Starting November 20, 2025, travelers to China will no longer need to fill out a paper arrival card — instead, you can complete it online before you fly. This new digital system makes immigration smoother and faster.
🖥️ Where to Fill It
You have four official ways to submit the form:
- National Immigration Administration (NIA) website (for computers)
- NIA web app for smartphones
- NIA 12367 mobile app
- WeChat or Alipay mini-programs
✅ Who Doesn’t Need to Fill It
You can skip the digital form if you belong to any of these categories:
- Holders of a Chinese foreign permanent resident ID.
- Non-Chinese citizens with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong or Macau.
- People traveling on a group visa or under visa-free group arrangements.
- Transit passengers who don’t leave the airport or port.
- Cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same ship.
- Travelers using fast-track immigration lanes.
- Foreign crew members on international transport vehicles.
🧾 Step-by-Step: How to Fill the Form
- Upload your passport photo page — Make sure the image is clear.
- Enter personal details — Name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, flight number, and the Chinese city where you’ll arrive.
- Fill contact info — Your phone number, email, birthplace. Then, indicate whether you already have a visa or are entering under a visa-waiver/transit policy.
- Share trip details — Reason for your visit (tourism, business, etc.), travel dates, the city or address where you’ll stay in China, and inviter information (if any).
- Review & submit — Double-check everything, sign the declaration, then submit the form.
- Get your digital arrival card — After submission, you can download or email the card. It will include a QR code you’ll show at immigration.
✈️ What If You Forget Before Flying?
No problem. If you haven’t completed the form before your flight, you can still do it after landing. Look for:
- QR codes at airport entry points
- Self-service kiosks at immigration
- Or use a paper arrival card (available during the transition)
💡 Pro Tip
It’s strongly recommended to fill out the arrival card before you depart. That way, you’ll save time and avoid last-minute lines at immigration.