China Arrival Card Online Guide 2026: Complete Filling Instructions
China’s digital arrival card is now mandatory for all foreign travelers entering China. This guide covers everything you need to know about filling the China arrival card online, including official channels, step-by-step instructions, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is China’s Digital Arrival Card?
The China Arrival Card (入境卡) is an online form required by the Chinese government for all foreign travelers entering China. Launched in November 2025, it collects:
- Personal information (name, passport, nationality)
- Travel details (arrival port, transport mode)
- Accommodation information
- Entry purpose
The form is available in multiple languages: English, Japanese, Korean, and more.
Who Must Fill China Arrival Card?
✅ Required For
| Traveler Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Visa-free tourists (30-day) | ✅ Required |
| 240-hour transit travelers | ✅ Required |
| L tourist visa holders | ✅ Required |
| Business (M) visa holders | ✅ Required |
| Student (X) visa holders | ✅ Required |
| Family visit visa holders | ✅ Required |
❌ Exemptions
| Exemption Group | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chinese PR card holders | Permanent Resident ID |
| HK/Macau travel permit holders | Valid permit holders |
| Group tours | Collective visa/group entry |
| Transit (stay in airport only) | No city exit |
| Cruise passengers | Same ship entry/exit |
| Pre-approved fast-track users | Automated entry lanes |
| Foreign crew members | Plane/train/ship crew |
Official Channels to Fill Arrival Card
Option 1: NIA Website (Recommended)
🌐 Website: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/
💰 Cost: FREE
⏱️ Time: 10-15 minutes
📱 Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
Option 2: WeChat Mini-Program
🔍 Search: "NIA 12367" or "移民局12367"
📍 Location: WeChat → Services → Visa/Entry
💰 Cost: FREE
Option 3: Alipay
🔍 Search: "NIA 12367" or "移民局12367"
📍 Location: Alipay → More → Visa/Entry
💰 Cost: FREE
Option 4: NIA 12367 App
📱 Download: App Store / Google Play
🔍 Search: "NIA 12367" or "移民局12367"
💰 Cost: FREE
⚠️ Warning: Only use official channels. Fake sites may charge fees!
Step-by-Step Filling Guide
Step 1: Upload Passport
- Take a clear photo of your passport photo page
- Upload to the system
- System auto-extracts: Name, Passport Number, Expiry Date
- Double-check all extracted data is correct
Step 2: Basic Personal Information
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Full Name | JOHN SMITH |
| Gender | Male/Female |
| Date of Birth | 1990-01-15 |
| Nationality | United States |
| Passport Number | E12345678 |
| Passport Expiry | 2030-01-15 |
Step 3: Travel Information
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Transport Mode | Plane / Train / Ship / Foot |
| Arrival Flight/Train No. | CA981 |
| Port of Entry | Beijing Daxing Airport |
| Entry City | Beijing |
Step 4: Accommodation Details
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Hotel Name | Grand Hyatt Beijing |
| Full Address | No.1 East Chang An Ave, Dongcheng Dist, Beijing |
| Contact Phone | +1-555-123-4567 |
| john@example.com |
💡 Tip: Full address required. “Beijing Hotel” is NOT enough.
Step 5: Entry Purpose
| Purpose | Selection |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Tourist (30-day visa-free) |
| Business | M Visa |
| Family Visit | Q2 Visa |
| Transit | 240-hour transit |
Step 6: Submit & Get QR Code
- Review all information
- Agree to the declaration
- Click Submit
- Save the QR code (screenshot + email to yourself)
When to Fill?
| Timing | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 24-72 hours before arrival | ✅ Recommended |
| On arrival at airport | ⚠️ May cause delays |
| After landing | ❌ Not recommended |
Best practice: Fill online 24-72 hours before arrival to avoid queues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong entry port | Rejected form | Check airport/city name |
| Vague address | Rejected form | Full hotel/host address |
| No QR code saved | Cannot enter | Screenshot + email backup |
| Expired passport | Denied entry | Renew before travel |
| Wrong passport number | Manual verification | Double-check before submit |
After Arrival in China
🏨 Hotel Registration
- Most hotels auto-register your stay
- Ask reception to confirm registration
👨👩👧 Friend/Relative’s Place
- Register at local police station within 24 hours
- Bring: Passport, arrival card QR code, host’s ID
📋 Keep Documents Safe
- Passport + QR code required for exit
- Keep digital and physical copies
Quick Reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC |
| App | NIA 12367 (iOS/Android) |
| Cost | FREE |
| Time to Fill | 10-15 minutes |
| Languages | English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean |
| Support Hotline | 12367 |
Conclusion
Filling China’s arrival card online is simple and free. Follow this guide to complete it smoothly:
Next steps:
- Prepare your passport and travel details
- Visit s.nia.gov.cn 24-72 hours before arrival
- Fill in all required information accurately
- Save your QR code
- Show QR code at immigration ✓
Need more help? Check our other guides at chinaentryguide.com
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