China Arrival Card 2026: How to Fill It Online & On-Site

Travelling to China has become much easier, but all foreign visitors still need to complete the China Arrival Card before entering the country. This card records your basic travel and health information and helps ensure a smooth entry process at the airport or border. Filling it in is simple, and you can do it online or on site.

This guide explains what the China Arrival Card is, who needs it, how to complete it and what to prepare, so you can arrive in China with confidence and avoid any delays.

What is the China Arrival Card?

The China Arrival Card is a personal and travel declaration form that foreign citizens must complete when entering China. It provides Chinese border authorities with your entry information. Since 20 November 2025, China has introduced an electronic arrival card to replace the traditional paper form.

The China Arrival Card can be completed in two ways:
• Online before travel through the National Immigration Administration website, government service platforms, the Immigration 12367 app, or WeChat and Alipay mini programmes. Once submitted, it generates an electronic record that is automatically recognised at entry.
• On site at the port of entry if online completion is not possible. You can scan a QR code, use smart terminals, or fill in a paper form. Required information includes your name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport and visa details, flight or train number, address in China, contact information and purpose of visit.

Some travellers, such as holders of a Chinese Permanent Residence ID or eligible 24-hour transit passengers, may be exempt.

For more detailed information, please see the sections below.

China Arrival Card Info Checklist

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

Who Needs to Fill the China Arrival Card and Who Does Not?

Who Must Fill China Arrival Card

Virtually every foreign traveller entering China, including:

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

Who Doesn’t Need To Fill China Arrival Card

Certain travellers do not need to fill out the arrival card. Here are the 7 categories exempt from filling out the Arrival Card:

1. Holding a People's Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
2. Holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens)
3. Holding a group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry
4. Transiting directly within 24 hours without leaving the restricted area of the port
5. Entering and exiting on the same cruise ship
6. Entering through fast lanes
7. Foreign employees of exit–entry transport vehicles

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 Fill the China Arrival Card Online

There are two ways to complete the China Arrival Card. You can fill it in online before travelling or complete it at the airport on arrival. Online filling is faster and helps reduce waiting time. On site filling is useful if you prefer to complete the form at the border control area or if you cannot access the online system. If you choose to complete it online, here is what you need to know.

Step 1 Choose a filling method

You can access the online form through one of the following channels

• The official website of the National Immigration Administration Desktop (https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ or mobile (https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone).
• The mobile app Immigration 12367 (available on iOS and Android).
• The WeChat or Alipay mini programme by searching Immigration or Arrival Card.
• By scanning the arrival card QR code with your phone.

The online Arrival Card filling website ⬇

The QR code for Arrival Card filling ⬇

Step 2 Enter the filling page

Log in and select Arrival Card. Read the instructions and confirm.

Step 3 Fill in your details

• Travel document information: Select your document type, upload the passport information page and check the auto filled details.
• Basic information: Enter surname, given name, gender, date of birth, nationality and document number. All fields marked with an asterisk are required.
• Itinerary information: Select your mode of entry such as flight or train. Enter flight number or train number, arrival city and entry port.
• Personal information: Enter your city of residence, phone number, email and visa details if applicable.
• Travel information: Enter your arrival date, destination cities, stopover cities and your full and accurate address in China. If you already know your departure plan, enter your exit information.

Step 4 Add accompanying travellers

If you are travelling with others, select Add accompanying person and fill in their details.

Step 5 Submit and save the receipt

Check all information carefully and submit. Complete the e signature. A receipt with a QR code will be generated. Save it on your device. You will need to show this QR code when entering China. You can download it or send it to your email.

If you return within one year, your information will be saved and the process will be faster next time.

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How to Fill the China Arrival Card On Site

There are two on site methods: using self service machines or completing a paper form.

Option 1: Using the On-Site Smart Terminal

Step 1: Find a smart self-service terminal
Look for the touchscreen terminals available at China’s border control areas.

Step 2: Select your preferred language
Choose Chinese or English before starting the form.

Step 3: Enter your personal details
Provide your full name, gender, nationality, date of birth and passport number exactly as shown in your passport.

Step 4: Enter your travel information
Include your mode of entry such as flight, train or ferry, the flight or train number and the port of entry city.

Step 5: Provide your stay information
Enter your destination city in China, expected length of stay and full accommodation address such as hotel name or street address.

Step 6: Add other required information
State whether you have a Chinese inviter or a booked exit itinerary if applicable.

Step 7: Save the generated QR code
After submitting the form, the system will display a QR code. Save or screenshot it and present it to border officers.

Option 2: Filling the Paper Arrival Card

Step 1: Collect the paper form
Ask border staff for the bilingual Foreigners’ Arrival Card at the inspection area.

Step 2: Fill in the form clearly
Use a black or blue pen and complete all sections in Chinese or English. Provide your personal details, passport information, entry transport details and intended stay information.

Step 3: Sign and date the form
Add your signature and the date in the designated section.

Step 4: Submit the completed form
Hand the form to border control officers for inspection.

Important Notes

• All information must be true, accurate and complete.
• Some travellers are exempt from filling the card such as holders of the Permanent Residence ID Card, certain group visas or eligible transit passengers.
• If you are unsure how to complete the form, ask the border control staff for assistance.

China Arrival Card: When & Where to Fill It

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The digital arrival card is mandatory for most travellers—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 transport (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.

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 transport (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 transport 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 traveller 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)

• UK, USA, 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 travellers can stay up to 30 days without a visa—just fill out the arrival card and show a return 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 travellers 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)

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 jewellery worth over 5,000 RMB—declare them to avoid paying duty when you leave.

What You MUST Report (Mandatory Declaration)

1. Cash over 20,000 RMB or 5,000 USD.
2. Prescription medications (bring a doctor’s note).
3. Commercial goods (e.g., samples, gifts for more than 10 people).
4. 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:

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 reclaim 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!

To learn more about the China entry process, feel free to explore the detailed guide we have prepared below. 👇

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