How to fill China arrival card for family members: each person entering China needs their own declaration unless one of the listed exemptions applies, filed at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. Each form requires a phone number with a country code and an email address that receives the QR code. For a full overview of the entry workflow, see our China Arrival Card 2026 guide.
This independent guide for Singapore families isn’t a government site. We don’t charge fees or file anything for you, so check the National Immigration Administration (NIA) portal before you fly.
Who in Your Family Needs the Arrival Card
Almost every foreign traveler needs one, unless an exemption applies. It’s an entry declaration, not a visa — see our comparison of the China Arrival Card vs Chinese visa to understand the difference.
Online filing began on 20 November 2025, and the embassy notice says foreign nationals may submit the card online before travelling; those who cannot can complete it on arrival. You need a new card for each entry into mainland China.
Exempt travelers include:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Non-Chinese holders of the HK/Macau Mainland Travel Permit
- Group visa or group visa-free entry
- Direct transit within 24 hours without leaving the restricted area
- Same-ship cruise passengers
- E-channel entrants
- Foreign crew of transport vehicles
The card is free, but be wary of fake websites and use only the channels listed below.
Fill the China Arrival Card for Family Members
Each person needs a separate declaration and their own QR code, so save one code before starting the next form. For tips on storing codes offline, read our guide on how to generate, screenshot and show the China Arrival Card QR code.
- PC site: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/
- Mobile site: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone/
- NIA 12367 app (移民局12367), plus WeChat and Alipay mini-programs
- QR code posters at the port of entry
| Field | What to enter | Common pitfall |
|---|---|---|
| Passport details | Clear flat photo page; surname first; birth date YYYY-MM-DD | Swapped name order |
| Visa number and entry policy | VISA-FREE in capitals; 30-Day Visa-Free | Writing anything else |
| Phone and email | Your +65 number; the email receives the QR code | A mistyped email |
If the passport photo page keeps failing the upload, see our passport biodata page upload specifications and fixes.
Enter the hotel name and full address in this order: province, city, district, street and number. Vague entries such as just “Beijing Hotel” may be rejected — our hotel address format guide shows correct examples for hotels, hosts and multi-city trips.
Fill in a parent’s details first and submit.
Complete the declaration for one adult family member.
Screenshot the QR code and check your emailed copy.
Save the code in both places.
Rename the screenshot with the person’s name.
Keep each family member’s code easy to identify.
Start a fresh declaration for the next person.
Open a new form for the next family member.
Repeat until everyone has a QR code.
Each person needs their own code.
Filling in one card usually takes about 10 – 15 minutes.
Filling the Card for Infants and Minors
Each child gets their own declaration, built from their passport data and your contact details.
| Field | What to enter | Your role |
|---|---|---|
| Passport details | The child’s own passport page, name and birth date | Check each detail |
| Phone and email | Yours, with +65 | Receive the QR code |
| Visa fields | VISA-FREE and 30-Day Visa-Free, as for adults | Match your own entries |
| Signature | Paper form only: signature matching the passport | Check that it matches the passport |
First-time visitors scan their fingerprints at the airport. Learn more about the airport kiosk process, biometrics and smart gates.
China Arrival Card for Elderly Relatives Without Smartphones
A traveler without a smartphone can complete the form on a computer, or use a self-service terminal or the paper card on arrival. To weigh the options, see our comparison of the digital vs paper China Arrival Card. When you help a relative, use their passport details and an email that receives the QR code.
Short on time? Use a self-service terminal at the port of entry, or fill in the paper arrival card, which needs a signature.
Keep a screenshot of each QR code and a copy sent by email. Each person shows their own code. If a code goes missing, follow our steps to check your submission and recover a lost QR code.
Other Requirements Beyond the Arrival Card
The card doesn’t replace the other entry requirements in force at the time of your trip, so check the NIA portal before you fly.
Questions? Call the NIA helpline, +86-10-12367.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to fill China arrival card for family members in a single submission?
The sources don’t describe a group submission, so each family member files a separate declaration. Complete one form and save its QR code before opening the next. Start with https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/.
Do infants need their own China arrival card?
Yes, unless an exemption such as group visa-free entry applies. Each baby gets a separate declaration and their own QR code. Enter the baby’s passport data, and use your own phone number and email as the contact details for the baby’s declaration.
Who signs the China arrival card for a child under 18?
The sources don’t describe a guardian’s signature on the digital form. On the paper card, the signature should match the passport. For current guidance on children’s declarations, check the NIA portal before you travel.
What do Singaporeans enter in the visa field for the China arrival card?
If you don’t hold a visa, type VISA-FREE in capital letters and choose the matching entry policy shown on the form. Only travelers who hold a visa enter the red number from the top right of the visa page.
How to fill China arrival card for family members who have no smartphone?
Fill in the form on a computer before leaving and save the QR code as a screenshot and an email. On arrival, a self-service terminal or the paper card is also possible.
What is the website for the China arrival card, and is it free?
File at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ on a computer or https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone on a phone. The card is free to fill in. Don’t pay any site that asks for a processing fee. The NIA 12367 app and mini-programs are other NIA channels.
How early should I complete the China arrival card for my family?
Submit the form before you travel. With a larger family, start earlier, because each person needs a separate declaration.
What if I find a mistake after submitting a family member’s arrival card?
The sources don’t describe editing a submitted card, so check every field against the passport before you submit. For help with a submitted declaration, contact the NIA helpline at +86-10-12367.
Sources and Further Reading
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
