The China arrival card.
Since 20 November 2025, China's arrival card is online — you fill it in before you fly, not on the plane. Here's how to complete the digital form, the 72-hour window, and who doesn't need it.
China's arrival card is now digital. Since 20 November 2025, the National Immigration Administration replaced the paper card with an online form you complete before you travel — most foreign visitors fill it in within 72 hours of arrival, on a phone or computer.
It's free, it takes a couple of minutes, and you can still do it on arrival if you forget. Here's exactly how.
How to fill it in
Use one of the official National Immigration Administration channels — and only these, since they're free and no third party is involved:
- Website — s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/
- App — the "NIA 12367" app, or its WeChat / Alipay mini-program
- QR code — scan the official arrival-card QR with your phone
You'll enter your passport details, your flight or entry information, and the address of your first night's accommodation in China. Submit it and keep the confirmation on your phone to show at the immigration desk.
The form opens up to 72 hours (3 days) before you arrive. Fill it any time inside that window — there's no advantage to doing it earlier, and you can't submit before it opens.
If you didn't fill it before you fly
It's not a problem. If you couldn't complete the card in advance, you finish it on arrival at the immigration inspection point — by scanning the QR code with your phone, using the smart devices at the checkpoint, or filling out a paper card where one is offered. Doing it beforehand just saves you time in the queue.
Who is exempt
Seven categories of traveller don't need to fill in the arrival card at all:
- Holders of a Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
- Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese citizens)
- Holders of a group visa, or those eligible for group visa-free entry
- Passengers in 24-hour direct transit who stay within the port's restricted area
- Passengers entering and leaving on the same cruise ship
- Travellers using the E-channel
- Foreign crew of cross-border transport vehicles
The arrival card is separate from the 24-hour police registration you need once you're in China. Hotels handle that automatically; private stays you file yourself. See our visa & entry guide for the border process and where to stay for registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fill in a China arrival card?
Yes — most foreign visitors must complete an arrival card on each entry. Since 20 November 2025, China replaced the paper card with an online digital arrival card you can fill in before you fly. Seven categories are exempt, including permanent-resident ID holders, group-visa travellers and passengers in 24-hour direct transit who stay inside the port’s restricted area.
How do I fill in the China digital arrival card online?
Go to the National Immigration Administration site at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, or use the “NIA 12367” app or its WeChat / Alipay mini-program, or scan the official QR code. Enter your passport and trip details — name, passport number, flight, and your first night’s address in China — and submit. You can complete it within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival.
When can I fill in the China arrival card?
Within three days of arrival — the online form opens up to 72 hours before you enter China. If you do not fill it in advance, you can still complete it on arrival at the immigration inspection point by scanning the QR code with your phone, using the smart devices at the checkpoint, or filling out a paper card where one is offered.
Who is exempt from the China arrival card?
Seven categories are exempt: holders of a Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card; holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese citizens); group-visa holders or those eligible for group visa-free entry; passengers in 24-hour direct transit who stay within the port’s restricted area; passengers entering and leaving on the same cruise ship; travellers using the E-channel; and foreign crew of cross-border transport vehicles.
Is the China arrival card free?
Yes. Filling in the arrival card is free on the official National Immigration Administration channels. There is no fee and no third-party service is needed — ignore any site that charges for it. The only official channels are the NIA website, the “NIA 12367” app, and its WeChat and Alipay mini-programs.
Last re-checked 11 June 2026 against the official sources below. Entry rules can change without notice; confirm against the official source before you travel.
- NIANational Immigration Administration — online arrival card filling portal.
- MFAChinese embassy notices — "China Launches Online Arrival Card for International Travelers" (effective 20 Nov 2025, exemptions list).
- TELChina Immigration Service Hotline — 12367.