The China arrival card validity period covers one entry, so you need a new card for each entry into mainland China. No universal 72-hour window is specified. A trip to Hong Kong or Macau ends that entry. Start at the NIA arrival card portal.
This independent guide isn’t a government site, and it doesn’t charge fees or file your card for you. Check dates and rules on the NIA portal before you fly.
What the Card Is and Who Needs It
You file this free online declaration with the National Immigration Administration (NIA) before border clearance. It isn’t a visa, so if you’re visiting visa-free, you still file. The online card has been in use since 20 November 2025.
Seven groups are exempt:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID holders
- Non-Chinese Mainland Travel Permit holders (HK/Macau residents)
- Group visa or visa-free travellers
- Transit under 24 hours inside the port area; leaving it means you file
- Same-ship cruise passengers
- Fast-lane users
- Transport crew
China Arrival Card Validity Period and QR Code
The card covers one specific entry and records your arrival date, port and transport details. No universal 72-hour submission window is specified.
Unlike a multi-entry visa, one card covers one entry.
File shortly before travel, once flight and accommodation are confirmed. The card is free. Save a screenshot or print of the confirmation, and keep it accessible without mobile data.
| Situation | What happens | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Your travel details change | The card no longer matches your trip | Check whether the portal lets you edit the declaration |
| The portal doesn’t allow editing | The declaration keeps the old details | Submit a new declaration with the correct information |
How to Generate Your Card Step by Step
Open the NIA arrival card page, the NIA 12367 app or the WeChat or Alipay mini-program.
Upload your passport
Upload a clear image of your passport biodata page.
Check auto-filled data
Check the auto-filled passport data against your passport.
Add contact details
Add your contact number and email; the Chinese name is optional.
Enter your arrival details
Enter your arrival date, transport number and accommodation address.
Pick your city and port of entry
Pick the city and port of entry that match where you’ll land.
Choose your entry policy and purpose
Choose your entry policy and purpose of travel.
Traveling with kids? Everyone files separately, children included; there’s no family form. Citizens of seven neighbouring countries (DPRK, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam) who hold border resident certificates use a separate form.
China Arrival Card Validity Period and Side Trips
A new card is needed for each entry, even within the same holiday. When you head back from Hong Kong or Macau, submit a new declaration with your return date, port and transport, and use that card at the checkpoint on your way into mainland China.
Common Mistakes and Related Requirements
- Filing before your return route is confirmed: wait until your date and port are set, so the card matches your return trip.
- Typos or the wrong port: compare every field with your passport MRZ and ticket.
- Paying a third-party site: unofficial sites may charge for a form that is free on the official portal, so be wary of sites that impersonate the official service.
Your passport must cover your full stay, and six months’ validity from entry is recommended. The card isn’t a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the China arrival card validity period?
It covers one entry. Your QR code is tied to the travel details you submitted. No universal 72-hour window is specified, so check the NIA portal for current limits before you file.
How early can I fill in a China arrival card?
Shortly before travel, once your flight and accommodation are confirmed. You can file before arrival or on arrival.
Can I use the same QR code twice?
No. You need a new card for each entry into mainland China. If you’ve already used yours, generate a new card for your next entry.
Do I need a new card after Hong Kong or Macau?
Yes, you need a new card when you re-enter mainland China, even during the same holiday. The new card carries your return date, port and transport, not the original ones. If you cross back at a different checkpoint, select that port instead. Hong Kong and Macau have separate entry rules.
Do Singaporeans need an arrival card for visa-free trips?
Yes. Entering visa-free on a Singapore passport doesn’t exempt you, because the exemption covers the visa, not the card. Each traveller files separately. Check the NIA portal for current requirements.
Is the China arrival card free, and where do I fill it in?
Yes, it’s free. Start at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC, which offers the form in 13 languages, including English. You can also use the NIA 12367 app or the WeChat or Alipay mini-program. If a site asks for payment, use the portal address above instead.
Does a delayed flight affect my China arrival card validity period?
It can, when a delay changes your arrival date or port of entry. Your declared date or port then no longer matches your trip. File a new declaration with the updated details and keep only the latest QR screenshot.
Does the arrival card set how long I can stay?
No. Work, study or journalism require a visa rather than visa-free entry.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA arrival card filling page: the online form
- NIA portal: foreigner services menu
Check the NIA portal before you travel, as rules can change.
