How to Complete the China Arrival Card Online: 2026 Guide
Learn how to complete the China arrival card online, what information to prepare, when to submit it, and what to do if you make a mistake.
China now offers online arrival card filling for foreign travelers entering mainland China. This guide explains what the arrival card is, how to prepare your information, how to submit it through official channels, and what to do if you cannot complete it before arrival.
Rules, fees and app features can change. Recheck official sources shortly before departure.
Quick answer
Last reviewed: July 17, 2026. Official NIA guidance states that online arrival card filling began on November 20, 2025 and is free of charge.
International visitors preparing to enter mainland China can use the official National Immigration Administration online arrival card service before travel. The arrival card is not a visa, does not replace visa or visa-free eligibility checks, and does not guarantee entry. Entry permission is determined by immigration authorities at the port of entry. Use official NIA channels only, and keep a backup plan because paper cards and port-side filling options remain available for travelers who cannot submit online in advance.
What is the China arrival card?
The China arrival card is an entry information declaration used by immigration authorities when a foreign traveler enters mainland China. It usually asks for identity, travel document, flight or transport, contact and stay information. It is separate from a visa. A visa or visa-free policy may allow you to travel to a port of entry, while the arrival card provides entry information for inspection. You should still carry your passport, visa if required, onward or return travel details, hotel address and other supporting documents.
Who needs to complete it?
The exemption list comes from the NIA Announcement on Implementing 10 New Measures. Travelers should confirm current instructions before departure.
The NIA announcement says foreigners may fill in relevant entry information online before coming to China, and lists several categories that may be exempt from filling in the Arrival Card. These include holders of a PRC Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens), travelers holding a group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry, direct 24-hour transit passengers who do not leave the restricted area of the port, passengers entering and exiting on the same cruise ship, travelers entering through fast lanes, and foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles. If you are unsure whether an exemption applies, follow airline and port instructions and be ready to complete the card.
When should travelers submit it?
NIA says foreigners may fill in the relevant entry information online before coming to China, but the official guidance reviewed for this article does not state a universal deadline or validity period on the English pages we checked. Do not rely on unofficial deadlines unless your airline, port or official NIA page shows them. A practical approach is to complete the card after your travel details and China accommodation information are stable, and before you go to the airport, while you still have reliable internet.
Information travelers should prepare
Prepare your passport, nationality, date of birth, China visa or visa-free basis if applicable, flight number or transport details, arrival port, China address such as hotel name and address, contact phone or email, travel purpose, intended stay information and emergency contact details if requested. Save hotel names and addresses in English and Chinese where possible. If your plans change, keep the new hotel or contact information ready for immigration inspection.
Step-by-step online submission
NIA warns travelers to use only official channels because fraudulent arrival-card websites have charged travelers improper fees.
Start from an official NIA channel such as the online arrival card website, NIA government service platform, NIA 12367 app, WeChat or Alipay mini program, or the official QR code. Choose the entry declaration or arrival card service. Enter passport and personal details exactly as shown in your travel document. Add your arrival transport, port, accommodation and contact information. Review every field before submitting, especially passport number, name order, nationality, flight number and hotel address. Save or screenshot the confirmation only if the system provides one, and keep your passport and supporting documents available for inspection.
What happens after submission?
After online submission, you should still follow airport, airline and port instructions. The online arrival card helps provide entry information, but it does not approve entry by itself. At immigration, officers may still check your passport, visa or visa-free eligibility, fingerprints or biometrics where required, travel purpose, hotel information, onward ticket and other documents. Keep your phone charged and your documents easy to reach.
What to do if information is incorrect
If you notice a mistake before travel, check whether the official online system allows correction or a new submission. If the system does not clearly show how to correct it, do not guess or use unofficial websites. Bring the correct documents and be ready to explain the issue at the immigration inspection site. For serious mistakes such as passport number, nationality, name or arrival flight, allow extra time at the port and follow officer instructions.
Online arrival card versus paper form
Online filling can save time and reduce handwriting mistakes, especially if you prepare hotel and transport details before flying. Paper arrival cards remain available at China exit-entry ports according to NIA guidance, and travelers who cannot fill information online in advance may also complete the process at the port by scanning a QR code with a mobile phone or using smart devices provided at the port. If your phone has no data, low battery or the online system is unavailable, ask port staff where to complete the arrival card.
Common problems
Common issues include using a fraudulent website, losing mobile data before landing, entering the passport number incorrectly, using a different name order than the passport, not knowing the hotel address, changing flights after submission, or assuming the arrival card replaces visa requirements. Use official channels, save your hotel address offline, keep a power bank, and carry printed or offline copies of important bookings.
Official sources
The primary source for this guide is the National Immigration Administration of China. NIA's English notice explains the online arrival card measure and exemption categories. NIA's fraud warning explains official channels, confirms the service is free of charge, and says paper cards and port-side filling remain available. Travelers should also check airline instructions and the current NIA online arrival card page before departure.
FAQ
Is the China arrival card online the same as a visa?
No. The arrival card is entry information for immigration inspection. It does not replace a visa, visa-free eligibility or any other entry requirement.
Does submitting the arrival card guarantee entry to China?
No. Entry permission is determined by immigration authorities at the port of entry.
Is the online arrival card free?
NIA says the online arrival card filling service is free of charge. Avoid websites that ask for unofficial fees.
Can I still use a paper arrival card?
NIA says paper arrival cards remain available at China exit-entry ports, and port-side online filling options are also available for travelers who cannot submit in advance.
Which official channels can I use?
NIA lists its official website, government service platforms, NIA 12367 app, WeChat and Alipay mini programs, and designated QR codes as official channels.
What if I make a mistake?
Check the official system for correction or resubmission options. If unclear, bring correct documents and follow immigration officer instructions at the port.
Do transit passengers need to complete it?
NIA lists direct transit within 24 hours without leaving the restricted area of the port among exemption categories, but travelers should confirm current airline and port instructions.
When should I complete it?
Official English guidance reviewed for this article says travelers may fill it online before coming to China but does not provide a universal deadline. Complete it when your travel and stay details are stable.
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