China rolls out online arrival card for foreign travelers

November 4, 2025|Joshua

Starting November 20, 2025, foreign travelers entering mainland China can complete their Arrival Card online through official digital platforms to streamline entry procedures, while paper cards remain available for those unable to file digitally.

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Update: Digital Arrival Card Now in Force

China’s Digital Arrival Card is now officially in effect and must be completed by all eligible travelers. The form can be filled out before departure (recommended) or upon arrival. Travelers can access the official platform here:
👉 https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/

The requirement does not apply to travelers holding:

a China Alien Permanent Identity Card,
a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Hui Xiang Zheng, credit-card format),
a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Tai Bao Zheng).

Travelers should ensure the arrival card is completed to avoid delays during entry.

China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) has announced that foreign travelers can complete the Arrival Card online for entry into mainland China starting November 20, 2025.
Digital filing is available through several official channels, with paper cards still accepted and specific exemptions in place. The change is intended to streamline airport procedures and reduce time spent filling forms on arrival.

Announcement date: November 3, 2025
Effective date: November 20, 2025
Scope: Foreign nationals entering mainland China at ports of entry

What is changing

Foreign travelers may submit Arrival Card information online before travel or upon arrival by using official platforms. This adds multiple digital options to the traditional paper form and supports faster processing at border inspection.

Official filing channels include:

NIA official website
Government Service Platform
NIA 12367 mobile app
WeChat and Alipay mini programs
QR codes and smart devices available at ports of entry

Paper Arrival Cards remain available for those who cannot complete the form online.

Who must file and who is exempt

Most foreign nationals who previously needed to complete the paper Arrival Card should still submit arrival information, now with the option to do it online.

The following categories are exempt from filing an Arrival Card:

Holders of a PRC Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents who are non-Chinese citizens
Travelers on a group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry
Travelers transiting directly within 24 hours without leaving the restricted area of the port
Travelers entering and exiting with the same cruise ship
Travelers using fast lanes designated by border inspection
Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles

Note: Local border inspection authorities will continue to provide on-site digital terminals and QR codes for travelers who have not pre-filed.

How to complete the online Arrival Card

Timing: Recommended before departure. If not done in advance, complete it at the port using QR codes or smart terminals.
Channels: NIA website, Government Service Platform, NIA 12367 app, WeChat or Alipay mini programs.
After submission: Keep a screenshot or the generated QR code as instructed at the port. Follow signage to print or retrieve the Arrival Card at self-service terminals before presenting documents at inspection.
Cost: No fee is indicated by the authorities for filing the Arrival Card. Use only official channels.

What is not changing

Visa requirements are unchanged. The online Arrival Card does not replace a visa or create an eVisa. Travelers must still hold the appropriate Chinese visa, qualify for a visa-free entry policy, or meet transit-without-visa rules as applicable.
Passport validity expectations remain in place. For visa applicants, Chinese consular guidance typically requires a passport with more than six months of remaining validity and at least two blank visa pages. Check the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate for your jurisdiction.

Traveler insights and practical tips

Complete the form before departure to save time at the airport.
Have passport details, travel itinerary, mainland contact or accommodation information ready for the form.
Save your QR code or confirmation and keep your phone charged in case it is needed at self-service printers.
If connectivity is an issue, use on-site terminals or request the paper Arrival Card from border inspection staff.
The 24-hour direct airside transit without leaving the port area remains exempt from filing an Arrival Card.

Background and context

Chinese ports and local border inspection units piloted digital Arrival Card tools at several airports in 2024 and 2025, adding QR-code filing and self-service terminals to cut manual handwriting and reduce errors.
The nationwide introduction of online filing from November 20, 2025 formalizes and unifies these options under NIA’s official platforms.