A china arrival card pdf download printable is a reference worksheet, not an entry document. Use it to review fields such as passport, visa, flight and address before you fly. You can file online at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC or fill a paper card. The online route ends with a QR-code receipt to show at immigration.
We’re an independent guide, not a government site. We don’t charge fees or file anything for you, so check dates and rules on government portals before you fly. It’s written for travelers leaving Singapore.
China Arrival Card PDF Download Printable Sample
The online filing service for the 入境登记卡 (arrival card) opened on 20 Nov 2025.
Eight groups are exempt:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Non-Chinese Mainland Travel Permit holders (HK/Macao residents)
- Group tour members (group visa or qualifying group visa-free entry)
- 24-hour direct transit passengers who never leave the port restricted area
- Cruise passengers who enter and leave on the same cruise ship
- E-channel travelers
- Foreign crew, drivers and transport employees
- People eligible for centralized document submission
For the full breakdown, see our China arrival card exemption list.
Fields to Prepare Before Departure
Have your passport data page, flight number, first-night address and visa details ready.
Upload passport photo
Upload a clear photo of your passport data page; retake it if details are wrong.
Enter personal details
Enter name, gender, birth date, country, email, phone, Chinese name if any, and flight, train or vessel number.
Add trip details
Add purpose, inviter, dates, cities and address in China. Fields marked * are required.
Add companions
Each gets a QR code, and a parent or adult files for children — see our guide to filling the card for family members.
| Field | Enter |
|---|---|
| Name | As printed in your passport |
| Document number | Check the value the system reads from your passport and correct it if needed |
| Address in China | Match your first-night booking |
Have a visa? Enter its number; otherwise select the entry policy that applies to you, for example temporary entry for transit.
Paper Card, Digital Filing and Handover
Filing is free; a 2 Dec 2025 warning reports fake sites charging fees.
| Route | Paper card | Digital filing |
|---|---|---|
| Where you get it | Paper card as fallback; self-service devices in the arrival hall | Portal, NIA 12367 app, WeChat or Alipay |
| What you get | Paper card | Entry Declaration Receipt with QR code |
If the online form doesn’t work, you can scan the QR code at the border, use the smart devices in the arrival hall, or fill a paper card — our portal troubleshooting guide covers common errors.
Show your QR-code receipt with your passport at immigration on arrival. False statements can lead to denied entry or transit.
Common Mistakes and Related Rules
- Keep the PDF receipt and QR code on your phone to show at immigration.
- Hotel registration follows its own rules; hotels register foreign guests at check-in.
The Electronic Border Management Area Permit is a separate document and not the arrival card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a china arrival card pdf download printable at the border?
The PDF helps you review fields and draft answers offline. At the border, the sources we checked describe the QR-code receipt from online filing and the paper card as the documents to use. Preparing passport, flight and address details first helps.
Does China issue a blank china arrival card pdf download printable?
The sources we checked describe online filing and a paper card at the port of entry, not a downloadable blank form. After digital filing you receive an Entry Declaration Receipt. Our worksheet is an independent reference.
Where do I file the China arrival card online?
Use the government-run portal https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC, the NIA 12367 app, or the WeChat and Alipay mini programs. Type the address into your browser yourself. The NIA hotline, 12367, can help if you get stuck.
Is filing free, and how do I spot a fake site?
The service doesn’t collect any fee. A site that asks for a card payment is suspect, so check that the address begins with s.nia.gov.cn before entering passport details. You don’t need a paid intermediary.
Who is exempt?
Eight groups are exempt, including permanent resident ID cardholders, E-channel travelers and 24-hour direct transit passengers who never leave the port restricted area. People entering on unilateral visa-free entry or 240-hour transit still file. Verify the current list.
Should Singapore travelers enter a visa number?
Only if you hold a visa. If you’re eligible for unilateral visa-free entry, select that entry policy instead of leaving the field blank. Travelers on 240-hour transit select the transit policy.
How long is the QR code valid?
Keep the QR code and receipt available until you clear immigration. Your Entry Declaration Receipt is a PDF showing ID number, name, nationality, city and port of entry, plus the QR code.
What if my plans change after I file?
Refile with the corrected details and use the new receipt. Keep the old one too if you’re unsure, because border officers resolve duplicates. Before you sign, you can still correct entries in the filing flow.
Sources and Further Reading
- State Council of the PRC: English government portal
- National Immigration Administration: online arrival card filing portal
Rules can change, so check the official portals before you travel.
