every foreign visitor had to fill out, either on the plane or right after landing. You’d have to handwrite your passport details, flight information, hotel address, and travel plans by hand. It was easy to make mistakes, especially if your handwriting wasn’t perfect, and it could really slow you down when everyone was trying to get through immigration.

The China digital arrival card or e-arrival card replaces this paper process. Now, travelers can fill out the form online before arrival. Once submitted, it generates a QR code, which can be scanned at immigration checkpoints. Think of it like the EVUS system for U.S. visa holders—an electronic declaration completed in advance to speed up entry. 

The digital arrival card is available in Chinese and English, making it easy for most visitors, including travelers from Singapore and Malaysia, to complete.

>> How to plan a China trip from Singapore | How to plan a China tour from Malaysia

Who Needs to Fill the China Digital Arrival Card?

All foreign nationals (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents) are required to complete the China arrival card online for free. This goes for pretty much everyone—tourists, business travelers, students, family visitors, and most people entering with or without a China visa—whether you’re headed to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or anywhere else in China.There are, however, seven exemptions where the China arrival card is not required:

1. Foreigners holding a valid Chinese permanent residence permit.
2. Non-Chinese holders of the Hong Kong or Macau travel permit.
3. Travelers transiting within 24 hours without leaving the airport’s designated area.
4. Members of China group tours with group visas or eligible for group visa-free entry.
5. Cruise passengers who return on the same ship.
6. Travelers using the fast-track or e-channel lanes at the airport.
7. Foreign staff working on cross-border ships, planes, or other transport vehicles.

Additionally, foreigners transiting within China for up to 24 hours or taking advantage of a 240-hour visa-free transit who need to leave the port area are still required to complete the China e-arrival card.

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China Arrival Card 2026 Requirements

To fill out the China arrival card in 2026, you don’t need anything complicated, but it helps to have a few details ready. Below are what you'll need:

1. Passport
2. Visa or permit details (if applicable)
3. Basic personal details
4. Arrival information: flight number (or train/ship details), arrival time, and entry port on hand
5. Where you’re staying: hotel information plus a contact number
6. Purpose of visit
7. Contact information
8. Recent travel history

How to Fill Out the China Arrival Card

You’ve got several easy ways to complete the China arrival card application. Just pick whichever is most convenient for you:

Official website of the National Immigration Administration (NIA)

“NIA 12367” official mobile app

NIA’s online service platform

NIA 12367’s WeChat or Alipay mini-program

Official QR code for the China arrival card at the immigration checkpoint

Fill Out the China Digital Arrival Card on Mobile: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the arrival card from any mobile channel above. You can use the app, the mini-program, or simply scan the QR code to jump straight into the China digital arrival card.
2. Upload your passport’s information page.
3. The system will pull the basic info from your passport automatically. Just take a quick look to make sure everything looks right—your name, passport number, nationality, and so on. If something’s off, fix it, then move on to the part where you enter and how you’re arriving in China (by plane, cruise, train, etc.).
4. Next, fill in the rest of your personal details. This includes things like your Chinese name (if you use one), where you were born, and a contact number you can be reached at.
5. Then, fill out travel information, including arrival flight or transport number, the city you’re heading to, and where you’ll be staying. Anything marked with a star is required.
6. When everything looks right, hit Submit. Continue filling the form if you have companions traveling to China with you.
7. Complete the short declaration, and sign your name. The system will then show your arrival receipt. You can save the PDF of the China arrival card receipt or send it to your email so you can find it easily later.

Note: Keep the arrival declaration receipt handy. You’ll need to show it to immigration officers when you line up for inspection.

Fill Out the China Arrival Card on PC

The process on a desktop is similar but doesn’t support registered accounts, traveler management, or reuse of submission records. You can upload passport images, fill in personal and travel information, and download the receipt of your China arrival card for immigration checks.

On-Site at Airports

For travelers unable to fill out the China arrival card online, QR codes are available at border inspection checkpoints, and airport devices allow online submission. Paper cards remain an option only for exceptional cases.Tips for Completing the China Arrival Card.

Most airports have Wi-Fi, but it can be slow or unreliable. Filling out your card before you get to the airport can save a lot of stress.

The best practice is to complete the China digital arrival card within 24-48 hours before your China tours.

If you’re traveling to China with your family, fill out everyone’s card at the same time.

Make sure your phone is charged. You don’t want your QR code to fail at the last minute.

If you switch SIM cards after landing, recheck your QR code.

>> More China travel tips

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China Departure Card

When you leave China, there’s generally no separate “departure card” to fill out anymore — at least at most major airports and border crossings. You just need to show your passport/visa (or residence permit) and follow normal exit procedures. Since the system already has your arrival and stay records from the China arrival card, officials typically don’t ask for extra exit forms.

 That said, because official sources don’t clearly guarantee full uniformity nationwide, it’s wise to double-check with your airline or departure airport before you travel, especially if you’re leaving through a smaller border crossing.

What You Still Need to Fill Out When Entering China

Even though the China arrival card is fully digital now, some travelers may still need to take care of a few other entry requirements.

1. China Customs Declaration (only if needed)

Most travelers won’t have to deal with a customs declaration at all. You only need one if you’re bringing something special—like lots of cash, certain foods, professional equipment, or items that go over the duty-free limit.

>> Check out China Customs Regulations

2. Visa Requirements

The China immigration arrival card does not replace a visa. Some travelers can start a visa-free China tour, while others need to get one before flying. If a visa is needed, just have your passport, a photo, and your China itinerary ready.

>> See documents needed to travel to China

3. Other Forms (only for special situations)

Health declarations are no longer needed after the pandemic. But if you’re entering with pets, carrying a lot of cash, or bringing special items, you may be asked to fill out a small additional form at customs—separate from the China arrival card.

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China Arrival Card FAQs

1. Is a China arrival card different from a visa?

Yes, they are different. A visa (or e-visa) is the permission to enter, while the arrival card provides your latest travel and contact information to immigration.

2. Do I need to fill in an arrival card for China?

Yes. All foreign travelers (except certain exemptions) must complete the China digital arrival card before or upon arrival. It also serves as the arrival card for foreigners’ temporary entry in China.

3. Is the China arrival card paperless at all airports and border checkpoints?

Yes — all major airports and land crossings now use the digital version. If, for some reason, the system isn’t available, officers will hand out a paper form on the spot.

4. How long does the China e-arrival card take to fill out?

It typically takes 5–10 minutes if all documents and travel information are ready.

5. Do children or infants need to complete an arrival card?

Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, must have a separate card.

6. What if I can’t access the online form of the China arrival card, or my phone doesn’t work?

You can fill the card at airport checkpoints via QR code or use on-site smart devices. Paper cards remain as a backup.

7. Do I need to print the China digital arrival card?

Printing is optional. A screenshot or PDF receipt on your phone is sufficient.

8. What if I entered incorrect information?

Errors can be corrected on-site. Or you can seek assistance from immigration officers or contact the hotline (+86 12367).

>> Keep reading: Top China Travel Tips for first-time visitors