China's online arrival card is the digital version of the paper arrival card that foreign visitors give to immigration. Since 20 November 2025, you can submit it free of charge before your trip through official National Immigration Administration (NIA) channels. Checked October 2026. Official NIA rules always win.
What is the China online arrival card?
The online arrival card replaces the paper form. You enter your arrival details before you reach the border, such as passport information, flight or transport, port of entry, purpose of stay, and your address in China. The NIA launched the service for foreign nationals on 20 November 2025 to make entry quicker. It is an arrival declaration, not a visa. It does not make you eligible to enter visa-free.
Where do I fill in the arrival card officially?
Use only official NIA channels:
- The NIA online arrival card website: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/
- The "NIA 12367" app (移民局12367)
- The NIA WeChat and Alipay mini-programs
- The NIA government service platform, or the official QR code the NIA publishes
The NIA warns that fake websites posing as the official platform have charged travelers fees. The official online arrival card is free. If a site asks you to pay, it is not the NIA service.
Is the online arrival card mandatory?
Filling it in online is optional. Unless you are exempt, you still need to give your arrival information in one of the accepted ways. The NIA and Chinese embassy notices say that if you cannot submit online in advance, you can scan the QR code with your phone at the port, use the smart devices on site, or fill in a paper arrival card, which is still available.
According to the Chinese embassy notice, these travelers do not need to fill in an arrival card: holders of a valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card; holders of a valid 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 in the port's designated area; cruise passengers who arrive and leave on the same ship; travelers who use the E-channel; and foreign crew of exit-entry transport vehicles.
When should I submit the online arrival card?
Submit it before you travel to China. You can also do it on arrival at the port by scanning the official QR code or using the on-site devices. We could not confirm from official sources a minimum or maximum number of hours or days before arrival for submitting it, so check the instructions on the NIA filling page when you submit. Keep any confirmation the system gives you until you have passed immigration.
Disclaimer
China by Road does not fill in arrival cards for travelers and does not link to paid "arrival card" services. Official immigration rules always win. Use the NIA channels above and re-check them before you travel.