Wondering how to correct details in China Arrival Card entries? Once submitted, a card generally can’t be edited, so check the NIA portal for current rules before you fly. If something is wrong, you would submit a new declaration on the National Immigration Administration (NIA) portal and use the QR code it generates.
This guide covers typos, hotel addresses and flight dates. We’re an independent guide, not a government site, so check the rules on the portal before you fly.
Who Files and Where to Submit
Foreign nationals entering China file within 3 days before arrival (up to 72 hours before entry), unless they’re exempt — see our guide to the 72-hour filing window for timing details. The digital card replaced the paper arrival card on 20 November 2025.
These travelers are exempt:
- PRC permanent residence card holders
- Non-Chinese Hong Kong or Macau permit holders
- Group visa or group visa-free entrants
- Direct transit passengers under 24 hours in the sterile area
- Cruise passengers on the same ship
- E-channel users
- Foreign cross-border transport workers
- Special entry certificate holders
The NIA runs the card. File on the web portal (English info page), the NIA 12367 app or a WeChat or Alipay mini-program. Use the NIA channels listed above rather than third-party sites.
How to Correct Details in China Arrival Card
Once submitted, the card generally can’t be edited. Corrections generally mean filing a new card with the correct details. Check the portal for current rules.
Open the portal
Open the NIA web portal or the channel you prefer.
Check each field
Check each field against your passport bio page, visa and bookings.
Submit and save
Submit the new declaration and save the QR code it generates.
Copy your hotel’s name, address and phone from your booking in Chinese and English to avoid typos — our hotel address format guide shows how to enter hotel, host and multi-city details. Officers may check data against bookings, so save the QR code offline.
Typos, Hotel and Flight Changes
Corrections generally mean filing a new card. The table below groups common changes and what to do; the portal is the place to confirm current rules for your case.
| Change | New card? | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Typo in name, passport number, birth date or nationality | Yes | File a new declaration with the corrected details |
| Same-city hotel change | Check the portal | Confirm with your hotel and keep your booking handy |
| Different address, city or port of entry | Yes | File a new declaration with the new details |
| Arrival date shifts | Yes | File a new declaration with the new date |
| Flight number only | Check the portal | File a new declaration to keep your details consistent |
| Field | Rule | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Surname first, exactly as in your passport | Inverted order |
| Passport number | Every character as printed | Transposed characters |
| Date of birth | Usually YYYY-MM-DD | DD-MM-YYYY |
| Visa number | Red number, or VISA-FREE | Entering the wrong document number |
Duplicate Cards and Airport Fixes
Filed twice? You’ll hold two QR codes. The rules on duplicate declarations aren’t documented in the available sources, so check the NIA portal for guidance, and present the declaration that matches your current travel details. At checkpoints, travelers can scan a QR code or use smart devices to complete the card. A paper arrival card remains available at selected entry points only, so don’t count on one as a backup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing outside the 3-day window. Check your arrival date first.
- Using a third-party site. Use the NIA channels rather than other sites.
- Copying the passport number or dates by memory instead of from the document.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I edit my China arrival card after I submit it?
A submitted card generally can’t be edited. File a new declaration on the NIA portal with the correct details and use the QR code it generates. Check the portal for current rules.
How to correct details in China arrival card if I entered the wrong passport number?
Submit a new declaration with the correct passport number, copied character by character from your passport bio page. Then use the QR code from the new declaration.
What happens if I submit the China arrival card twice?
You’ll hold two QR codes. The handling of duplicate declarations isn’t documented in the available sources, so check the NIA portal, and present the declaration that matches your current travel details.
Do I need a new card if I change hotels after submitting?
The rules for hotel changes aren’t documented in the available sources, so check the NIA portal. Keep your new booking confirmation handy, and file a new declaration if your destination city or address changes.
What should I do if my flight is delayed and my arrival date changes?
If your arrival date or flight changes, file a new declaration with the updated details. Check the portal for current rules, then use the QR code from the newest declaration. If you missed your window entirely, see our contingency steps for delayed flights and forgotten submissions.
How to correct details in China arrival card after I land at the airport?
At checkpoints, travelers can scan a QR code or use smart devices to complete the card. A paper arrival card remains available at selected entry points only, so check the NIA portal or ask staff about the options at your port of entry.
Are paper arrival cards still available in China?
A paper arrival card remains available at selected entry points only, not every checkpoint. Check the NIA portal before you travel to see what applies at your port of entry.
What is the website for submitting the China arrival card?
Go to https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. An English info page is at https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147413/c187308/content.html. You can also use the NIA 12367 app or a mini-program.
Sources and Further Reading
- Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai: digital arrival card notice.
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel. For a full walkthrough of every field, see our step-by-step guide to filling the China Arrival Card.
