What happens if you forget to submit China Arrival Card (CAC) before boarding? You can complete the free declaration on arrival, using smart devices at the immigration inspection site. If time allows before departure, file the NIA form at s.nia.gov.cn on your phone or at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC on a computer.
This is an independent guide, not a government site. It doesn’t charge fees or file anything for you, so check the rules on the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website before you fly. For a full overview of the system, see our guide to the China Arrival Card and the digital entry declaration.
Who Must File the China Arrival Card?
Foreign travelers entering mainland China file the card, including Singaporeans entering visa-free. It is an entry declaration, not a visa, and filing is free. The form is short. See our rules for foreign passport holders and visa-free travelers for the full picture.
Each entry needs a new card, including a return from Hong Kong, even if you enter visa-free. The exemption rules are explained in our China Arrival Card exemption list.
Seven groups are exempt:
- Holders of a Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
- Non-Chinese holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao
- Group travelers
- Transit passengers in a restricted port area
- Cruise passengers on the same ship
- Fast-track lane users
- Foreign crew
The card doesn’t replace a customs declaration.
Forgot to Submit Before Boarding at Changi?
Travelers who haven’t filed before departure can still complete the form on arrival at the port of entry. Singaporeans flying from Changi can also check our visa-free entry guide for Singapore citizens.
If you still have time before boarding:
Connect to airport Wi-Fi
Connect if it is available.
Open the NIA form
s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone (computer: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC), the NIA 12367 app or a WeChat or Alipay mini-program.
Upload your details
Upload your passport photo page, then add flight number, purpose of visit and email.
Save your QR code
Save a screenshot of the QR code and keep the emailed copy.
The embassy’s 24-hour consular protection line is +65-64750165.
What Happens If You Forget to Submit China Arrival Card?
You can file at the port of entry, free of charge, using kiosks or a QR code. Filing is also possible at connected kiosks at ports of entry, as described in our airport kiosk and biometrics walkthrough.
Use the kiosks
Use the kiosks at the port of entry, or scan the QR code if one is offered.
Fill in the fields
Complete all required fields.
Show the QR code
Show the QR code at immigration.
Filing on arrival can slow you down, especially in peak periods. A paper form was reported as temporarily available during the initial rollout in November 2025, so ask staff whether it is still offered. For more on that option, see our comparison of the digital and paper arrival card.
No Wi-Fi or data? You have three options:
- Use the kiosks at the port of entry.
- Try airport Wi-Fi.
- Set up international roaming or a travel eSIM before you leave.
Flight Delayed: Do You Need a New Card?
A submitted card can’t be edited, so if your flight details change you need to file a new card. A submitted card can’t be edited, so you file a new one. See also how to correct typos and changed details in a submitted card.
- Check your new flight number and arrival date.
- File a fresh declaration at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone (phone) or s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC (computer), or at an arrival kiosk.
- Carry the newest QR code to immigration.
Fines and Common Mistakes at the Border
No source we found names a fine for late or forgotten filing. Concealed or false details are different. False documents or statements can lead to an entry ban of up to five years.
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Late or forgotten filing | Can be completed on arrival at the port of entry |
| False documents or statements | Can lead to an entry ban of up to five years |
- Typos in passport number, birth date or name: check each field against your passport photo page.
- Take a clear screenshot of the QR code.
- Third-party sites that charge for this free form are not the NIA channel, so use the NIA links above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if you forget to submit China arrival card before boarding from Singapore?
If you haven’t filed before boarding, you can complete the card on arrival at the port of entry, free of charge. Filing in advance through the NIA form at s.nia.gov.cn is the simpler route.
What happens if you forget to submit China arrival card and have no Wi-Fi after landing?
Look for the self-service kiosks at the port of entry, or ask border staff where to file. Some ports may offer a paper form instead, though availability varies. Filing there is free of charge.
Is there a fine for forgetting to fill in the China arrival card?
Filing is free of charge. Omitted, concealed or false details are a separate matter; false statements can lead to an entry ban of up to five years. Compare each field with your passport first.
Do Singaporeans need a China arrival card for 30-day visa-free entry?
Yes. Travelers on visa-free entry still file the arrival card, because it is an entry declaration rather than a visa. Check the visa rules for your own case before you travel.
Where can I submit the China arrival card for free?
Use the NIA page s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone on a phone or s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC on a computer. The NIA 12367 app and the WeChat or Alipay mini-program also work. Any site asking for payment isn’t the free service.
Can I edit my China arrival card after submitting it?
No. A submitted card can’t be edited. If something on it is wrong, including passport details, you need to start over and file a new card.
Can I fill in a paper China arrival card at the airport?
Paper forms may still be offered at some ports, but a November 2025 report describes them only as temporary during the initial rollout. Ask border staff.
Who is exempt from submitting the China arrival card?
Seven groups, including holders of a Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, group travelers, foreign crew and transit passengers who stay in a restricted port area without city access. Check your group on the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn before you fly.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA English site (en.nia.gov.cn): general information on the National Immigration Administration. The filing form is at s.nia.gov.cn.
- Chinese embassy in Singapore: consular contact details, including the 24-hour line +65-64750165.
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
