02/12/2025
China officially launches today its new digital arrival card for foreign travelers. This procedure, previously completed through a paper form handed out on planes or upon arrival, can now be filled out online before entering Chinese territory.
Starting today, November 20, 2025, foreign travelers heading to China, whether holding a visa or not, can fill out their arrival card online through several official channels:
On the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website:
1.From a computer: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC
2.From a smartphone: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone
Via the “NIA 12367” mobile app
3.Or through dedicated mini-programs on WeChat and Alipay mini program or by scanning the QR code with mobile phones.
Once all steps are completed, the system automatically generates your digital arrival card. At this stage, you may:
Download the card directly in electronic format by clicking Download to Local, or
Send it to your email via the Send to Email button
The card includes a QR code that must be presented during immigration checks in China.
Foreigners who cannot fill in the information online in advance may complete the process upon arriving at the immigration inspection site in the ports of China by scanning the QR code with mobile phones or using the smart devices at the port to fill in the entry information online or filling in the paper Arrival Card.
The following 7 types of foreigners may be exempted from filling in the Arrival Card:
a. holding a People’s Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;
b. holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens);
c. holding a group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry;
d. transiting directly within 24 hours without leaving the restricted area of the port;
e. entering and exiting with the same cruise ship; f. entering through fast lanes; g. foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles.